The TRADEIT project has come to an end (2013-1016). The main objective of TRADEIT was to strengthen regional economies and the competitiveness of SMEs. Support was being provided through a structured program of events for SMEs and food researchers. Brokerage events being an important part of the knowledge transfer and networking.

The act of brokerage is bringing together individuals with a common interest. This may be a problem to solve, a solution to offer or a different approach that needs to be tested or explored. The common threads have been technology and innovation.

“Through brokerage we have aimed to create an opportunity to link a diverse range of stakeholders (SME, technology providers, researchers and innovators) from across Europe,” says Joan Locker, responsible for knowledge transfer within TRADEIT. These events provided unique opportunities for participants to gain insight into the value and impact of innovation support interventions.

TRADEIT’s newsletters 9 and 10 provide a snapshot of the highlights of each of the brokerage events undertaken throughout the project. The team of TRADEIT have tried to draw out the main lessons learned from their experience and used them to provide a summary of 10 recommendations for planning and executing effective brokerage events.