The ITC FOOD – Innovative Training and Competences in Agri‑Food initiative represents a major cross‑border collaboration engaging regions in Italy (Puglia and Molise), Albania, and Montenegro to strengthen the agri‑food sector through shared knowledge, advanced training, and strategic cooperation.

A Network of Cooperation Across the Adriatic

At its core, the ITC FOOD project focuses on building strong competence networks and promoting information exchange between public institutions and private enterprises to reinforce the agri‑food supply chain on both sides of the southern Adriatic Sea.

The partnership includes:

• The Local Action Group Sud Est Barese (Italy) as lead partner
• GAL Molise Rurale (Italy)
• The University of Bari “Aldo Moro” with the Department of Soil,
• Plant and Food Sciences (D.I.S.S.P.A.)
• The Regional Development Agency – Ulcinj Business Association (Montenegro)
• The National Agency for Employment and Skills (NAES) (Albania)
• Spoonbill Innovation Center (SNIC) (Albania)

Together, these organizations are working to facilitate cooperation that strengthens economic ties, enhances technical skills, and promotes sustainable development across borders.

Building a Digital Hub for Agri‑Food Training

One of the key ambitions of ITC FOOD is the development of a dedicated digital platform for the agri‑food sector. This platform will serve as a central space where farmers, producers, researchers, and institutions from Italy, Albania, and Montenegro can access:

• Training materials and educational tools
• Collaborative resources
• Networking opportunities
• Market insights and best practices

By creating this shared online hub, the project aims to improve access to advanced learning and help overcome traditional barriers that often limit innovation and competitiveness.

Cluster Formation and Cross‑Border Synergies

In addition to digital training, ITC FOOD supports the creation of local and transnational agro‑food clusters — organizational networks that bring together producers, research entities, and public bodies. These clusters are meant to:

• Serve as reference points for regional development
• Encourage knowledge exchange
• Spread innovative technologies
• Foster entrepreneurial collaboration across sectors and borders

Experts involved in the project emphasize that these structures will help unify know‑how, bridge gaps between institutions and companies, and catalyze new business opportunities throughout the region.

Innovation, Sustainability & Future‑Ready Growth

The “innovative strength” of the ITC FOOD project lies in its integration of three key dimensions:

• Competence building through education and training
• Digital transformation via a shared online platform
• Sustainable practices that support long‑term competitiveness

By addressing these areas together, the project seeks not only to modernize the agri‑food sector but also to position the South Adriatic region as a model of territorial cooperation and sustainable economic development.

With ITC FOOD, the South Adriatic is poised to turn common challenges into opportunities — creating a future where innovation, sustainability, and training work side by side to support inclusive growth.

Source: https://www.ambienteambienti.com/puglia-molise-albania-e-montenegro-insieme-per-sviluppare-il-settore-agroalimentare-video/

The ITC FOOD – Innovative Training and Competences in Agri‑Food initiative represents a major cross‑border collaboration engaging regions in Italy (Puglia and Molise), Albania, and Montenegro to strengthen the agri‑food sector through shared knowledge, advanced training, and strategic cooperation.

A Network of Cooperation Across the Adriatic

At its core, the ITC FOOD project focuses on building strong competence networks and promoting information exchange between public institutions and private enterprises to reinforce the agri‑food supply chain on both sides of the southern Adriatic Sea.

The partnership includes:

• The Local Action Group Sud Est Barese (Italy) as lead partner
• GAL Molise Rurale (Italy)
• The University of Bari “Aldo Moro” with the Department of Soil,
• Plant and Food Sciences (D.I.S.S.P.A.)
• The Regional Development Agency – Ulcinj Business Association (Montenegro)
• The National Agency for Employment and Skills (NAES) (Albania)
• Spoonbill Innovation Center (SNIC) (Albania)

Together, these organizations are working to facilitate cooperation that strengthens economic ties, enhances technical skills, and promotes sustainable development across borders.

Building a Digital Hub for Agri‑Food Training

One of the key ambitions of ITC FOOD is the development of a dedicated digital platform for the agri‑food sector. This platform will serve as a central space where farmers, producers, researchers, and institutions from Italy, Albania, and Montenegro can access:

• Training materials and educational tools
• Collaborative resources
• Networking opportunities
• Market insights and best practices

By creating this shared online hub, the project aims to improve access to advanced learning and help overcome traditional barriers that often limit innovation and competitiveness.

Cluster Formation and Cross‑Border Synergies

In addition to digital training, ITC FOOD supports the creation of local and transnational agro‑food clusters — organizational networks that bring together producers, research entities, and public bodies. These clusters are meant to:

• Serve as reference points for regional development
• Encourage knowledge exchange
• Spread innovative technologies
• Foster entrepreneurial collaboration across sectors and borders

Experts involved in the project emphasize that these structures will help unify know‑how, bridge gaps between institutions and companies, and catalyze new business opportunities throughout the region.

Innovation, Sustainability & Future‑Ready Growth

The “innovative strength” of the ITC FOOD project lies in its integration of three key dimensions:

• Competence building through education and training
• Digital transformation via a shared online platform
• Sustainable practices that support long‑term competitiveness

By addressing these areas together, the project seeks not only to modernize the agri‑food sector but also to position the South Adriatic region as a model of territorial cooperation and sustainable economic development.

With ITC FOOD, the South Adriatic is poised to turn common challenges into opportunities — creating a future where innovation, sustainability, and training work side by side to support inclusive growth.

Source: https://www.ambienteambienti.com/puglia-molise-albania-e-montenegro-insieme-per-sviluppare-il-settore-agroalimentare-video/