Promoting Innovative Entrepreneurship through the Establishment of a Cluster for Aromatic and Pharmaceutical Products

Project Name: Promoting Innovative Entrepreneurship through the Establishment of a Cluster for Aromatic and Pharmaceutical Products

Project Partners: Chamber of Commerce of Kilkis and Development Agency of Kilkis

Implementation Period: 22/03/2012 to 21/10/2013

Programme: IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Greece – Macedonia, 2007-2013

Project Objective: To promote and introduce new practices and mechanisms that would highlight the advantages of the region, with potential for upgrading and further development. To implement a support plan for the participants/actors in the pharmaceutical and aromatic plants market, in order to develop and strengthen the strategic advantages of this sector.

Target Group: Farmers/Agricultural producers (collectors or local growers) of pharmaceutical and aromatic plants from the cross-border region; Companies processing pharmaceutical and aromatic plants; Traders and other enterprises that include pharmaceutical and aromatic plants in their offer; Potential investors, Universities, Development Agencies, Local agencies, and other institutions that can contribute to the development of this industrial sector.

Description of Activities:

• A.1. Coordination meetings
• A.2. Project management
• A.3. Preparation of promotional material
• A.4. Website development
• A.5. Logo design
• A.6. Organization of workshops
• A.7. Organization of networking meetings
• A.8. Preparation of a cluster directory
• A.9. Organization of a final meeting
• A.10. Preparation of a feasibility and sustainability study of the cluster
• A.11. Cluster activity plan
• A.12. Organization of a study visit for knowledge transfer
• A.13. Organization of a “roadshow” in the country
• A.14. Participation in a networking event abroad

Achieved Results:

• Easier access to knowledge, innovation, and research
• Development of efficient communication channels
• Orientation of development towards external economies’ markets
• Easier networking between private and public organizations