By a joint stand with another Interreg project, Smart Blue Regions, CLIPPER attracted attention to the topic of public policies for maritime SMEs. Many potential stakeholders were invited to participate in the project and shape the future of the maritime industry.
“MEER Kontakte” is a newly originated trade fair for the Maritime Cluster´s Northern Germany members. It was first held in Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein on the 8 and 9 November 2017. About 100 companies and institutions working in and with the branches of shipbuilding, shipbuilding supply, marine technology, maritime navigation, offshore, and many others were present at the trade fair with their booths. The main objective of the trade fair was to raise awareness for the cluster and its members throughout the maritime industry. Therefore, many of Schleswig-Holstein´s maritime SMEs participated in the fair.
With the friendly assistance of the project Smart Blue Regions, CLIPPER could be present at “MEER Kontakte”. The joint trade fair booth attracted attention to the public policies for the maritime industry. “The fair was a great opportunity to meet local maritime SMEs, introduce CLIPPER, and gain some first-hand information on the SMEs´ awareness of public funding and support”, said Alina Rennekamp, the CLIPPER Project Coordinator in Schleswig-Holstein. In one-to-one discussions, SMEs were encouraged to become involved in CLIPPER activities and give their input into the future action plan. “MEER Kontakte” served as a platform for the mutually beneficial exchange between CLIPPER and SMEs.
