Summary :
Abstract
The Euro-Med region’s sustainable value chains are entangled in a web of challenges that demand strategic action. Fragmented regulations and inconsistent standards across borders restrain collaboration and hinder the continuous integration of eco-friendly practices. Weak infrastructure, particularly in transportation and logistics, poses a significant barrier to the development of efficient green trade networks. Economic disparities between EU and non-EU Mediterranean nations limit the participation of smaller enterprises in sustainable value chains, while political instability and governance issues further disrupt regional cooperation. On the other side the lack of knowledge about similar regional projects, joined with limited access to technologies and finance, hindered the potential for collaborations across borders. These combined obstacles make the path to sustainable, inclusive value chains more complex.
Objective and Knowledge Gap: This policy paper focuses on agriculture and waste management; it analyzes the key barriers in both sectors while presenting collaborative models that highlight the potential of local value chains to engage with local and regional networks. It explores how knowledge sharing using digital platforms can be utilized to foster cross-border partnerships, driving inclusive and sustainable growth. By addressing these issues, the policy paper aims to bridge knowledge gaps in the integration of digital tools and collaborative approaches, ultimately enhancing the capacity of local stakeholders to participate in green and sustainable economic development across borders.
Methodology and Approach: This paper presents two innovative collaborative models incubated by the social justice incubation program of SEE Change project funded by the EU and led by COSV. Green Circle focuses on waste management, while the Agricultural Revival Program has pioneered an agriculture hub. The paper utilizes the two case studies as a key methodological tool to illustrate real-world applications of its proposed solutions.
Results and Policy Implications: The paper builds on the two case studies to develop policy-oriented recommendations tailored for governments, policy makers and international donors. These recommendations will be presented to enhance awareness, facilitate knowledge sharing, and promote local collaborations to support cross-border partnerships among enterprises within the agriculture and waste management sectors. By doing so, the paper seeks to strengthen regional value chains, offering practical guidance on how stakeholders can foster more resilient, interconnected, and sustainable economies.
Keywords: Collaboration, Agriculture, Waste Management, Value Chains, Digital Platforms, Policy.