OIC workshops

1. The 1st Open Innovation Community Workshop

The 1st Open Innovation Community Workshop took place on April 3, 2023, at CERTH's central amphitheater in Thessaloniki, Greece. The discussions revolved around new business perspectives and innovative technologies. Many community members shared their experiences and raised questions regarding the opportunities presented by the GourMed initiative and other related matters.

Following the initial conference, the membership has grown and is expected to continue expanding. Candidates are continuously being informed about the advantages of the community, including friendly competition, sustainable economic development, and fairer business distribution for all.

2. The 2nd Open Innovation Community Workshop

The 2nd Open Innovation Community Workshop, organized by UoA and CERTH/HIT, aimed to maximize attendance through a digital invitation strategy. This invitation was disseminated via the project’s website, social media channels, and the networks of each partner organization. The event attracted representatives from research institutions and agri-food companies across Greece, Italy, Germany, Algeria, and Tunisia. Presentations centered on the accomplishments of the GourMed project, with members of the Open Innovation Community sharing insights on the outlook and opportunities for equitable agri-food products in Greece, the wider Mediterranean region, and across Europe.

3. The 3rd Open Innovation Community Workshop

The 3rd Open Innovation Community Workshop, organized by DASUB, took place on May 14, 2024, in Biskra, Algeria. This one-day event brought together experts, academics, and industry practitioners to explore critical issues in the agri-food sector. Through three conference sessions and a round table, participants discussed topics ranging from the GourMed Project's insights on fair agri-food supply chains, agricultural development issues in Algeria, to the challenges and innovations within the tomato sector. The event culminated in a poster session showcasing diverse research and innovative solutions.

4. The 4th Open Innovation Community Workshop

The 4th Open Innovation Community Workshop, entitled "Promuovere le filiere agroalimentari in ecosistemi equi e sostenibili," was organized by UNIBO. The event featured presentations, round table discussions, and shared experiences, fostering a rich and inspiring debate. Round table speakers highlighted sustainability, ethical practices, and innovative business models. Chef Roberto Dormicchi showcased delicious recipes using the project's products, demonstrating the potential for creating tasty, nutritious, and innovative dishes with sustainable ingredients. These contributions were crucial in identifying concrete strategies to promote fairer and more sustainable agri-food supply chains.

5. The 5th Open Innovation Community Workshop

The 5th Open Innovation Community Workshop entitled “Enhancing Environmental and Socio-Economic Sustainability in Mediterranean Agri-Food Value Chains” was organized by IFEU on October 23rd, 2024. The workshop took place online, and approximately 40 people actively participated in the event.