SPARK Joins EU Enterprise Network To Expand UAE-EU Innovation Ties

The Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park is expanding cooperation with European partners after a recent high-level diplomatic visit, and its entry into the Enterprise Europe Network is set to deepen UAE–EU collaboration in innovation, trade, and support for small businesses.

During the visit, CEO Hussain Al Mahmoudi held talks with Lucie Berger, Ambassador of the European Union to the UAE, alongside ambassadors from several EU Member States. Discussions highlighted innovation, digital transformation, emerging technologies, and sustainable development, with both sides stressing stronger links between Sharjah’s innovation ecosystem and leading European research and business networks.

The Enterprise Europe Network, described as the world’s largest support platform for small and medium-sized enterprises, brings together around 600 organisations from more than 50 countries. The network is backed by over 3,000 specialists who assist companies with innovation, international partnerships, and access to new markets.

SPARK confirmed that it has joined the Enterprise Europe Network as an International Network Partner, becoming the first entity from the UAE to do so. The move is expected to help startups and SMEs in Sharjah and across the UAE reach the EU’s Single Market, which serves more than 450 million consumers. EU Ambassador Lucie Berger said, "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 underlined how the Enterprise Europe Network link complements SPARK’s mandate to support knowledge-based economic activity and global connections. Al Mahmoudi stated, "Joining the Enterprise Europe Network marks a new chapter in connecting local talent with global opportunity and accelerating sustainable, knowledge-driven economic growth."

The talks in Sharjah also explored practical areas for joint work, including startup support programmes, cross-border innovation projects, and new initiatives in advanced technologies. Delegates discussed cooperation in research and development, as well as participation in European frameworks such as Horizon Europe, with an emphasis on shared priorities in sustainability and technological progress.

SPARK’s growing role within UAE–EU cooperation builds on its position as a regional hub connecting universities, industry partners, and government bodies. The park focuses on sectors such as advanced manufacturing, sustainable solutions, healthcare innovation, and digital technologies. Through this ecosystem, SPARK provides space, mentoring, and connections to help startups and established firms develop scalable, market-ready solutions that align with both local and international needs.

With inputs from WAM