Funded by the Veneto Region – ROP ERDF 2014-2020, Call for support for Research and Development projects carried out by Regional Innovative Networks and Industrial Districts
RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT, AND INNOVATION
Support for collaborative R&D activities for the development of new sustainable technologies, new products, and services
The project “The Agriculture of the Future and Functional Foods: a challenge for research and the relaunch of the Veneto territory” (F.A.&A.F.), funded in December 2020, was submitted under DGR 822/2020 (ROP ERDF 2014-2020 Action 1.1.4) by the Innovaa Consortium – Agri-food Innovation, the legal entity representing the INNOSAP Regional Innovative Network – Innovation For Sustainability in Agrifood Production. The Innovative Network, recognized by the Veneto Region in 2016, includes more than one hundred SMEs and Large Enterprises from the Agri-food sector and related industries (including, for example, chemical companies; IT technology providers and manufacturers of machinery and plants). F.A.&A.F. also includes, as co-proponents, the RIBES – Nest Regional Innovative Network for the Health Ecosystem and Smart Nutrition and the Fishing District of Rovigo and Chioggia. The project, lasting 27 months, capitalizes on the interaction between private and public actors of different economic sizes and diverse distinctive skills, and intercepts the Development Trajectories designed by the Smart Specialization Strategy (RIS3), with the aim of achieving R&D targets otherwise unobtainable by individual partners. In fact, it combines enabling technologies from different sectors (in particular, biotechnology and diagnostic technologies) to produce useful results for traditional sectors and, in parallel, provide suitable tools and opportunities for companies to open up to new markets. To face the transition towards a new industrial paradigm, the partnership will also draw on other technologies, such as advanced production systems for application in production processes and IoT systems for circular and sustainable production. F.A.&A.F is carried out by a partnership consisting of Research Centers (University of Padua, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, University of Verona, and the National Research Council) and companies (one of which without a budget) belonging to different sectors by specialization. These are:
Agricultural producers (Scandola Riccardo; Società Agricola Tu e Noi; AIPO Associazione, Gruppo Padana; EcorNaturaSì), who capitalize on various agro-technical skills specific to fruit and vegetable growing and floriculture (including aromatic and medicinal species), namely, the ability to optimize cultivation techniques (nutrition and irrigation plans); skills functional to phytosanitary defense and biological and integrated pest control on crops; use of diagnostic systems for the containment of infesting bacteria on crops; management of varietal trial fields and collection (also assisted by DSS) of characteristic data.
Agricultural producer specialized in clam farming (Soc. Agricola Kappa S.S), which integrates skills for the definition of livestock management protocols; constant monitoring of the health status of animals from the farm; management of trial fields.
Engineering producers (Oliver Agro Srl, Ocll Spray Srl) specialized in agricultural machinery and tools, sharing engineering skills related to the design and pre-prototyping of innovative components and machines (electric motors; autonomous driving machine prototypes).
Support technology producers (Abs Computer; Nolan Norton Italia; Ez Lab), specialized in the implementation of multispectral sensors, Decision Support Systems (DSS) consistent with Agriculture 4.0; integration of autonomous/robotic systems in agricultural machinery, etc.
Producers of organic and inorganic fertilizers (Fabbrica Cooperativa Perfosfati Cerea) and biostimulants (LandLab and Sicit Group), experts in the design of innovative products for nutrition, biostimulation, and plant protection in agriculture and horticulture.
Herbal-pharmaceutical producers of food supplements, medical devices, cosmetics, and foods for special medical and functional purposes (Agripharma and Labomar), who will provide extracts for the industry and offer partners the opportunity to transform their raw materials into personalized cosmetic products and food supplements.
Producers of raw materials and processed flour products (Cereal Docks and Molino Favero), capable of enhancing agricultural raw materials from simple commodities to higher value-added specialties/ingredients, opening up to new developments in Agriculture 4.0.
Animal feed producers (Cortal Extrasoy), who will focus on the interaction between nutrients and intestinal flora, including at the livestock level.
Molecular, veterinary, environmental, and food diagnostic companies (Experteam and BMR- Genomics), respectively with expertise in health diagnostic kits and in omics disciplines and bioinformatics.
