“SMEs are where research and innovation meet real-world application. They are essential for bringing solutions from the lab to the market and are at the core of our program.” These words, delivered by Octavi Quintana, Director of PRIMA, were shared on the main stage during the closing ceremony of the Arab SMEs Summit in Doha.
Highlighting PRIMA’s mission, Octavi Quintana added, “Our program, with a total budget of €700 million, launches early transnational calls for proposals via annual work programs to mobilize the Euro-Mediterranean scientific communities, stakeholders, and public and private entities.” He also announced an upcoming call for proposals in the first quarter of 2025, inviting Mediterranean SMEs to engage and participate actively.
The Arab SMEs Summit: A Platform for Regional Growth
The Arab SMEs Summit, dedicated to supporting Arab SMEs and their associated institutions, was co-organized this week by UN ESCWA and the Qatar Development Bank for its third edition. This year marks the third participation of PRIMA, following two strategic partnerships in Morocco in 2023 (Marrakech) and Jordan in 2022 (Amman).
The Euro-Mediterranean region plays a crucial role in supporting Arab SMEs in the Mediterranean basin. Many programs and institutions joined PRIMA at this summit, including Interreg Next Med, MedWaves, and Interreg Euro-Med through its Innovative Sustainable Economy program. The summit’s significance was underscored by key announcements, such as PRIMA’s upcoming 2025 calls for proposals and the imminent launch of Interreg Next Med’s new call. Additionally, MedWaves reaffirmed its continuous support for entrepreneurs via its community platform, TheSwitchers.org.
A Gathering of Innovators and changemakers
The event attracted over 5,000 participants and visitors, including entrepreneurs, investors, sector experts, policymakers, and representatives from governmental and non-governmental organizations. The Arab SMEs Summit serves as a vital regional platform aimed at accelerating SME development throughout the Arab world. It emphasizes empowering local businesses to expand beyond domestic markets while fostering sustainable growth and regional cooperation.
PRIMA’s Strategic Involvement
As a pivotal force in Mediterranean research and innovation, PRIMA is committed to transforming the region through innovation-driven development. Its strategic initiatives focus on empowering businesses, especially smallholders and small farms, with sustainable solutions. Through its calls for proposals, PRIMA aligns innovation with real market and societal needs.
PRIMA’s approach to fostering SME growth is multifaceted:
- 🔍 Digital Transformation: Driving the adoption of digital technologies to streamline operations, boost productivity, raise incomes, and expand market access.
- 🌐 Platforms, Blockchains, and Advanced Data Analytics: Supporting online marketplaces and collaborative spaces for cross-border trade and new market entry.
- 🌱 Smart Agriculture: Promoting precision farming tools and IoT devices to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.
- 🍲 Sustainable Agrofood Value Chains: Integrating sustainability and digitalization in the agrofood sector to achieve better environmental and economic outcomes.
By nurturing innovation and empowering SMEs, PRIMA reaffirms its dedication to a sustainable and prosperous Euro-Mediterranean future.
Looking forward:
As stated in an official press release [UN ESCWA, November 2024 ]:
“The event merging the 3rd Arab SMEs Summit and the 10th edition of the Rowad Entrepreneurship Conference concluded today in Doha with the announcement of commitments exceeding $300 million to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
During the closing ceremony, UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) Executive Secretary Rola Dashti announced commitments from ESCWA and its partners, including the digitization of 200 enterprises that have yet to embrace e-commerce to improve their access to new markets. These commitments also involve providing over $300 million in funding and delivering training to more than 2,000 startups in green technology and entrepreneurship. Dashti further highlighted that the Arab Creativity Market platform, launched last year to support SMEs focused on innovation, artisanal crafts, and traditional products, currently included 1,000 Arab companies. “
Read more: https://www.unescwa.org/news/2024-arab-smes-summit-rowad-conference-wraps-over-300-million-worth-commitments-small-and
Photo: ©UN ESCWA
