KEY INSIGHTS FROM TRUSTFOOD & DEDEP WORKSHOP
On the 28th of March, 2025 we attended the joint TRUSTFOOD & DEDEP.eu workshop, bringing together industry experts and key stakeholders to discuss two vital pillars of EU project success: effective communication and SME engagement. The session provided invaluable insights into how these elements contribute to the success of EU-funded initiatives, particularly within the agrifood sector and emerging technologies like blockchain.
The importance of tailored communication for SMEs
The workshop kicked off with Anastasia Vlachou from REZOS BRANDS SA, who chaired the session and presented the TRUSTFOOD project. The focus was on how digital skills, strategic outreach, and dissemination play a crucial role in empowering SMEs to take a more active role in EU initiatives. Anastasia highlighted how SMEs often face challenges due to information gaps and complex technological content, especially in sectors like agrifood.
Breaking barriers: SME challenges and solutions
Angeliki Milioti, from Smart Agro Hub, unpacked the common barriers SMEs face when entering EU projects. These barriers range from the difficulty of understanding complex technologies to navigating the often convoluted language of EU-funded initiatives. Angeliki proposed several solutions, including simplifying technical content, collaborating with SME associations, and tracking KPIs to measure success.
A standout moment was her presentation of a blockchain success story: how Rezos Brands has leveraged the Fedon system to improve food supply chain transparency, showcasing how technology can drive positive change in the agrifood sector.
Aligning digital skills training with industry needs
The workshop then featured Cristian Salis, from LEADSx2030 and BluSpecs, who shared valuable insights on how SMEs are shaping digital skills training. Cristian stressed the importance of aligning training programmes with real-world industry needs, ensuring that courses reflect the challenges and skills gaps that SMEs are facing.
He highlighted the role of stakeholder involvement in course accreditation to make sure the training remains relevant. Cristian also touched on the ongoing struggles of SMEs, such as limited resources and uncertainty around future skills, which hinder their participation in EU projects.
Insights from DEP meetings: Key findings for digital skills training
Veronica Vuotto from Trust-IT Services and DEDEP.eu shared critical insights from the recent DEP meetings in Luxembourg. She focused on the challenges in advanced digital skills training, particularly fragmentation, the role of micro-credentials, and the need for flexible, modular learning paths that are more accessible to SMEs. These discussions pointed to the need for a more cohesive approach to skills development across the EU.
Interactive session: Mapping challenges and opportunities
The interactive session, led by Gabriele Quattrocchi from Trust-IT Services, allowed participants to engage with the challenges and opportunities in SME outreach using a mural board. Gabriele encouraged participants to think like SME decision-makers, stressing the importance of clear messaging, having a long-term vision, and understanding the SME’s perspective when designing outreach strategies.
What drives SME engagement
The session concluded with Nick Ferguson from Trust-IT Services, who shared valuable takeaways on what truly drives SME engagement in EU projects. He emphasised the significance of local networks, the use of simple language, and the need to demonstrate real impact. Nick stressed that for projects like TRUSTFOOD, connecting with local beneficiaries and amplifying their success stories is key to building trust and increasing SME participation.
The key takeaway from this dynamic workshop was clear: effective SME engagement relies on relevance, simplicity, and trust. A strong communication strategy is essential to ensure SMEs are not only informed but motivated to participate in EU innovation.