Prime Highlights
- Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SPARK) is enhancing collaboration with European tech companies to promote innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable development.
- SPARK has joined the Enterprise Europe Network as the first UAE organisation, enabling Emirati startups and SMEs to connect with European partners and access the EU Single Market.
Key Facts
- The partnership allows SPARK to participate in EU initiatives like Horizon Europe and support joint research projects and startup acceleration programs.
- Enterprise Europe Network operates in over 50 countries, linking startups and SMEs with global markets and research partners.
Background
Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SPARK) is working to strengthen ties with European technology companies after meeting with European Union ambassadors in the UAE. They discussed ways to collaborate on innovation, digital transformation, new technologies, and sustainable development.
The meeting brought together H.E. Lucie Berger, Ambassador of the European Union to the UAE, and H.E. Hussain Al Mahmoudi, Chief Executive Officer of SPARK, along with ambassadors from EU member states. Both sides stressed the importance of building stronger links between Sharjah’s fast-growing technology ecosystem and European research and business networks.
A key outcome of the discussions was the recognition of SPARK’s recent entry into the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN). SPARK is the first organisation from the UAE to join the network as an International Network Partner. The move is expected to boost cooperation between the EU and the UAE and help Emirati startups and small businesses connect with European partners and enter the EU Single Market, which serves more than 450 million consumers.
EU Ambassador Lucie Berger said the milestone reflects a shared commitment to innovation and closer EU–UAE ties. She noted that it would open new opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses in areas such as trade, innovation and sustainable growth.
Hussain Al Mahmoudi said the partnership marks an important step in linking local talent with global opportunities. He said the move helps SPARK promote knowledge-based and sustainable economic growth.
They also discussed joint research projects, startup acceleration programs, and taking part in major EU initiatives like Horizon Europe. The visit showed that the EU and the UAE are building a stronger partnership based on shared goals in innovation and sustainability.
The Enterprise Europe Network helps startups and SMEs around the world. Operating in more than 50 countries and connecting businesses with global markets and research partners.