F.A.&A.F focuses on primary production and functional foods, and, in particular, on the characterization of raw materials, food safety and traceability, the automation and digitalization of production processes, new methods for microbiota analysis and its applications in terms of immune response. These are clearly interventions useful for supporting health and quality of life, impacting overall environmental and economic sustainability—objectives that are even more urgent in the current health and economic emergency linked to Covid-19. The pandemic phase has indeed led to the need, on the one hand, for the community to adopt new lifestyles more respectful of safety, hygiene, and public health and, on the other, the need to support business income and the competitiveness of the production system.
F.A.&A.F. has several objectives: the first dedicated to Primary Production: its main goal is to develop innovative survey systems to study the impact of climate change on the phenology, productivity, and quality of plant production of fruit, vegetable, and medicinal-herbal species for the development of nutrition and irrigation plans, and low environmental impact defense methods aimed at improving crop properties, raw materials, and their environmental sustainability. To collect various morpho-physiological, chemical, and genetic-molecular data, digital technologies based on robotics, big data, and distributed sensors for Agriculture 4.0 will be used.
Specifically, within this strategic-project line, it will also be possible to analyze the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic emergency on the agri-food and territorial system under focus, and develop strategies to relaunch the supply chains linked to the primary sector for better competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience. In parallel, the following objectives can therefore also be pursued: 1) review of known knowledge regarding the effects caused by the Covid-19 emergency through the analysis of information contained in the main economic-productive databases of the “Agri-Food” sector at different territorial scales; 2) study of the perception of the pandemic’s effects by the production sector and the various agri-food supply chains; 3) evaluation of the evolution of demand for quality agri-food products and nutraceutical and functional products as a consequence of new consumer lifestyles; 4) co-creation with sector stakeholders of strategies for the relaunch of the agri-food sector by improving the competitiveness, sustainability (economic, social, environmental), and resilience of the system.
The Industrial Research and Experimental Development lines through which the above-specified objectives are to be achieved have been organized into a series of Work Packages (W.P). The type of research (IR or ED) and the macro-themes addressed in the WPs are listed below:
WP-ED-1 Innovations for the optimization of nutritional status and the sustainability of phytosanitary defense in olive growing
WP-ED-2 Product and process innovation in the horticultural and floricultural supply chain
WP-ED-3 Veneto Greenhouse 4.0: Electrification and Digitalization
The second objective, Functional Foods, consists mainly of the characterization of foods that could improve the immune response, interacting with the intestinal microbiota of livestock animals (specifically monogastric animals) to define guidelines to be extended in the future to the human organism as well. Knowledge regarding the intestinal microbiota is constantly evolving given its influence and/or correlation with various aspects.
Evidence from literature indicates the influence of the intestinal microbiota on food absorption, the modification of xenobiotic agents (including medicines), but also on the positive development of immune system functionality, the onset of diseases, and the effect of prebiotics and postbiotics. The intestinal microbiota is composed of different species of bacteria, predominantly Firmicutes and Bacteroides, and can vary in quantity depending on the state of well-being, the context in which one lives, and the lifestyle led, including nutrition. The microbial population of the intestine acts as a protective barrier thanks to the production of mucus, containing pathogenic microorganisms and, above all, keeping the immune system of the intestine, defined as GALT (Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue), under control. It is therefore important to guarantee the biodiversity of the microbiota in order to strengthen immune defenses to protect against potential pathogens, including aggressive viruses. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to identify functional foods rich in fiber and protein, supporting the diet with supplements (including those of plant origin) formulated on scientific evidence. Since there are several factors that characterize the intestinal microbiota and have a different influence on each individual, it is necessary to identify a personalized diet, basing studies on nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics. The project therefore highlights that highly innovative sectors such as functional nutrition and “Smart-Food” require adequate research activity aimed at studying suitable raw materials and developing competitive finished products in this field. As already specified, the impact of new food products on personal well-being also depends on the interactions of food with the immune system, which in turn is influenced by the bacteria of the intestinal flora. This complex network of interactions must be evaluated with appropriate experimental methods that concern not only the analysis of the microbiota, but which in parallel must study and evaluate certain characteristics of the active ingredients (or more simply the positively functional aspects of the raw materials) and certain characteristics such as digestibility, absorption capacity, etc.
