Sharjah’s research and innovation sector is set to deepen its links with Europe after the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SPARK) confirmed it has joined a major EU-backed business network.
The announcement followed a high-level meeting in Sharjah between SPARK leadership and ambassadors from the European Union and its Member States. Talks centred on widening cooperation across innovation, digital transformation, emerging technologies and sustainable development, reflecting shared economic and research priorities.
Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SPARK, met with Lucie Berger, Ambassador of the European Union to the UAE, alongside several EU ambassadors. Discussions highlighted the importance of connecting Sharjah’s fast-growing innovation ecosystem with established European research institutions and commercial networks.
A key outcome of the meeting was SPARK’s accession to the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), making it the first UAE entity to join as an International Network Partner. The move is expected to strengthen UAE–EU collaboration and provide additional pathways for small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups aiming to enter the EU Single Market, which has 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.”
Al Mahmoudi described the development as a significant step for the local innovation landscape. He 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 meeting also explored potential joint projects, enhanced support for start-ups and wider collaboration in research and development. Areas discussed included emerging technologies and participation in EU initiatives such as Horizon Europe. Officials noted that these efforts align with broader UAE–EU relations, which continue to grow around common goals in innovation, sustainability and technological progress.
The Enterprise Europe Network is recognised as the world’s largest platform supporting SMEs. It brings together around 600 organisations across more than 50 countries and is backed by a network of over 3,000 experts providing business, innovation and internationalisation support.
The visit reinforced SPARK’s position as a gateway between regional innovators and global markets, while signalling stronger institutional ties between Sharjah and Europe’s innovation ecosystems.
About SPARK
SPARK continues to serve as a leading hub for innovation, linking academia, industry, and government in areas such as advanced manufacturing, sustainability, healthcare, and digital technologies—supporting startups and established companies in creating scalable, market-ready solutions.
