Sharjah: The Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SPARK) is poised to enhance its collaboration with European technology, research, and business ecosystems following a strategic meeting between EU ambassadors and SPARK leadership. The discussions centered on bolstering cooperation in fields such as innovation, digital transformation, emerging technologies, and sustainable development.

According to Emirates News Agency, Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SPARK, engaged with Lucie Berger, Ambassador of the European Union to the UAE, alongside ambassadors from EU Member States. Both parties underscored the significance of linking Sharjah's rapidly growing innovation ecosystem with Europe's leading research and commercial networks.

SPARK announced its membership in the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) as the first entity from the UAE to join as an International Network Partner. This landmark development is anticipated to enhance UAE-EU cooperation and facilitate SMEs and startups in accessing the EU's Single Market, which encompasses over 450 million consumers.

EU Ambassador Lucie Berger remarked, "This milestone reflects our shared commitment to innovation and deepening EU-UAE cooperation. It will create new opportunities for innovation, trade, and sustainable growth." Hussain Al Mahmoudi noted, "Joining the Enterprise Europe Network marks a new chapter in connecting local talent with global opportunity and accelerating sustainable, knowledge-driven economic growth."

The meeting also explored possibilities for joint projects, startup support, and broader cooperation in emerging technologies, research and development, and programs like Horizon Europe. The visit highlighted the burgeoning partnership between the UAE and the EU, driven by mutual priorities in innovation, sustainability, and technological advancement.

The Enterprise Europe Network, recognized as the world's largest SME support platform, connects approximately 600 organizations across over 50 countries, backed by more than 3,000 experts. SPARK continues to act as a leading hub for innovation, bridging academia, industry, and government in domains such as advanced manufacturing, sustainability, healthcare, and digital technologies, thereby supporting startups and established companies in developing scalable, market-ready solutions.