The type of research (IR or ED) and the macro-themes addressed in the dedicated WPs are listed below:
WP-IR – 4 Qualification of raw materials for the improvement of food quality
WP -IR- 5 Development, validation, and execution of microbiological tests aimed at evaluating the maintenance of the functional properties of food ingredients
WP- ED – 6 Evaluation of food quality and functionality in relation to metabolism, health status, and well-being
WP-IR- 7 Improvement of the nutraceutical action of fish products
Overall, the project is not limited to the development of next-generation procedures for primary production but also includes the research of new raw materials and the development of finished products, extending to the influence these can have on environmental sustainability, health, and personal well-being.
TOTAL PLANNED EXPENDITURE: € 2,860,626.79
TOTAL PLANNED CONTRIBUTION: € 1,914,047.75
Intervention carried out using ROP funding – Objective “Increase in business innovation activity” ERDF part European Regional Development Fund 2014-2020
RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT, AND INNOVATION
Support for collaborative R&D activities for the development of new sustainable technologies, new products, and services
The 3S4H project “Safe, Smart, Sustainable food 4 Health” addresses food production issues from the perspective of safety, productivity, traceability, quality, and sustainability, and the promotion of good health through correct and careful nutrition. To guarantee food quality and the sustainability of agri-food supply chains, it is necessary to control the production and origin of raw materials and the subsequent transformation of a product, to ensure its nutritional validity while protecting intermediate and final safety. These aspects are accompanied by the concept of sustainability: food production systems must become extremely efficient, supply chains capable of producing safe and nutritious food, while at the same time decisively reducing environmental impact. During the project, which will last three years, existing food supply chains will be studied and improved thanks to the collaboration of the participating companies. Innovative solutions will be tested on systems such as the cereal, dairy, vegetable, and medicinal plant supply chains. The project, in which 14 companies and five research organizations participate, is divided into four research lines (WP), one management line (WP0), and one for the communication of the most significant results to the public and sector experts (WP5). Within the scope of food safety (WP1 Safe Food), rapid methods for determining certain pathogens, mycotoxins, and contaminants on various food matrices will be developed. WP2 will address the theme of Smart Food and the possibility of enhancing and improving the nutritional capacity of foods also through the addition of components such as innovative biomolecules and phytocomplexes. WP3 (Sustainable Food) will be dedicated to process sustainability, the enhancement and recovery of by-products, and the application of alternative methodologies in the treatment of raw materials, preferably at low cost. WP4 (Health) will concern the effects of smart nutrition on maintaining health and a good quality of life.
1. qualify raw materials and products of traditional agri-food supply chains (cereal, dairy, vegetable, medicinal plants) in terms of safety and traceability;
2. enhance traditional agri-food typicality produced by the territory;
3. identify new nutritional components (biomolecules, trace elements, phyto-derivatives) and develop unconventional methodologies to improve the value of foods and food supplements;
4. improve food production through more sustainable methods, enhancement of by-products, reduced energy consumption for safe, excellent, and integrated supply chains in the territorial system;
5. study the effects of smart nutrition compared to traditional nutrition on some physiological processes;
6. improve the competitiveness of partner companies through professional qualification and innovation;
7. increase the productive and commercial value of activities linked to the sectors of interest;
8. develop proactive and continuous partnerships between companies and knowledge subjects or sector experts.
Development of suitable methodologies for the rapid and widespread detection of mycotoxins and traceability on raw materials and products of interest to partner companies; study of suitable methodologies for the identification and enhancement of new nutritional principles in raw materials and products of interest to partner companies; study of suitable methodologies for the characterization and enhancement of by-products deriving from production and transformation processes from raw materials of interest to partner companies; study of non-traditional and sustainable methodologies for the treatment of raw materials and products of interest to partner companies; study of sustainable methodologies and processes to improve food production; development of a prototype to study the nutraceutical potential of foods on the improvement of some physiological processes (sleep/wake cycle, muscle tone) in experimental models; improve the competitiveness of companies through professional qualification and innovation; consolidate and continue the partnership between companies and knowledge subjects; provide useful information on the composition and quality of the products studied in order to promote them not only in Italy but also internationally.
