The project aims to identify efficient, sustainable and fair solutions to improve the competitiveness of fruit and vegetable supply chains in local communities in the Mediterranean region. Specifically, MED-LINKS intends to provide small-scale producers with tools and strategic guidance to facilitate coordination with other actors in the supply chain, providing them with alternative and affordable certification schemes. In addition, the project involves the development of a digital platform based on blockchain technology to support business decision-making and improve transaction transparency, promote the creation of new B2B relationships and better information management throughout the supply chain.

The first operational phase of the project involved the identification and selection of supply chains of interest, with a focus on local agri-food clusters, followed by the study of voluntary sustainability pathways and certification services. The third phase of the project involved the development of new business models and market strategies capable of increasing the competitiveness of small businesses. The design of innovative ICT and entrepreneurial solutions, tailored to the needs of businesses operating in the supply chains of interest, completes the MED-LINKS project, which in its final phase involved the implementation of pilot actions aimed at testing the effectiveness of the solutions developed.

The research will result in the production of guidelines for the adoption of voluntary sustainability standards, enhanced business models and toolkits for optimising managerial performance, which can be used in various fields. These results are accompanied by the development of a digital platform with networking, training and commercial transaction management functionalities, accompanied by professional training and consulting modules related to sustainability certifications, business models and digital solutions.

• Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna (UNIBO)
• Romagna Tech S.C.p.A (ROTECH)
• University of Cassino and Southern Lazio (UNICAS)
• Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development (HUSD)
• Isis for Food Industries LTD (ISIS)
• Sekem Development Foundation (SDF)
• Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Montpellier (CIHEAM-IAMM)
• Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH)
• International Hellenic University (IHU)
• University of Cadi Ayyad (UCA)
• University of Moulay Ismail (UMI)