The overall objective of the MED capitalisation process is to contribute to increase the impact of territorial cooperation projects in consistency with the programme goals. Moreover, the capitalisation shall contribute to integrate the MED Programme with ENPI CBC MED and IPA CBC programmes to reach coherence, to multiply effects through synergies and to identify recommendations for mainstreaming at local and regional level, in a macro-regional strategy level, and in the perspective of the next programming period of the cohesion policy (2014-2020).

The MED capitalisation concept includes the collection, analysis and dissemination of knowledge on good practices. Lessons learnt shall be integrated in mainstream programmes and policies. Thus it is based on the concept of good practices which can be defined as 'innovative projects and project elements/activities, having led to an actual change (effectiveness) that contributes to achieve the proposed objectives (results); they are transferable and replicable as well as sustainable and they have an impact on the policy environment (mainstreaming).'

The capitalisation of the Med Programme comprises four levels of analysis:

1. the project level (standard and strategic projects) for improving the quality of activities, outputs and results through lessons learnt

2. the thematic focus level (clusters of projects) for promoting the exchanges, transfers and convergences among the projects in view of identifying new and more strategic initiatives

3. the programme level in connection with ENPI CBC and IPA CBC for bridging projects and clusters and identify common activities

4. the policy level to identify recommendations for improving the synergy of the programmes for the next programming period 2014-2020.

The levels of capitalisation are linked and have intersections among them.

During the last week of June 2011, four capitalisation workshops (one for each thematic priority) were carried out in Rome. The participation of project representatives to the process was high in quantity and quality and the exchange of information, opinions and suggestions was intense. This first round of workshops was an important starting point for sharing the capitalisation methodology. Moreover it proofed to be useful for exchanging on  projects' capitalisation practices and approaches as well as on common problems and needs. Finally, the workshops resulted in first orientation for the definition of thematic clusters. The workshops were - as a starting point - only offered to first call projects in an advanced stage.

As a second step, questionnaires including a matrix for project clustering project was disseminated to all project partnerships involved. Based on the assessment of the questionnaire and the classification within the matrix, the clustering process had been further developed. 

In November 2011, a clustering and capitalisation day was organised in Marseille in order to facilitate clustering activities based on the 'matrix' and to discuss the thematic and technical framework for potential capitalisation projects.  

In the next months, experiences will be exchanged among diverse stakeholders of the territorial cooperation through workshops, peer-reviews, case studies and specific interactions with ENPI MED CBC and IPA. These activities will stimulate the participation and a deep debate on the strategic issues of the territorial cooperation for improving its impact and its integration in local development plans as well as in Euro-Med policies. Capitalisation results could stimulate also the involvement and awareness raising of politicians at diverse levels and of key actors, for promoting their strategic commitment towards the Euro-Med territorial development.