Femise Network

03/06/2026

💬 Cluster Conversations: The Maghreb Series | Episode 3
What could SMEs achieve if they had the right tools and support?

According to Mohammed BELHAJ, SMEs have the potential to create real economic and industrial transformations when given the means to grow, innovate, and compete.

▶️ Watch the full interview on YouTube: [https://youtu.be/zMVBo2zmOpQ]

02/06/2026

💳 Can digital financial inclusion unlock entrepreneurship in the South Mediterranean?

We are pleased to share Policy Brief 11: “Digital Financial Inclusion: A Silver Bullet for Entrepreneurship in South Mediterranean Countries” by Siham Matallah.

This policy brief examines the relationship between digital financial inclusion and entrepreneurship across Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Tunisia between 2006 and 2021. The findings show that expanding access to digital financial services can play a transformative role in fostering business creation and supporting inclusive economic growth.

Key insights:
• Digital financial inclusion has a strong positive impact on entrepreneurship
• A 1% increase in digital financial inclusion can generate a 5.79% increase in entrepreneurial activity
• Economic freedom strengthens the positive effects of digital financial inclusion
• Better digital access and fewer business barriers create more favorable environments for entrepreneurs

💡 The brief also outlines concrete policy recommendations to strengthen entrepreneurship, including expanding digital financial infrastructure, investing in digital literacy, promoting FinTech innovation, and creating a more enabling business environment. These measures can help reduce economic exclusion and support more inclusive and sustainable growth across the Mediterranean region.

📄 Discover the full policy brief: [https://shorturl.at/zYVKN]

What role do you think digital financial services can play in supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses across the South Mediterranean?

01/06/2026

🎥 Cluster Conversations: The Maghreb Series | Episode 3
What does it take for SMEs to move up the value chain and become more competitive?

In this episode, Mohammed BELHAJ of Maroc PME discusses the opportunities and challenges facing SMEs in Morocco, from access to finance and talent to innovation, market access, and integration into industrial value chains.

He also highlights the role of support programs, clusters, and collaborative ecosystems in helping SMEs strengthen their capabilities and unlock their growth potential.

▶️ Watch the full interview on YouTube:

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

24/05/2026

📢 New Publication | FEMISE Working Paper N°4
We are pleased to share the fourth publication in the FEMISE Working Paper Series: “Bridging Spatial and Skill Mismatches in Southern Mediterranean Countries: A Job Map Digital Solution for Tunisian Labour Market” by Amani ZAOUALI SAID & Anis Bouabid.

This paper examines the persistent challenge of spatial and skill mismatches in Tunisia, focusing on how regional disparities and labour market inefficiencies continue to limit access to employment opportunities, particularly for young graduates and vulnerable groups. Drawing on data-driven analysis, the study highlights:
• The impact of spatial and skill mismatches on youth unemployment and labour market inequalities
• Regional disparities that limit access to suitable employment opportunities
• The potential of digital and data-driven solutions to improve labour market efficiency
• The role of the Job Map application in connecting job seekers and employers through geographic proximity and skill compatibility

💡 The findings underline the importance of leveraging technology and labour market intelligence to support more inclusive employment policies, reduce regional inequalities, and improve access to opportunities for youth, women, and underserved communities.

📄 Read the full paper here: [https://shorturl.at/YV6bJ]

20/05/2026

💬 Cluster Conversations: The Maghreb Series | Episode 2

Innovation can come from anywhere, from researchers and engineers to workers on the production floor.

In this conversation, Amine Sellami highlights the importance of building organizations that foster collaboration, embrace ideas from all levels, and transform them into real value.

His insights also shed light on the role of clusters in strengthening innovation ecosystems and supporting more competitive industrial development in Tunisia and beyond.

▶️ Watch the full interview on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/eByRhxT

19/05/2026

⏳ Final reminder: Tomorrow is the last day to submit your concept note to the FEMISE Call for Papers 2026.

Don’t miss the opportunity to contribute to key conversations shaping the future of the Euro-Mediterranean region and join a dynamic research community.

Submission deadline: 20 May 2026

👉 Submit your concept note now: [https://shorturl.at/p2PQd]

18/05/2026

🎥 Cluster Conversations: The Maghreb Series | Episode 2

How can clusters help SMEs innovate and grow in Tunisia?

In this second episode, Amine Sellami shares the experience of the Tunisian Mechatronics Cluster and discusses the importance of collaborative innovation, open innovation, and stronger connections between startups, universities, and industry.
From supporting industrial prototypes to helping SMEs access international markets, this conversation highlights the role clusters can play in building more innovative and competitive industrial ecosystems.

▶️ Watch the full interview on YouTube: [https://youtu.be/ySRhUyCNz0U]

Enjoy the videos and music that you love, upload original content and share it all with friends, family and the world on YouTube.

15/05/2026

⏳ Only a few days left to submit your proposal to the FEMISE Call for Papers 2026! Interested in applying but not sure where to start?

Explore the carousel to learn:
✔ Who can apply
✔ What documents you need
✔ How submissions are evaluated
✔ Key dates & next steps

Submission deadline: 20 May 2026

👉 Submit your concept note now: [https://shorturl.at/p2PQd]

14/05/2026

📊 Can green practices help Euro-Mediterranean firms compete globally?

We are pleased to share Policy Brief 10: “Energy Efficiency & Green Practices: Unlocking GVC Participation for Euro-Mediterranean Firms” by Myriam Ramzy.

This policy brief explores how energy efficiency regulations and green management practices can strengthen firms’ participation in Global Value Chains (GVCs). Drawing on evidence from nearly 17,000 firms across 23 Euro-Mediterranean countries, the study highlights how sustainability is increasingly becoming a key driver of competitiveness and market access.

Key insights:
· Energy regulations improve firms’ GVC participation
· Energy management practices further strengthen global integration
· Significant gaps persist between EU and SEMED firms in terms of readiness and support systems

💡 The brief also outlines concrete policy recommendations to help governments and firms accelerate the green transition, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and deepen regional integration across the Euro-Mediterranean region.

Discover the full policy brief: https://www.femise.org/en/articles-en/policy-brief-10-energy-efficiency-and-green-practices-unlocking-gvc-participation-for-euro-mediterranean-firms/

What are your thoughts on the role of green practices in strengthening firms’ global competitiveness?

13/05/2026

🎥 Cluster Conversations: The Maghreb Series | Episode 1
How can innovation ecosystems truly thrive in the Maghreb region?

In the first episode of our interview series, Bouchaib ElFatine shares valuable insights on the importance of collaboration between governments, SMEs, universities, and clusters in driving innovation and industrial transformation.

This conversation explores the role of clusters in strengthening competitiveness, fostering innovation, and building more connected industrial ecosystems in Morocco and across the region.

▶️ Watch the full interview on YouTube: [https://youtu.be/C7qSgEtGTDg]