FEMISE is proud to launch its latest series of policy briefs, stemming from insightful conference papers presented at the FEMISE annual conference. These briefs are rooted in scientific research and offer actionable political recommendations to address critical challenges in the Euro-Mediterranean region.

The objective if this new series of Policy Briefs is to provide policy makers, international organisers, researchers and stakeholders in the EU-Med region with research-based policy recommendations that: advocate a better EU-Med integration;  promote mobilization of investments towards green transition and sustainable economies; empower young people through innovation and entrepreneurship advocacy; and facilitate a better and more equal integration of youth and women, aiming to create pathways for decent employment.

These Policy Briefs aspires to drive impactful dialogue and action across the EU-Med region.

Context

In the South Mediterranean region, building sustainable and inclusive value chains remains a pressing yet complex challenge. Despite their critical importance for economic resilience, food security, and environmental sustainability, sectors like agriculture and waste management continue to face significant structural barriers. Fragmented regulations, weak infrastructure, political instability, and limited cross-border coordination all hinder the development of effective and scalable models—particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.

This policy brief emerges from these urgent regional dynamics, focusing on how locally driven solutions and digital collaboration tools can overcome these barriers. It explores two Lebanese case studies developed under the EU-funded SEE Change project—offering tangible, community-based approaches to sustainable value chain development. By showcasing how networks and digital platforms can facilitate knowledge exchange and regional partnerships, the brief contributes to a growing body of work advocating for a more integrated, inclusive, and innovation-driven Mediterranean economy.

Summary

This policy brief explores how collaborative, digitally enabled models are reshaping sustainable value chains in Lebanon, with a focus on two grassroots initiatives: Green Circle and the Agricultural Revival Program (ARP). Developed under the EU-funded SEE Change project, both models demonstrate how local enterprises can harness networks and digital platforms to overcome structural barriers and foster inclusive, environmentally responsible economic activity.

Green Circle, a waste management initiative, has transformed the village of Bchatfin into a model zero-waste community by combining household waste sorting, organic fertilizer production, and local incentives. Meanwhile, ARP supports small and medium-scale farmers by providing access to high-quality seeds, training, and guaranteed market linkages, thereby strengthening domestic food security and reducing reliance on imports. Both initiatives utilized digital tools to expand knowledge-sharing, connect with regional peers, and scale their impact.

The brief offers actionable policy recommendations that emphasize the need for supportive regulation, investment in digital and physical marketplaces, pilot replication across SEMED countries, and stronger involvement of international NGOs as facilitators of cross-border collaboration. These case studies provide a replicable blueprint for how social enterprises can build resilient, circular value chains—even in fragile settings—through innovation, solidarity, and strategic partnerships.