24 May 2026

C4T Partners Advance Strategic Cooperation and Digital Innovation Roadmap During Technical Sessions in Calabria The afternoon sessions of the 2nd Transnational Meeting of the C4T – Companies4Tomorrow project, hosted by Unioncamere Calabria in Lamezia Terme, marked an important step forward in the implementation of the project’s strategic objectives for the digital transformation of SMEs across Greece and Italy. Following the successful public and stakeholder sessions held earlier in the day, project partners continued with a high-level technical and coordination meeting focused on project implementation, innovation methodologies, digital capacity building, and cross-border collaboration. The afternoon proceedings opened with the official Project Meeting and Steering Committee Session, reserved for project partners and dedicated to reviewing the state of implementation of all Work Packages, technical deliverables, financial reporting procedures, and coordination mechanisms. Particular emphasis was placed on ensuring the effective implementation of the C4T strategy for enhancing digital innovation capacities and reinforcing the innovation ecosystem for SMEs in the cross-border area. The University of Peloponnese, as Lead Partner of the project, presented the current status of project management activities, administrative coordination, financial reporting procedures, amendment rules, and next implementation milestones. Discussions focused on maintaining strong cooperation among partners and ensuring the timely delivery of project outcomes. Extensive presentations were delivered regarding the progress of the project’s communication and dissemination strategy, including the implementation of the Communication Plan and the development of promotional materials designed to strengthen stakeholder engagement and visibility of project results throughout the Mediterranean area. Significant attention was devoted to the strategic work being implemented under Work Package 3, focusing on the sustainable and smart digital transformation of SMEs. Representatives from the Chamber of Commerce of Foggia presented the progress achieved regarding data collection methodologies and policy mapping activities aimed at identifying best practices, strategies, and policy instruments supporting SME digital transformation. The Region of Western Greece presented the benchmarking activities and the development of the Transnational Plan, highlighting innovative approaches and technological solutions that can be replicated across participating territories to strengthen digital innovation capacities and address skills gaps among SMEs. A major focus of the meeting was the presentation by the University of Peloponnese concerning the design and deployment of the Cross-Border Framework for Digital Capacity Building and the implementation of the C4T Living Labs. Partners discussed the development of methodologies and tools for skills assessment, capacity building, and SME support, as well as the establishment of five pilot Living Labs across Greece and Italy under the framework of the C4T-Hub initiative. The technical meeting also included detailed updates regarding the development of the C4T digital innovation model and associated technological platforms, including: • the Taxonomy of SMEs Skills Platform, • the Adaptive Learning Management System (LMS), • and the HUB/Living Lab Platform. Additional discussions addressed the development of innovative training programmes and teaching-learning activities for SMEs, as well as the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of pilot actions supporting business innovation and technological transformation. Special emphasis was also placed on clustering activities and the enlargement of the C4T Cross-Border HUB through stakeholder engagement, exchange visits, and the generation of strategic directions for SME skills development. Project partners highlighted the importance of creating sustainable cooperation mechanisms capable of supporting long-term digital transformation and innovation ecosystems in the Mediterranean region. The afternoon sessions built upon the strong momentum generated during the morning public events, where institutional representatives and stakeholders exchanged views on the future of territorial cooperation, digital transformation, and Mediterranean innovation strategies. In this context, special recognition was given to the valuable contributions of: • Dr. Gianfranco Gadaleta, Joint Secretariat Coordinator, whose intervention on the future of territorial cooperation and the upcoming 2028–2033 programming period provided important strategic insights for the future sustainability and capitalization of the project, • Ms. Maristella Mantuano, Communication Officer of the Joint Secretariat, whose presentation on communication, participation, storytelling, and youth engagement highlighted innovative approaches for increasing stakeholder involvement and dissemination impact, • and Ms. Elena Giannopoulou, Project Officer of the C4T project, whose active participation and operational guidance significantly supported the coordination and implementation discussions throughout the meeting. The first day concluded with an open discussion among partners concerning next steps, future coordination activities, and preparation for upcoming project deliverables and meetings. Participants reaffirmed their common commitment to strengthening cross-border cooperation and promoting innovation-driven growth for SMEs through digital transformation initiatives and Industry 4.0 methodologies. The day closed with remarks and conclusions delivered by the University of Peloponnese, followed by a social networking dinner that further reinforced collaboration and partnership building among participating organizations from Greece and Italy.