PARTICIPATING ENTITIES
TOTAL PLANNED EXPENDITURE: € 5,188,650.00
TOTAL PLANNED CONTRIBUTION: € 2,797,600.00
Intervention carried out using ROP funding – Objective “Increase in business innovation activity” ERDF part European Regional Development Fund 2014-2020
RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT, AND INNOVATION
Support for collaborative R&D activities for the development of new sustainable technologies, new products, and services
The general objective of the project is the enhancement of waste from the use of personal protective equipment (hereinafter PPE), including medical ones. The objective is pursued by studying the key phases of a potential circular supply chain for the production of such devices (acquisition of raw materials and pre-processes, production, use, end of life), focusing attention on the following specific objectives:
(i) definition of a sustainable production and management model for PPE which, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, clearly revealed its absence
(ii) integration of specific skills and production capacities currently fragmented and dispersed throughout the territory
(iii) production of new knowledge (on high-value topics such as: ecodesign, regenerative materials, waste hierarchy) transferable to different application areas and other production chains
(iv) application of circular economy principles in an integrated territorial production chain, in accordance with the Circular Economy Action Plan promoted by the EU in order to accelerate the transition indicated by the European Green Deal.
The study will clarify the critical issues and specific opportunities compared to the state of the art of knowledge and industrial technologies that are actually applicable, with the final objective of indicating specific areas where an industrial investment is convenient in the short, medium, and long term.
WP-IR-1: Raw materials and secondary raw materials of synthetic origin for recyclable materials
Task 1: Mapping of products on the market
Task 2: Collection/disposal/recycling technologies
Task 3: Recyclable materials
WP-IR-2: Biopolymers for recyclable materials
Task 4: State of the art of knowledge and available technologies
Task 5: Laboratory and pilot scale production of PHA
Task 6: Characterization of the PHAs produced
Task 7: Bio-materials for filament, bio-film, or powder conformations for 3D printing
WP-IR-3: Product modification
Task 8: Identification of products/processes for PPE functionalization
Task 9: Optimization of materials and functionalization of products
Task 10: Product ecodesign and prototyping
Task 11: Recyclability of the entire product (on product prototypes)
Task 12: Characterization of recycled materials
Task 13: PPE validation and testing
WP-ED-1: Pyrolysis techniques for the industrial enhancement of PPE waste
Task 14: Basic data to identify PPE/materials
Task 15: Definition of applicable technology
Task 16: Construction, start-up, testing
Task 17: Testing on PPE matrices and other matrices
WP-ED-2: Integrated process/product solutions for sterilization
Task 18: Integrated process/product solutions for PPE sterilization using peroxide and/or UVC systems
Task 19: Detailed design-construction of prototype plants and verification/validation methodologies
Task 20: Optimization of process parameters, functional testing, PPE analysis/characterization post-treatment
Task 21: Executive design of full-scale plants
WP-IR-4: Sustainability of production cycles
Task 22: Development of a predictive model
Task 23: Validation of the model
Task 24: Web application implementation
Task 25: LCA, LCC, and SLCA studies
REGIONAL INNOVATIVE NETWORKS INVOLVED
CONTRIBUTION GRANTED: € 2,029,972.00
ELIGIBLE EXPENDITURE: € 2,999,460.00
Intervention carried out using ROP funding – Objective “Increase in business innovation activity” ERDF part European Regional Development Fund 2014-2020
RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT, AND INNOVATION
Support for collaborative R&D activities for the development of new sustainable technologies, new products, and services
«Sustainable, safe, high quality»: in a word, SO.SI.AQ. This is the title of an integrated research project for the innovation of the Veneto shellfish supply chain, which aims to innovate the production and transformation phases through industrial research and experimental development activities aimed at increasing the sustainability, quality, and safety of mollusks. The project was funded thanks to the Regional Operational Program (ROP) of the Veneto Region, supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2014-2020.
The project is divided into three different project lines:
Development/optimization of purification systems for the elimination of enteric viruses.
