On 25 February 2026, the Region of Central Macedonia (Department of European Programmes & Cooperation) and the Business & Cultural Development Centre (KEPA) organised the 4th Local Stakeholders Group meeting within the framework of CCSI4CCSI project, aimed at reinforcing collaboration and strategic cohesion within the local Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSIs).
The initiative forms part of a broader strategic framework supporting the sustainable development of the CCSI, with particular emphasis on:
• Cross-sectoral collaboration
• Effective use of European instruments and funding mechanisms
• Advancing the triple transition (green, digital and social)
The meeting was structured as an interactive workshop, applying the Ecosystem Motivation Matrix (CC SKG Matrix) as a facilitation tool in order to:
• Map roles and functions within the local ecosystem
• Identify complementarities among stakeholders
• Detect concrete areas for collaboration
• Lay the groundwork for future partnerships
The participatory methodology enabled the transition from general networking to targeted bilateral exchanges, fostering actionable collaboration pathways rather than purely conceptual dialogue.
The connection of the local ecosystem with the CCSI4CCSI – Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries for Collaboration, Competitiveness, Sustainability and Innovation project highlighted:
• Emerging European trends shaping the CCS landscape
• Opportunities for interregional cooperation
• The importance of strategically positioning local stakeholders within European networks
This approach reinforced the understanding that local ecosystem strengthening must be aligned with broader European priorities and innovation agendas.
The initiative confirmed that strengthening the Cultural and Creative Sectors & Industries requires:
1. Structured and recurring platforms for dialogue
2. Methodological tools for ecosystem mapping and partnership building
3. Alignment with EU sustainability, competitiveness and innovation strategies
4. Interregional and cross-border connectivity
The 4th LSG Meeting in Thessaloniki constitutes a practical example of ecosystem activation based on collaboration, competitiveness and long-term sustainability principles.
