Call for an Italian Hosting Organization- EuroMed Clusters Forward – CCM4

Posted on December 12, 2024
Overview

Context & Background

About Berytech:

Berytech is a leading organization in the Entrepreneurial Eco-system in Lebanon, that aims to provide a conducive environment for the creation and development of startups, through incubation, business support, counseling, funding, networking, and company hosting, hence taking part in the economic revival of the country, participating in wealth and job creation, and retaining graduates and high-level skills in Lebanon.

About Euromed Clusters Forward:

ECF is a 4-year project that aims at establishing and improving clusters legal policies, strengthening clusters capacity & regional cooperation, and strengthening regional value chains. Berytech is the implementing partner of ECF in Lebanon, that is funded by the European Union and coordinated by Anima Investment Network with 3 implementing partners and 9 affiliates from the Euromed region.

About Cluster Connect Mission (CCM):

Cluster Connect is a short-term exchange activity between clusters and support organizations from similar or different industrial ecosystems. It involves twinning, matchmaking and knowledge sharing activities, and peer learning between a South Mediterranean cluster – the Visitor and a host organization from South Mediterranean and European countries – the Host.

We are seeking well established EU clusters/ support organizations to share best practices as a cluster organization addressing technological skills development, market intelligence and Quality Management Systems and formulate points for improving the services offered to the cluster members.

Support will be given to the Cluster manager and 2 staff members from the Algerian Cluster in the precision mechanics sector for 4 months virtually and in Italy.

Cluster background information:

Although the cluster was established in 2014, it is still limited in size. The organization has approximately 25 members. All activities are run by volunteers.  At present, competitive advantages are largely based on low-cost energy and labor. To remain competitive in the future, access to knowledge regarding, among others, digital communication, advanced manufacturing technologies (e.g. additive manufacturing) is crucial.

The CCM will equip the cluster with the skills and capacity to:

  • Improve the technology skill development offered to the members.
  • Strengthen the use of market intelligence.
  • Increase the level of Quality Management Systems deployed.

Scope of work

The Host will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive series of workshops, trainings consultancy services, site visits, facilitating the attendance to fairs/exhibitions.

The Mission is divided into 4 main components:

Component 1: Technology skill development

  • Conduct a benchmark comparing the way technology skill development (e.g. with regard to digital communication and advanced manufacturing technologies) is supported in similar clusters.
  • Propose a suitable approach for the cluster.
  • Develop an implementation plan for improved technology skill development. Provide step-by-step guidelines, timelines, and resource requirements for integration into current operations.

Component 2: Market intelligence

  • Conduct a benchmark comparing mechanisms for the use of market intelligence to understand market needs, and how to unlock them for cluster members. 
  • Develop an implementation plan for using market intelligence for improved competitiveness of the cluster members. Provide step-by-step guidelines, timelines, and resource requirements for integration into current operations.

Component 3: Quality Management Systems

  • Conduct a benchmark comparing ways in which clusters support their members with quality management systems (QMS) aimed at improving the performance and standardization of manufacturing processes.
  • Develop an implementation plan for supporting members with their QMS. Provide step-by-step guidelines, timelines, and resource requirements for integration into current operations.

Component 4: Travel mission:

  • Organize and implement the travel mission of up to 3 cluster staff/members to the host country for a maximum of 5 days.

Expected Deliverables

  • Support materials: templates, presentation, and resources for participants to use during and after the workshops.
  • Agenda: for activities of each of the 4 components including virtual and in-person training, workshops, consultancy services, benchmarking studies and visits for 4 months.
  • Attendance: attendance sheet of the visitor to different activities.
  • Travel mission: booking and invoices of flight tickets, accommodation, and other costs of all travelling participants.
  • Implementation plan: concerning the technology skills development.
  • Implementation plan: concerning the use of market intelligence.
  • Implementation plan: concerning the support on Quality Management Systems.
  • Visit report: report on the visits organized and their outcomes.
  • Activity report: for participating in an exhibition/fair.
  • Final report: sessions given and final outcomes of the CCM submitted to Berytech.

Timeline:

  • The CCM will be implemented from the beginning of February 2025 until the end of May 2025.
  • The travel mission of up to 3 cluster staff/members to the host country shall occur within the mission timeline.
  • The final report should be delivered by June 15th  , 2025 at the latest.

Qualifications

  • Cluster or Host organization in the precision mechanics sector, based in Italy.
  • Experience in designing and implementing capacity building programs in the precision mechanics industry.
  • Experience in rendering support in technology skills development.
  • Track record in using market intelligence for cluster members
  • Knowledge of Quality Management Systems.
  • Experience in international business development.
  • Background in providing business support services, such as strategy, governance, business model and market research.
  • Knowledge of the trends in precision mechanics.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your proposal (technical and financial), agenda of activities, along with your resume and work/ project portfolio by email to: procurement@berytech.org before January 22, 2025, BoD with the subject: Cluster Connect Mission – Batch 2 – CCM4

The Application should include:

  • Technical proposal describing the methodology, content and timeline of the mission including travel mission details.
  • Financial proposal describing the costs incurred in preparing and providing the mission, including the costs of the travel ticket and accommodation of the cluster staff in the Host country. The financial proposal shall be quoted in EURO.
  • Every component should have an allocated budget.
  • CVs of the individuals involved in the mission.

The shortlisted candidates will be contacted by Mid-January 2025.

Berytech is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, valuing diversity and ethical conduct as keys to our collective success.

About Berytech

Berytech is an ecosystem for entrepreneurs, providing a dynamic environment for the creation and development of startups and SMEs, fostering innovation, technology and entrepreneurship in Lebanon.