The project aims to develop an experimental purification plant using ozone and the subsequent analysis of bivalve mollusks for the quantification of Norovirus before and during the purification process. The analyses carried out so far support the effectiveness of the purification plant in reducing viral contamination, although further investigation is necessary.
Development of innovative methods to guarantee product traceability.
The project involves the analysis and characterization of the microbiota of clams from different farming areas of the Venice Lagoon and the Po Delta, as well as from areas prohibited for harvesting due to chemical pollution (e.g., Fusina). Specific microbial community profiles will be identified for each site investigated, which can be used for the development of an innovative method for product traceability.
Genetic improvement of Manila clams Ruditapes philippinarum.
The project involves the genome sequencing of R. philippinarum clams from different populations. This will allow the identification of genetic polymorphisms that will be used as potential markers for genetic selection, aimed at improving growth performance and resistance to diseases and infections.
PARTICIPATING ENTITIES
PROJECT VALUE: € 847,094.10
SUPPORT GRANTED: € 591,535.89
Intervention carried out using ROP funding – Objective “Increase in the level of internationalization of production systems” ERDF part European Regional Development Fund 2014-2020
COMPETITIVENESS OF PRODUCTION SYSTEMS
Export promotion projects intended for companies and their aggregate forms identified on a territorial or sectoral basis
The proposing companies of the project “Sharing Methodologies for the Export of Smart Foods – CoMeExpo”, all belonging to the RIBES-Nest Regional Innovative Network, the proposing entity and manager of the activities, identified during numerous Network meetings a common problem: the need for a modular and planned approach to their internationalization strategies, which is not always addressed in an organic way. In fact, the identification of actions linked to the choice of countries where they intend to export is often dictated by current needs and/or the need to be present in some country markets where opportunities for commercialization and export of their products have been identified.
From these considerations comes the idea of carrying out a series of activities aimed at sharing the experiences, both positive and negative, but all extremely different, of the Network Partners proposing the “CoMeExpo” project and together identifying tools and methodologies suitable for individual company realities in order to make them more targeted, suitable, and capable of optimizing the results deriving from the internationalization actions intended to be carried out.
The main objective of the project is not only to improve the export performance of the individual participating companies but above all to improve the export model in each individual proposing company through the sharing of experiences with other participants and, last but not least, to transfer (compatibly with company privacy) the methodologies and experiences within the RIBES-Nest network and its other members, also thanks to the use of qualified professionals from both external suppliers and the TEM. Among the expected results is also the development of a common strategy for participation in the same type of trade fair through a common path to improve their communication tools and the internal setup of the stands.
TOTAL PLANNED EXPENDITURE: € 299,500
TOTAL PLANNED CONTRIBUTION: € 149,750
LIST OF COMPANIES THAT PARTICIPATED IN THE PROJECT:
Intervention carried out using ROP funding – Objective “Increase in the level of internationalization of production systems” ERDF part European Regional Development Fund 2014-2020
COMPETITIVENESS OF PRODUCTION SYSTEMS
Export promotion projects intended for companies and their aggregate forms identified on a territorial or sectoral basis
The proposing companies of the project “New Licensing and Technologies: products and best practices to improve Export – NewLiTechBestExpo”, all belonging to the RIBES-Nest Regional Innovative Network, the proposing entity and manager of the activities, identified during numerous network meetings a common problem: the need to strengthen their propensity to export by increasing the level of internationalization through planning their strategy to maximize every type of channel and possible tool. In fact, the correlation of the activities of the internationalization path on the various foreign markets is often dictated by current needs and/or the need to be present in countries where commercialization opportunities have been identified through pre-existing contacts or created through participation in some trade fair events and/or international congresses capable of creating the right conditions for commercialization and export of their products. From these considerations comes the idea of carrying out a series of activities aimed at consolidating the relations and strategies connected to the development of export activities by the network partners, and together identifying the tools and channels suitable for the individual proposing company realities capable of optimizing the results deriving from the internationalization actions intended to be carried out, stabilizing collaborative and network relationships.
