ASCAME and Leitat join forces to boost technological and business development in the Mediterranean
The Association of Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASCAME) has signed a collaboration agreement with Leitat, a leading technology centre at the Spanish and European level, to advance the digital transformation of the business fabric of the Mediterranean region. The signing of the agreement took place today in Barcelona in the presence of Anwar Zibaoui, General Coordinator of ASCAME, and Jordi Cabrafiga, CEO of Leitat.
The agreement has two well-defined objectives. On the one hand, to promote the digitisation of the Mediterranean chambers of commerce. This partnership will allow ASCAME members to access Leitat's services and technological solutions, which range from applied research to technical services and the management of technological and innovation initiatives. Thanks to this agreement, the Mediterranean chambers of commerce will be able to improve their operational efficiency, as well as the services they offer to companies and their global competitiveness.
Furthermore, both institutions are committed to promoting joint initiatives aligned with the digital transformation, sustainable development and innovation of companies in the region.
This is a strategic partnership for both institutions. ASCAME will strengthen its position as a key player in innovation and digitalisation in the Mediterranean region. According to Anwar Zibaoui, ‘we will work together to reinforce the role of the Mediterranean chambers of commerce as technological hubs for companies in the region’. For its part, Leitat will have greater visibility as a strategic partner in this region, having the opportunity to replicate the public-private models it has promoted both in Spain and in the European Union.
Areas of collaboration
The agreement establishes several areas of collaboration. One of the most important is the promotion of technological services to the chambers of commerce of the Mediterranean. This area includes awareness-raising and training initiatives - organisation of webinars, workshops and events aimed at ASCAME members to explain the advantages and applications of digitisation in their operations, personalised consulting to analyse the needs of each chamber of commerce and propose adapted solutions, and the implementation of innovative technologies such as digital tools, shared data platforms and AI solutions to improve the competitiveness of the chambers and their companies.
Another area of collaboration is related to the creation of innovation networks. The main challenge is to develop a Mediterranean innovation platform where chambers can share good practices, tools and success stories related to digitalisation. In addition, the aim is to develop joint projects within the framework of programmes such as Horizon Europe or Compact Africa, focused on R&D, technological innovation and the promotion of the green and blue economy.
The promotion of sustainability is another strategic pillar, as the Mediterranean chambers of commerce and ASCAME's partner companies will not only use digital technologies to improve their competitiveness but also to measure and reduce their carbon footprint. In fact, both institutions are committed to creating a Mediterranean observatory for business sustainability.
From the point of view of international projection and improving business competitiveness, the agreement includes the design of digital tools to facilitate access to international markets for chambers of commerce and their companies, as well as the creation of training programmes in digital skills for member companies of the associated chambers.