The main objective of the project is not only to improve the export performance of the individual participating companies but above all to improve the model of each individual proposing company by optimizing and integrating promotion on foreign markets and, last but not least, to transfer (compatibly with company privacy) the methodologies and experiences within the RIBES-Nest network and other participants. Among the expected results is also the development of a common strategy for participation in the same type of trade fair dedicated to electromedical devices for health and well-being through a common path to improve their communication tools and the internal setup of the stands with activities in order to obtain maximum visibility and the greatest return on investment for the various participating companies.
TOTAL PLANNED EXPENDITURE: € 292,600
TOTAL PLANNED CONTRIBUTION: € 146,300
LIST OF COMPANIES THAT PARTICIPATED IN THE PROJECT:
Intervention carried out using ROP funding – Objective “Increase in business innovation activity” ERDF part European Regional Development Fund 2014-2020
RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT, AND INNOVATION
Support for collaborative R&D activities for the development of new sustainable technologies, new products, and services
The NIP project contributes to innovation by fostering the development and consolidation of businesses and ensuring an improvement in the sustainability of the dairy sector. The objective will be to develop spectroscopic and proteomic techniques for monitoring product quality and shelf-life. Within the scope of the project, genomic analyses necessary for the study and selection of dairy cattle and microorganisms present along the dairy supply chain characterized by having the best genomes will be developed. New dairy products will be designed, not yet produced in the dairy facilities of Veneto, which will allow for a real exploitation of the nutrients present in whey. The use of this “noble” by-product of processing will guarantee a benefit for the sector itself and for the territory, increasing the potential revenue of the milk produced and processed. The project is structured into 7 WPs, in line with the indicated project scope, which will be fulfilled thanks to the constant collaboration between the proposing partners (12 companies and 3 research organizations). WP1 is mainly organizational and related to project management, WP2 concerns the safety of dairy products, WP3 the study of dairy by-products, WP4 innovation and nutraceuticals of dairy products, WP5 good economy and energy, WP6 the enhancement of dairy products, and finally, WP7 is linked to the dissemination and communication of results.
The NIP project will lead to results that can increase the competitiveness of the entire regional dairy sector, increasing the propensity for R&D activities through the implementation of collaboration and synergy between companies and research organizations. At the end of the NIP project, it is expected to achieve greater competitiveness for companies in the dairy supply chain and in the agrifood sector as well as in experimental research. These objectives will be met through the creation of:
The research will allow us to develop new technologies that will lead to an increase in the safety of dairy products (early identification and prevention of the development of pathogens and toxins, mapping of the characteristics and aptitudes of raw materials in the territory). Thanks to the development of methods for the enhancement of whey protein and nutraceutical innovations, whey and its components will be valued. Among the planned innovations: animal genetic improvement aimed at creating subjects with new productive and environmental aptitudes, ensuring animal health and welfare, and the creation of precision systems suitable for maintaining shelf life, greater control of traceability along the supply chain, and control and monitoring of the environmental impact of processes with particular attention to innovations that allow for water and energy savings. Finally, the first Cheese Academy of Veneto will be activated to promote the training of all personnel involved along the supply chain and in points of sale, as well as to provide useful information on the composition and quality of dairy products in order to promote them not only in Italy but also worldwide.
Agriform S.c.a., Brazzale S.p.a., Chelab S.r.l., National Research Council (Institute of Photonics and Nanotechnologies), Consortium for the protection of Monte Veronese Cheese, Experteam S.r.l., Industria Casearia Silvio Belladelli S.r.l., Intermizoo S.p.a., La Casara Roncolato Romano S.r.l., Lattebusche S.c.a., Latteria di Soligo Soc. Agr. Cooperativa, Microbion S.r.l., Ribes Scarl, University of Padua (DAFNAE Dept.), University of Verona.
TOTAL PLANNED EXPENDITURE: €5,864,298.70
TOTAL PLANNED CONTRIBUTION: €2,945,976.08
Project funded by the POC of the Veneto Region 2014-2020
The proponents of the project “SEBiomeD – Speedy Expo for Biomedical Devices” are part of the RIR RIBES-Nest, the Managing Entity of the activities and direct operator in the partnership. During numerous Network meetings, the desire emerged to join forces to improve and strengthen the export capacity of the Members, increasing the level of internationalization also through the planning of an approach strategy and common actions. Among the needs identified by the members, the requirement to transfer and apply cross-fertilization between companies operating in different sectors has always been emphasized, to provide support to companies less accustomed to facing new markets and to develop new cutting-edge and innovative products that employ emerging technologies, such as KETs (Key Enabling Technologies). The project developed according to a path structured in Work Packages, inserted into a general framework of interventions, all aimed at the exchange of know-how and experiences in the field of internationalization. The companies in the partnership are distinguished by the production of medical devices obtained following significant Research & Development processes. The developed devices are used in the field of medical diagnostics and prevention or dedicated to reducing the impact on health resulting from major degenerative pathologies, which are increasingly frequent today also due to the extension of average life expectancy. A second characteristic shared by the Partners is that all companies belong to the National Intelligent Factory Technology Cluster. Since the technology used in medical products is often linked to the efficiency of specific machinery used, their commercialization is also affected by the preparation and culture existing in the company, as well as by the ability to identify the most suitable buyers to transfer these skills and values into new markets. In recent Network meetings, similar commercial targets were identified, and the desire of some companies to share their background of consolidated experiences in particular countries and with reliable buyers emerged.
The “SEBiomeD” project intends to implement some actions aimed at the export performance of the partnership, specifically improving:
To this end, methodological tools have been identified and shared that are capable of enhancing the productive strength of the network which, thanks to the skills of the individual company, can use internal expertise as a multiplier to improve the development of the partnership in international markets and, consequently, that of the individual Partners, also and above all thanks to the coordination of a Temporary Export Manager.
TOTAL PLANNED EXPENDITURE: 420,078.00
TOTAL PLANNED CONTRIBUTION: 210,039.00
LIST OF COMPANIES THAT PARTICIPATED IN THE PROJECT:
Project funded by the POC of the Veneto Region 2014-2020
The companies of RIBES-Nest collaborate to optimize their operations by sharing methodologies and tools to improve their activities and overcome potential criticalities. The partnership of the “SEFFood – Speedy Expo for Functional Food” project, of which RIBES-Nest is the Managing Entity and operational Partner, is interested in functional foods, in the human and animal fields, and their enhancement. Functional foods contain ingredients that assist the physiological functions of the body with potential preventive actions on the onset of pathologies. Therefore, the export strategies of companies operating in these markets must be particularly targeted and adopt a modular and planned approach to internationalization activities. Operating outside the country means dealing with different regulations, even in countries that support their national companies by often creating forms of internal protectionism. A winning element for companies, especially small ones, which are distinguished by product innovation, is the ability to team up and activate synergies in new markets. For the Partners, the choice of countries to export to is dictated by the relationship between the product and the company’s needs, as well as by the strategic necessity to be present in markets where good commercialization opportunities are identifiable. Regulations in the field of food safety are also particularly important in the choice of countries to export to, especially when it comes to foods dedicated to types of consumers with special needs (gluten and allergen free, special dietary regimes, etc.) or functional foods and products with nutritional components that, by correlating nutrition with well-being, must provide the maximum possible hygienic-sanitary safety. Furthermore, participation in trade fairs can be an important driver to create the right conditions for commercialization and export (also through e-commerce) of one’s products and represents a precious opportunity for the partner SMEs to collect useful contacts for individual or group growth. The project focuses on all the different phases of the agrifood supply chain including the cultivation of raw materials, animal nutrition, the production and marketing of food supplements for humans, as well as food products in the form of mixtures or flours. This “supply chain” approach is facilitated by the participation in the Network of different types of companies that oversee different segments of the agrifood supply chain. A further project strength is determined by the experience gained by some partners in exporting their products, which allows other companies in the partnership to have a model to improve their strategies and actions towards internationalization.
The purposes of “SEFFood” are:
To this end, methodological tools have been identified and shared that are capable of enhancing the productive strength of the network which, thanks to the skills of the individual company, can use internal expertise as a multiplier and improve the development and value of companies in international markets also with the aid and expertise of the Temporary Export Manager included in the project activities.
TOTAL PLANNED EXPENDITURE: 431,266.20
TOTAL PLANNED CONTRIBUTION: 215,633.10
LIST OF COMPANIES THAT PARTICIPATED IN THE PROJECT: