All news related to Supporting Innovation Ecosystems and SMEs

• POLICY ANSWERS Pilot Programmes: Five activities for the development of the Region

  POLICY ANSWERS implements a set of dedicated, carefully selected activities to support change and increase impact “on the ground” in the Western Balkans. The general objective is to foster participation...

• The S3E Open Call #2 has officially launched!

  The S3E – Southern European Entrepreneurship Engine consortium is excited to announce the official launch of the second Open Call for the three tracks of the S3E Program: Start, Charge & Reverse. ...

• Western Balkans Ranking on Global Innovation Index 2023

  Three Western Balkans economies moved up the rankings out of 39 European economies covered in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2023. Serbia and North Macedonia are frontrunners, while Albania advanced...

• POLICY ANSWERS participated in a UN-ECE Transformative Innovation Network meeting

  The network was introduced by UN-ECE and the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) to stakeholders on 20-21 September 2023 in Przno, Montenegro. It aims to create value through supporting evidence-based...

• EBRD Youth in Business programme has been launched in Albania

  The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is launching its Youth in Business Programme in Albania. It will support the financial inclusion of young entrepreneurs by helping them overcome...

• 122 project proposals compete in the second assessment phase of the Interreg Euro-MED Programme - 32 in "sustainable tourism"

  The results of the 1st assessment phase for the 2nd call for thematic projects have been published in June 2023. The selected project proposals will now enter the 2nd phase of assessment (June-November...

• 13 co-financed projects for companies in the sector of agriculture, tourism and food technology in North-Macedonia

  13 co-financed projects have been announced for companies in the sector of agriculture, tourism and food technology. This call was designed and financed by the Fund for Innovations and Technological Development...

• New Open Online Course: Smart Specialisation in EU Enlargement and Neighbourhood Region and the new trends in the Smart Specialisation approach

  The Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) analyses the main phases of the design of a Smart Specialisation Strategy while considering the specificity of each territory. The MOOC includes 7 modules aimed at...

• Opportunity to join the pilots of an already funded Horizon project: Pre-announcement of the FOODITY pilot development programme

  Foodity will run a 2M€ pilot development programme to fund 12 innovative data-driven solutions for food and nutrition respectful of users’ personal data sovereignty. Participants will be selected through...

• INTERREG Danube Region pre-announces its second call for proposals opening in October 2023

  The Danube Region Programme will be launching its second call for proposals on 2 October 2023. This one-step call for proposals will require applicants to prepare and submit the full application ...

• What to expect from the EIT Community RIS Hub in North Macedonia? An interview with the National Secretary

  POLICY ANSWERS asked Aleksandar Stamboliev, who is appointed as the National Secretary of the newly established “EIT Community RIS Hub” of the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) based...

• Funding Opportunities at FITD for Boosting innovation activity in SMEs

  FITD continues implementing its measures for support to boost innovation activity in SMEs. In 2023, FITD has opened several public calls under the funding instruments to support innovation and technological...

• FITD funds four "MAKERSPACE" Laboratories for Research, Creativity and Innovation

  The Fund for Innovation and Technology Development has recently signed the agreements for the implementation of the four projects of: the University of Southeast Europe, the University “Goce Delchev” ...

• Women in Entrepreneurship - a Good Practice from Enterprise Europe Network

  Two of the partners of POLICY ANSWERS (Gabriela Kostovska Bogoeska from the Foundation for Management and Industrial Research and Sanja Popovic-Pantic from the Mihajlo Pupin Institute) were co-chairing...

• Torino Fashion Match 2023 co-organised by POLICY ANSWERS partner MIR

  The Torino Fashion Week was held between 26 June and 2 July 2023, an international event of bilateral meetings supporting businesses to innovate and to grow at international level, focused on fashion ...

• POLICY ANSWERS Capacity Building Support for SMEs in Albania: Mentoring for grant proposal development available

  POLICY ANSWERS has been offering support for innovative SMEs and start-ups in Albania to seek out and apply for EU funding for RDI actions that involve an international partner. This activity is being...

• POLICY ANSWERS presented on the EU Opportunity Week

  The EU Opportunity Week was held in Serbia from 21st to 26th June 2023, providing citizens with the chance to explore different sectors and opportunities presented by the European Union. Sessions and ...

• The Innovation Programme of Montenegro for 2023-2027 has been adopted

  On 6 July 2023, the Government of Montenegro adopted the Innovation Programme for the period 2023-2027. This programme builds on the Innovation Programme 2021-2024 and reflects the structural changes ...

• Preparation for a Eureka Western Balkans multilateral call 2023-24 ongoing

  Currently, a Eureka Western Balkan Call for projects is being discussed which should lead to the creation of collaborative Eureka projects related to developing innovative products and services. Albania...

• The Evolving Innovation Ecosystem of the Western Balkans - Interview with Katarina Kreceva (FITD)

  Katarina Kreceva, who is coordinating the implementation of one of the key Work Packages in the frame of the POLICY ANSWERS project: "WP5: Regional Pilot Activities", provides insights into the process...

• Supporting SMEs going global: Innowwide call is expected to be opened towards the end of summer in 2023

  If you are an innovative SME, you can apply to Innowwide for a grant of 60,000 euro to assess the viability of your research or commercial ambitions in international markets. Choose a target region and...

• Results of the Danube Transnational Programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the final conference of INTERREG

  The results of the Danube Transnational Programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina were presented by the colleague of the Danube Region Programme in Sarajevo during the final conference of INTERREG.

• The European Commission releases the 2023 edition of the European Innovation Scoreboard and the Regional Innovation Scoreboard

  On July 6, 2023, the European Commission released the 2023 edition of the European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS) and the bi-annual edition of the Regional Innovation Scoreboard (RIS). The EIS provides...

• EU Opportunity Week in Serbia: A new Support Package of EUR 26 million announced

  As of 21 June 2023, the partnership between the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia was on full display during the "EU Opportunity Week" event, dedicated...

• Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia become part of the 'Digital Europe' programme

  The Digital Europe Programme has an overall budget of 7.5 billion Euro. The programme focused on bringing digital technology to businesses, citizens and public administrations. It provides strategic funding...

• EIT Launches Innovation Hub in North Macedonia

  The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) announced the launch of its first joint hub in North Macedonia set to take regional innovation to the next level and provide local entrepreneurs...

• Results of the POLICY ANSWERS capacity building activities on innovation management related to the blue economy in Albania

  The “POLICY ANSWERS” project has recently completed a capacity-building activity to help the development of the 'Blue Economy’ in Albania. This initiative aligns with ongoing work on the topic including...

• Save the date! POLICY ANSWERS Conference: Policy Dialogue on Aligning priorities in the Western Balkans

  Be part of the journey towards envisioning the future for the Western Balkans, where aligning priorities with EU standards sets the stage for sustainable growth and development! Mark on your ...

• [EU Knowledge Valorisation Week 2023] New kids on the block: how to make start-ups a sustainable success

  Start-ups are seen as the royal road to knowledge valorisation and economic growth. Starting a new business from scratch is both exciting and full of uncertainty. Good planning and the right partners ...

• POLICY ANSWERS Capacity Building Event on Innovation and Technology Transfer at the University of Sarajevo

  University of Sarajevo hosted a three-day event focused on knowledge and experience sharing on boosting academia to industry collaboration and capacity in the innovation and technology transfer, entitled...

• Blue Economy / Mission Oceans stakeholders in Albania: register now for the POLICY ANSWERS Innovation Management workshop

  First come, first served for the places (they are free, but limited): POLICY ANSWERS announces the first of 2 workshops on Innovation Management in the Blue Economy to be held in Tirana on April 20 (9...

• Enterprise Europe Network: 15 years of support to small businesses to go across-EU and international

  In 2023, the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) celebrates its 15th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, Network partners across the world will be celebrating alongside some of the ...

• [Call Announcement] The EIT Jumpstarter is back for 2023

  As presented at the recent Steering Platforms meeting in Skopje, the EIT Jumpstarter, which is one of Europe’s best programmes for early-stage innovators is back in 2023 with two new categories: Rebuild...

• TRUSTCHAIN APPLICATION IS OPEN! - Up to €117k for developers, innovators, researchers, SMEs and entrepreneurs

  TrustChain, a project funded by the European Commission, is looking for developers, innovators, researchers, SMEs and entrepreneurs working on different NGI relevant topics and applications domains at...

• [Call Announcement] RCC: Nominations for Western Balkans women entrepreneurs of the year 2022 open

  RCC launched the Western Balkans Women Entrepreneurs of the Year recognition last year under its Women Economic Empowerment Agenda Sarajevo – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is happy to announce...

• Info sessions about the Call for Project Proposals for support to innovative technological projects

  700,000 EUR for technological innovation partnerships  The hybrid event that gathered more than 230 online participants from the region and 9 media outlets on February 7, included the opening...

• [Call Announcement] Technical assistance (TA) through POLICY ANSWERS for Albanian SMEs applicants to EU funding programmes

  If you are an Albanian SME aiming to apply to EU funding programmes such as Eureka, COST, Horizon, EIC, EIT, SMART4ALL etc. involving at least one EU partner - this opportunity is for you! There is...

• PUBLIC CALL: EUR 700,000 for partnerships in the field of technological innovation

  Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina - On Tuesday, February 7, 2023, the InnoDIGI/EU4DigitalSME team will hold a hybrid event where Mr. Stefano Ellero, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation, Eva Näher, ...

• [Call Announcement] Supporting Socially Conscious Innovators: Introducing the New European Bauhaus Booster 2.0

  Five Knowledge and Innovation Communities of the EIT are launching the New European Bauhaus Booster 2.0 today. On a mission to foster the New European Bauhaus transformation, EIT Digital...

• Five new projects approved under the 5th Extraordinary Call

  Interreg ADRION Programme will fund five (5) new projects under the 5th Extraordinary Call for Proposals. Around MEUR 4,10 (3,1 ERDF and 0,97 IPA) will support their upcoming...

• [Call Announcement] WB6 CIF Open call for regional competition for Western Balkans companies

  WB6 CIF invites the companies from Western Balkans Six (WB6) region to participate in Open call for regional competition Western Balkans 6 Chamber Investment Forum (WB6 CIF) is a joint initiative...

• [Call Announcement] Invitation – Technical Assistance program for SMEs from the Western Balkans

  WB6 CIF invites small and medium companies (SMEs) from Western Balkans Six (WB6) region to participate in Technical Assistance program for entering the European and global markets Western Balkans...

• EU to invest €13.5 billion in research and innovation for 2023-2024

  The Commission has adopted today the main Horizon Europe work programme 2023-24, with around €13.5 billion to support researchers and innovators in Europe to pursue breakthrough solutions for environmental...

• CEI Fund at EBRD supports youth entrepreneurship in Western Balkans

  Young entrepreneurs continue facing obstacles in accessing credit lines and expertise to grow their businesses, despite their potential for innovation. To address these market gaps and, therefore, provide...

• Pre-publication of Horizon Europe annual Work Programmes 2023-2024

  The funding opportunities available under Horizon Europe are defined every year in the corresponding annual work programme.  The work programmes for 2023-2024 have been pre-published. Pre-publication...

• Informal Call: Technical Assistance for project development / tech transfer activities

  The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is offering technical assistance (TA) to help teams from the Western Balkans (AL, BiH, KO, ME, MK, SR) develop cross-border cooperation project concepts, search...

• Economic Inclusion of Women Entrepreneurs During Covid-19 in Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina

  The EXPO 2022, project on Economic Inclusion of Women Entrepreneurs was organized by UNWOMEN, Association of Business Women in Serbia and Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry on October 6. The event...

• How POLICY ANSWERS provides and coordinates capacity building in the WB region

  An interview with Đuro Kutlača and Lazar Živković, Mihajlo Pupin Institute POLICY ANSWERS also provides and coordinates capacity building and pilot actions in the Western Balkans to contribute to the...

• What the Enlargement Package says on Enterprise and Industrial Policy

  The European Commission's "Enlargement package", adopted in October 2022, provides a detailed assessment of the state of play and the progress made by the Western Balkans and Türkiye on their respective...

• IT SPOT - a new platform for technology and ICT development in Montenegro

  Science and Technology Park Montenegro together with ICT Cortex and Montenegrin Telecom are announcing the development of the itspot.me portal, through which the activities of the Montenegrin ICT and ...

• 10 of the best innovation podcasts & Innovation newsletters, blogs & podcasts we’ll follow in 2022

  10 of the best innovation podcasts & Innovation newsletters, blogs & podcasts we’ll follow in 2022

• VIDEOS Published!: Horizon Europe benefits and NCP suppport for SMEs in the Western Balkans

  SMEs based in the Western Balkans are now eligible for EU funding under Horizon Europe, the EU's new research and innovation programme (2021-2027). With a €95.5 billion budget, Horizon Europe will provide...

• Empowering Montenegro by introducing innovation

  Innovation inspiration and investment - that's the motto of the newly formed startup program in Montenegro that is designed to help startups achieve greatness. They help founders solve problems typically...

• IEC Tehnopolis: The second cycle of the BoostMeUp pre-acceleration program has been succesfully completed

  BoostMeUp is the first pre-acceleration program in Montenegro intended for innovators, development teams in the early stages of an entrepreneurial venture, as well as entrepreneurs who intend to bring...

• Montenegrin start-ups at the Web Summit in Lisbon

  A second year in a row, the Capital City of Podgorica in cooperation with ICT Cortex organized a public call for support to the start-up community in the ICT sector. The aim of the Call was to provide...

• New guidelines for knowledge valorisation in research and innovation

  The aim to increase social and economic value from knowledge and transform data and research results into sustainable products and solutions On 9 August 2022 the European Commission adopted a proposal...

• Support for digital innovation hubs in Bosnia and Herzegovina: A bridge between innovation and business

  EU4DigitalSME project, which is jointly financed by the European Union and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of the Federal Republic of Germany (BMZ) focuses on establishing...

• Venture Capital investment fund invested 100.000,00 EUR in OREA BiH

  Fil Rouge Capital, a Venture Capital investment fund invested 100.000,00 EUR in OREA BiH This is the first investment by Fil Rouge Capital in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The primary goal of Fil Rouge Capital...

• [Call Announcement] DEADLINE EXTENSION : 2022 SAF€RA joint call for proposals

  The pre-proposal deadline for SAF€RA's 2022 call has been extended to September 22nd (from September 5th), by popular demand. See https://call.safera.eu/2022/ SAF€RA launched its seventh...

• [Call Announcement] The EIT Digital Challenge 2022 is on the lookout for the best European deep-tech scaleups: are you one of them?

  The EIT Digital Challenge, the leading competition for European digital deep tech companies, is now accepting applications. Fast-growing start-ups with existing customers - so called scaleups...

• [Call Announcement] “European Cluster Manager of the Year" and “European Cluster Partnership of the Year” Awards (DEADLINE 5 AUG)

  The “European Cluster Manager of the Year" and “European Cluster Partnership of the Year” Awards are organised by the European Commission with the support of the European Cluster Collaboration Platform...

• EIT reports about the improved position of the Western Balkans in its "Jumpstarter" initiative

  The EIT reports how the programme has seen a massive improvement in the Western Balkans (WB) compared to the past year in respect to its EIT Jumpstarter initiative on https://balkaninnovation.com/eit-...

• Horizon Europe participants to be supported developing IP strategies

  A new free-of-charge innovation advisory support service has been launched: Horizon IP Scan, a Horizon Results Platform partner. The service is specifically targeted for SMEs participating in Horizon...

• [Call Announcement] EUREKA launched a Danube region call for innovative projects

  Are you an organisation based in Albania or Montenegro? From today until 30 June, you can apply for #researchfunding through this bottom up call, with no thematic restrictions !

• [Event Announcement] EIT Awareness Day - Western Balkans

  Are you interested to hear more about EIT and KICs and see how you can get involved in numerous opportunities offered by the community?    

• Small and medium sized businesses at the heart of Horizon Europe

  Businesses can now get EU funding and support for innovation projects that will help them develop and expand into other countries – in Europe and beyond. The funding is available through the EU's Horizon...

• EIF and EIT sign agreement for closer collaboration

  The European Investment Fund (EIF) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate more closely and boost European innovation...

• InvestEU: Commission picks members of investment committee

  The European Commission has appointed 12 external experts as members of the investment committee of the InvestEU Fund for a term of four years.

• Strengthened EIT Regional Innovation Scheme Implementation Framework Adopted

  The EIT recently announced the adoption of its Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) Implementation Framework for 2022 - 2027.  

• EBRD’s Star Venture programme

  The EBRD’s Star Venture programme identifies high potential, innovative start-ups. The services provided include business advice and access to finance to strengthen their performance and accelerate...

• Biz Growth Design, a tailor-made programme for Albanian start-ups

  Biz Growth Design is powered by EU for Innovation and lead by Board of Innovation, a renowned international strategy and business design firm.

• Flexible Start-up Support | DURRËS is launched

  After successful completion of the Flexible Start-up Support – Vlora Edition, we are happy to announce the next city that will get support from this programme: Durrës! This is a call for applications...

• [Event Announcement] Mysteries unveiled: Innovation Procurement in practice

  September 30th, from 10.00 to 11.30, the European Commission’s Directorate General GROW will continue its webinar series on innovation procurement with a session dedicated to « Preliminary market...

• [Event Announcement] European Cases of Innovation Procurement – examples of the different procurement steps

  On 16 September, four European innovation experts will present their public procurement on Innovation projects, focusing on different aspects of innovation procurement.

• Greek and Irish National Competence Centers on Innovation Procurement present benefits of innovation procurement

  The Greek and the Irish National Competence Centers, members of the Procure2Innovate Network, presented the principles and the benefits of innovation procurement in the Conference of the Vice Rectors ...

• [Call Announcement] Job opening: Officer in Sustainable and Innovation Procurement

  The Sustainable Economy and Procurement team at ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability is looking to fill the position of a Sustainable and Innovation Procurement Officer at its European Secretariat...

• The BeSME project has accomplished "Pre-incubation" programmes for start-ups in Montenegro

  The fourteen (14) sessions of "Pre-incubation program for start-up" by BeSME project “Enhancement of business Environment and Competitiveness of the Private Sector of Montenegro”. The programme has been...

• [Event Announcement] Untold Stories Budapest

  Untold Stories Budapest is an annual event with a mission to create a learning and networking opportunity for startups. With a special focus on the CEE region, it connects founders from all over the world...

• The European Startup Network expands with 7 new members and engages with leading European decision makers

  On Tuesday 15 June 2021, the European Startup Network (ESN) held its General Assembly in Paris and welcomed 7 European startupassociations as new members, bringing the membership base to a total of 31...

• [Document Announcement] Startup cities in the entrepreneurial age

  Global venture capital is crushing records in 2021. Over €264bn has been invested in the first six months of the year, two unicorns have been created every day in 2021, 170 cities around the world now...

• STARTUP EUROPE NETWORK (Central and Eastern Europe, Western Balkans)

  The Startup Europe Network will launch an open call for membership soon. Interested ecosystem builders from the Western Balkan and Central Eastern Europe regions are welcomed to apply. Check their website...

• Startup Europe

  Startup Europe strengthens networking opportunities for deep tech scaleups and ecosystem builders to accelerate the growth of the European startup scene.

• InvestEU: EU programme to encourage investment

  InvestEU continues EU efforts to boost investment in Europe, support the recovery and prepare the economy for the future. MEPs approved the rules for the InvestEU programme for 2021...

• Preparing your business to take a step into emerging markets

  In the coming years, the economic outlook is expected to grow in emerging markets such as China, Indonesia, Mexico, Turkey and others. These markets will present interesting opportunities for European...

• [Call Announcement] Call for expressions of interest for International Network Partners of the Enterprise Europe Network is now open!

  This call aims at extending the Enterprise Europe Network to other global growth markets. Leading service-oriented business support organisations are invited to join the Enterprise Europe Network...

• [Event Announcement] Opportunity for European Companies looking at digitally enabling their business.

  Digital transformation is changing the way an organization operates. Systems, processes, workflow, and culture are all adapting, this transformation affects each level of an organization and brings together...

• [Event Announcement] Connect2Slovenia - International Matchmaking Event

  The Chamber of Craft and Small Business of Slovenia organise in cooperation with the Enterprise Europe Network to an International Matchmaking Event. The event will be organised in the scope of the 53nd...

• InvestEU Fund

  The InvestEU Fund starts in 2021. Following the launch of the InvestEU Programme, in addition to the EIB Group, a list of further implementing partners will be available on this website. InvestEU implementing...

• Financing products for innovative companies, research institutions/organisations or universities or other entities requesting direct financing by the EIB

  The InnovFin SME Guarantee Facility - managed by EIF - is, in addition to InnovFin Equity,  part of “InnovFin – EU Finance for Innovators”, an initiative launched by the European Commission ...

• Support for Innovation through the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans

  The main aim of the Economic and Investment Plan is to spur the long-term economic recovery of the region and foster regional economic integration. We want to support a green and digital transition in...

• Ongoing implementation of the Economic and Investment Plan in the Western Balkans

  Over €58O million in extra resources is being made available for further EU-supported infrastructure development in the Western Balkans region. The European Union, acting together with major international...

• [Call Announcement] Call for Albania-Montenegro cross-border projects

  The IPA Albania-Montenegro Cross-border Cooperation Programme has launched its third call for proposals. Through projects implemented under this call, the programme aims to strengthen good neighbourly...

• Commission reports on continued fulfilment of requirements by Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership countries

  On 04/08/2021 the Commission presented its 4th report on the monitoring of the EU visa-free regime with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, as well as Georgia...

• [Document Announcement] Competitiveness in South East Europe 2021

    Competitiveness in South East Europe 2021 A Policy Outlook The future sustainable economic development and well-being of citizens in South East Europe depend on greater economic...

• Western Balkans Summit – Private sector and WB6 CIF as its representative recognized as important partner

  Seven years after the first Berlin Western Balkans Summit in 2014, the Summit Meeting on the Western Balkans in the framework of the Berlin Process that was held on 5 July 2021, recognized the importance...

• [Event Announcement] Conference and online B2B meetings “Construction and Infrastructure in the Western Balkans 6”

  The Western Balkans 6 Chamber Investment Forum (WB6 CIF) within the project „EU support to the WB6 CIF“, together with Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina in cooperation with chambers in the...

• [Event Review] ECONOMIC FORUM ON REGIONAL COOPERATION

  The Union of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Albania, the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia jointly invited to the Economic Forum on Regional ...

• Financing and support for Western Balkans SMEs

  The Western Balkans Enterprise Development & Innovation Facility (WB EDIF) funded by the EU, offers different types of financing and support to accompany and help SMEs throughout all stages...

• Event review: 1st Western Balkans Enterprise Development and Innovation Facility (WB EDIF) Business Forum

  On 25 June 2021, the Western Balkans Enterprise Development and Innovation Facility (WB EDIF) held its first virtual Business Forum. The event was organized by the Enterprise Europe Network and supported...

• [Event review] - 1st Western Balkans Enterprise Development and Innovation Facility (WB EDIF) Business Forum

  On 25 June 2021, the Western Balkans Enterprise Development and Innovation Facility (WB EDIF) held its first virtual Business Forum. The event was organized by the Enterprise Europe Network and supported...

• Joint EIT Community Call for Higher Education Institutions to boost the circular economy in Western Balkans

  EIT Community joins forces to foster the transition to a more green and circular economy in Western Balkans  

• [Call Announcement] SME Transform Call Invitation

  EIT Manufacturing announces over 1 M€ in financial support as well as dedicated expert support for SME transformation projects.

• EIT launches its Strategic Innovation Agenda for 2021-2027

  On 14 June 2021, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) officially launched its Strategic Innovation Agenda (SIA) for 2021-2027. With an enhanced mandate for the coming years and a ...

• Creating new jobs: EU4Business supports ambitions of entrepreneurs from Bosnia and Herzegovina

  Thirty-five small and medium-sized agri-food producers from Bosnia and Herzegovina were supported through EU4Business project, financed by European Union and the Federal Republic of Germany, contributing...

• Women’s Entrepreneurship Expo to boost hundreds of businesses across Europe and Central Asia

  UN Women’s first regional “Women’s Entrepreneurship Expo” in Europe and Central Asia will be held virtually with the participation of hundreds of women entrepreneurs from 12 countries. The Expo aims to...

• Commissioner Gabriel meets European Women in Venture Capital Group to support female innovators

  Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, met with the European Women in Venture Capital Group, a community of women investors who seek to build an active...

• [Document Announcement] Final report available - Benchmarking of innovation procurement investments and policy frameworks across Europe

  Want to know how much the public sector in your country invests in adopting innovations and in which sectors they invest most (health, ICT..)? Keen to find out if your country has an action plan, target...

• First Big Conference on Solar Energy in Serbia – everything is set for solar boom

  The proposed Law on Renewable Energy Sources will finally create the conditions for Serbia to use its solar energy potential, attract investments, reduce environmental pollution and enable citizens and...

• From unemployed women to successful BiH entrepreneurs

  Having a decent job and making a living from work is an unfulfilled dream for many women in small communities across Bosnia and Herzegovina, but this story is somewhat different. It is a story about a...

• EBRD and EU support SME competitiveness in Serbia

  EBRD €20 million loan for lending to SMEs, with 50 per cent for green investments Added EU-funded cashback incentive for SMEs worth 15 per cent of the loan amount Collaborating to build a green...

• Location, location, location: How spatial planning can accelerate the renewable energy transition in Southeast Europe

  To accelerate renewables deployment in Southeast Europe, governments and industry should work with environmental NGOs and local communities from the get-go. The latest report by Energy Institute Hrvoje...

• Commission opens first European Innovation Council calls worth €1 billion

  Following the launch of the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the announcement of the first funding opportunities, today the Commission opened the first EIC Accelerator calls. The funding worth over...

• We need more women talents for better science, research and innovation

  Concrete example of how we are addressing gender stereotypes is the project ‘Nobel Run’.

• [Call Announcement] The European Capital of Innovation Awards

  An annual recognition prize awarded to the European cities that best promote innovation in their communities

• [Call Announcement] EU Prize for Women Innovators

  This prize celebrates the women entrepreneurs behind Europe’s game-changing innovations.

• [Event Announcement] EIT Culture & Creativity - Webinar on new innovation opportunities

  21 April 14:00 - 15:30. Do you want to join Europe’s largest innovation network? A new opportunity for Cultural & Creative Sectors and Industries stakeholders is on the EIT horizon!

• COVID online presence: more risks for children and more digital skills for parents to mitigate them

  Children learning remotely  report that they face negative online content on average more often than before the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a recent JRC report, part of the "Kids' Digital lives...

• COST at Online MSCA “EU-Western Balkans” Seminar

  This week’s online seminar organised by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme looked at providing networking possibilities for organisations from the Western Balkan countries and the EU ...

• EIT Stakeholder Forum 2020 results published

  The results of the EIT Stakeholder Forum 2020 were published today in a report ‘Making Innovation Happen for a Strong and Resilient Europe’.

• [Project Announcement] EU4Tech PoC

  The EU4Tech PoC WB project offers support to 40+ promising technology based projects from the Western Balkans at the ‘Proof of Concept Stage’. We offer hands on assistance from experts and mentors to ...

• EU to launch new support scheme for women in deep tech and call for mentors

  On International Women’s Day, the Commission announced a new initiative called ‘Women TechEU’ to support women leading deep tech start-ups in Europe, and help grow their companies into tomorrow’s deep...

• Women in green business need financial stimulus to show their real strength

  Female entrepreneurship is expanding in Serbia due to its boldness, persistence and creativity, while the state and financial institutions mostly don’t recognize its potential. Furthermore, many female...

• The Western Balkans in 2035: The future in four scenarios

  COVID-19 has caused major disruptions to the Western Balkan economies and the consequences are evident in all parts of society. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are struggling hard and looking...

• EU to set up new European Partnerships

  On 23 February 2021, the Commission published a proposal to set up 10 new European Partnerships between the European Union, Member States and/or industry. The partnerships aim to improve and accelerate...

• Watch the Science|Business conference videos here

  The Horizon Europe start, a new international research strategy,  EU Presidency plans, epidemic preparedness and more from 3 commissioners, 2 ministers, and many others... all in Science|Business...

• KeepWarm: Supporting modernisation of district heating systems in Central and Eastern Europe

  The KeepWarm project, funded under H2020 Energy Efficiency, worked to accelerate investments to retrofit existing inefficient heat networks, improve system operations, and switch to renewable energy and...

• [Document Announcement] The design and implementation of mission-oriented innovation policies

  A new systemic policy approach to address societal challenges

• Innovation Fund approved another EUR 5.3 million for innovation development

  The Innovation Fund approved EUR 5.3 million in grants to finance 35 projects through a public call for the Mini Grants Program and the Matching Grants Program.

• [Call Announcement] Innovation Procurement Broker: Creating Links for the Facilitation of Public Procurement of Innovation

  This COSME call for proposals will support beneficiaries, who will act as Innovation Procurement Brokers, to develop and implement a sustainable method for facilitating public procurement of innovation...

• [Call Announcement] Regional Challenge Fund (RCF):1st call for Expression of Interest to support investments in cooperative training projects

  The Regional Challenge Fund (RCF) is announcing the 1st call for Expression of Interest to support investments in cooperative training projects which is open for applications from the six Western Balkans...

• Impacts of EU funded Pre-Commercial Procurements

  Interested in the impacts achieved by pre-commercial procurements (PCPs) funded by the EU's research and innovation program? Check out new data about the link between PCP and venture capital and its impact...

• Benchmarking of national innovation procurement investments and policy frameworks across Europe

  Want to know how much the public sector in your country invests in adopting innovations compared to others, and in which sectors they invest most (health, ICT..)? Keen to find out if your country has ...

• [Event Announcement] Webinar on Innovation procurement

• Ongoing Green Public Procurement Projects with participation from the Western Balkans

  There are few Green Public Procurement Projects with WB participation (based on https://ec.europa.eu/environment/gpp/projects_en.htm). These are following:

• Why did Greece decide to establish a national competence centre for innovation procurement?

  Interview with Anastasia Zacharopoulou, Greek Competence Centre for Innovation Procurement

• WEBINAR – Opportunities to tackle the COVID-19 Crisis through Innovation Procurement

  A 1-hour webinar for European public buyers offered through European Assistance for Innovation Procurement (eafip) was held on 3 April 2020. This one-hour webinar provided guidance to public buyers...

• [Document Announcement] Commission Notice: Guidance on Innovation Procurement

  Adopted in the context of the Communication on “A renewed European Agenda for Research and Innovation –Europe’s chance to shape its technological leadership” and the input to the Leaders’ informal dinner...

• Innovative use of data in public procurement involving EU funds

  The European Commission, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Open Contracting Partnership are joining forces to improve the quality and transparency of public tenders co...

• [Document Announcement] Innovation Procurement - The power of the public purse

  This brochure provides an overview of projects that are focusing on innovation procurement in the ICT domain funded by the EU's research and innovation funding programs FP7, CIP and Horizon 2020. This...

• WBC opportunity in EIT Digital Venture Program

  "Dare the unexpected"

• [Event Announcement] OECD Science, Technology and Innovation Outlook 2021 - Insights for EU policy debates

• RCC launches FUTOURISMO, regional competition to boost tourism in the Western Balkans

• Taking wing: new features of fully-fledged EIC revealed in leaked draft

  As the European Innovation Council emerges from pilot mode, SMEs and researchers will be in line for a new type of funding for translating EU-funded research into products and more top-down, targeted ...

• [Call Announcement] CERIC Call for Proposals now OPEN

• Energy Agencies – key drivers for the energy transition

  As energy agencies evolve and respond to their fast changing environment, they need to build new skills and strategies to scale up and speed up action. ManagEnergy is a key enabler for energy agencies...

• The BodenType Data Centre Project - Demonstrating a nearly perfect Power Usage Effectiveness

  The BodenType Data Centre project has designed one of the most energy efficient conventional data centres in the world.

• JRC: Creativity – how to assess and foster this key skill for the 21st century

  Recent studies and practice show that creativity is increasingly relevant and valuable in all disciplines and occupations.

• JRC: Supporting new EU businesses could protect over 3.5M jobs in the coming decade, JRC analysis shows

  The disruption to new businesses caused by the coronavirus pandemic will have a big and lasting impact on job growth in the EU, according to JRC projections.

• EIC-EIT: working closer together for Europe's innovators

  The European Commission has announced today the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding between the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT...

• [Call Announcement] Call for proposals for SME Innovation Projects

  Maximizing impact of the EU Funds for the Balkans' economy  Cut-off dates 01. April, 01. June and 01. October 2021 Grant only between €0.5 million and €2.5 million (funding rate 70%)&...

• Katerina Trajchevska Named “Entrepreneur of the Year” at the Prestigious Payoneer 2020 Entrepreneurship Awards

  Katerina Trajchevska, Women in Tech Ambassador for North-Macedonia, has been named “Entrepreneur of the Year” at the Payoneer 2020 Entrepreneurship Awards, an event that celebrates business success...

• [Call Announcement] Women in Energy Kosovo*

  The Women Energy Entrepreneurs Program combines technical assistance with investment grants for the growth of women owned businesses in Kosovo* through efficient energy use.

• OECD’s Science and Technology Innovation 2021 report was published today: COVID-19 triggered unprecedented collaboration in research

  The pandemic has both spurred on and demonstrated the value of open science, but has also exposed gaps in science policy. Now is a good time for reform, says OECD.

• WB Success Stories: Hub for exchange of music innovation in Central and South-eastern Europe

  HEMI aims to provide expertise, consultancy and offer training modules to music professionals in each country of CSEE region, answering to the current and future needs of the sector in the region but ...

• EU budget: European Commission welcomes agreement on €1.8 trillion package to help build greener, more digital and more resilient Europe

  The European Commission has today welcomed the agreement between the European Parliament and EU Member States in the Council on Europe's next long-term budget and NextGenerationEU, the temporary recovery...

• Towards a more dynamic, resilient and competitive European industry: Council adopts conclusions

  The Council adopted a set of conclusions setting out how recovery from the COVID-19 crisis can be used as leverage for a more dynamic, resilient and competitive European industry.

• [Event Announcement] Small is beautiful: How can the Innovation Fund foster innovative clean tech small-scale projects?

  With its around €10 billion of support over 2020-2030, the Innovation Fund is one of the world’s largest funding programmes for the demonstration of innovative low-carbon technologies, aiming to bring...

• 2020 EC-OECD Innovation and Growth Webinar Series

  After 4 exciting events under the umbrella of our 2020 EC-OECD Innovation and Growth Webinar Series, we now raise your attention to the 3 final webinars:  

• RISE Supports 137 Young Entrepreneurs in the Western Balkans

  The RISE project selected 137 young entrepreneurs gathered in 46 teams coming from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia to develop their social business ideas...

• RISE Publishes Regional Study and Guidelines on Social Entrepreneurship in the Western Balkans

  Developed and conducted by the two researchers, Teo Petricevic and Jelena Andjelic, and coordinated by the RISE consortium, the Regional Study and Guidelines on Social Entrepreneurship in the Western ...

• [Call Announcement] 20 New Internship Positions Available for Women in Energy

  Millennium Foundation Kosovo (MFK) has launched the second cohort of paid internship positions for women in the energy sector. 20 more internships are now available all across Kosovo and are calling for...

• Digital transformation and connectivity key for Western Balkans

  Participants in the third Western Balkan Digital Summit currently taking place online from 26 to 28 October and hosted by the government of Albania, have highlighted the importance of digital transformation...

• EC-OECD innovation and growth webinars

  The Directorate-General for Research and Innovation of the European Commission is organizing together with the OECD Science, Technology and Innovation Directorate a webinar series on innovation and...

• ATTRACT online conference report: Igniting the deep tech revolution

  On 22-23 September 2020, the EU’s ATTRACT project brought its innovation ecosystem together for an online conference. The goal: To help ideas in deep tech get out of the lab and into the marketplace.

• JRC: Science for policy in the Western Balkans

  The JRC has a long history of cooperation in the Western Balkans. The Commission moved one step closer to a formal innovation agenda with the region this month, as it launched an Economic and Investment...

• [Event Announcement] European Green Deal Social Sciences and Humanities virtual Brokerage event

  This virtual international Information Day and Brokerage Event will highlight research topics under the European Green Deal Call with a relevance of the Social Sciences and Humanities.

• Do tax breaks for R&D actually work? Belgium and Portugal: yes. France: less so, OECD study finds

  For years, governments have been dishing out tax breaks to induce companies to invest in research and development – but does it work? Yes, in Belgium and Portugal; not so much in France, according...

• EU’s two innovation agencies to integrate and streamline services for start-ups

  After signing letter of intent, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology and the European Innovation Council are scoping how they can cooperate to de-risk investment in start-ups, providing...

• EU Code Week 2020 kicks off to promote skills for the digital future

  The 8th edition of the European Code Week, a grass-roots initiative supported by the European Commission, which aims to make everyone familiar with coding and digital technologies in an entertaining...

• [Call Announcement] Clusters Go International 2020 call for proposals

  The fourth call for proposals under the European Commission's Clusters Go International programme is now open - with a total of €7.5 million of funding available.

• Report on innovation ecosystem for the future of Europe published

  On 29 September 2020, the European Commission has published the results of a stakeholder consultation titled "A Robust Innovation Ecosystem for the Future of Europe". The report takes stock of the outcome...

• Achieving a European Education Area by 2025 and resetting education and training for the digital age

  The Commission adopted two initiatives that will strengthen the contribution of education and training to the EU's recovery from the coronavirus crisis, and help build a green and digital Europe. Setting...

• A new European Research Area: Commission sets new plan to support green and digital transition and EU recovery

  The European Commission adopted a Communication on a new European Research Area for Research and Innovation. Based on excellence, competitive, open and talent-driven, the new European Research Area will...

• Announcement of Ljubljana Forum city creation process - 2020 towards 2021

  Ljubljana Forum connects over 1.200 international stakeholders involved in urban development, between them mayors and city leaders, the European Investment Bank and representatives of the industry that...

• New book: New agile enterprises aim to bridge innovation gap

  A new breed of innovation advisors could help companies test their ideas in large research labs across Europe.

• European Research and Innovation Days 2020 bring together over 35 000 participants online

  The European Commission has brought together thousands of policymakers, researchers, innovators, businesspeople and citizens in a unique digital event on the future of research and innovation.

• [Event review] Towards an innovation agenda for the Western Balkans

  On September 24, 2020, Western Balkan Ministers and high level panelists from the region took part in the European Research and Innovation Days to discuss the region’s priorities in research and innovation...

• Leuven named the 2020 European capital of innovation

  Leuven, Belgium, has been named the 2020 European Capital of Innovation for its use of innovation to improve residents’ lives.

• European Research and Innovation Days: Towards an innovation agenda for the WESTERN BALKANS

  The session Towards an innovation agenda for the WESTERN BALKANS has been organised within the European Research and Innovation Days on 24 September 2020. Moderator: Sanja Damjanovic, Minister of Science...

• Widening 2.0: Commission’s latest plan to close east-west innovation gap with the replicate possibility in Western Balkans

  Research commissioner Mariya Gabriel announces new push to coordinate with national policies and help EU13 countries boost their R&D performance.

• Commitment to ensure ‘systematic and structural cooperation’ between the EIC and the EIT

  A Letter of Intent was signed today setting out a common objective between the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology’s first  Knowledge and Innovation...

• EU to launch innovation forum as part of Horizon Europe

  A new platform will bring together universities, industry and policymakers to find ways to promote and better regulate innovation, the European Commission announced at the EU Research and Innovation Days...

• European Research and Innovation Days: Co-creating the European Research Area with the next three presidencies

  Session on Co-creating the European Research Area with the next three presidencies took place on 23 September 2020. Moderator: Anna Panagopoulou, Director of the Common Implementation Centre, European...

• EU Prize for Women Innovators 2020: And the winners are...

  Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, revealed today the four winners of this year’s edition of the EU Prize for Women Innovators. The prize is funded under...

• European Research and Innovation Days: R&I geopolitical outreach through association

  Today, the session on R&I geopolitical outreach through association has taken place within the European Research and Innovation Days 2020. The session has involved also Ms. Sanja Damjanovic, Minister...

• European Research and Innovation Days: Europe’s flagship event on the future of research and innovation starts today

  The European Research and Innovation Days, Europe’s annual flagship event on the future of research and innovation are starting today and will take place online until 24 September. This year’s event will...

• Commission to launch ‘ERA hubs’ to boost regional innovation

  The European Commission is working on plan to give the regions more sway in research and innovation, and better access to the results.

• Europe’s First “Greenathon”: Hacking the European Green Deal: Applications are now open!

  Applications are open until 28 September 2020. 

• [Event Announcement] European Research and Innovation Days Session: ‘‘Towards an innovation agenda for the Western Balkans”

  Date: 24 September 2020, 10.00 The Western Balkans are a strategic priority for the European Commission. The EU has increased its efforts to boost the economic growth and support reforms required for...

• [Call Announcement] RISE Open Call to Support Young Social Entrepreneurs

  The RISE project is launching its open call for applications for young entrepreneurs from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia to develop their social business...

• RISE: Info Sessions for Young Entrepreneurs

  RISE (Regional Incubator for Social Entrepreneurs) aims to enrich the Western Balkan social entrepreneurship ecosystem and enable young people to develop innovative societal solutions thus contributing...

• EU Ambassador Sattler opened the Centre for Entrepreneurship in Sarajevo

  The Head of the EU Delegation to BiH and EU Special Representative Ambassador Johann Sattler has officially opened the Centre for Excellence in Entrepreneurship in Sarajevo at a ribbon-cutting ceremony...

• EU4Business Entrepreneurship Success Stories: Ajla Kasapović Launched a Platform for Restaurant Booking

  We proudly present an entrepreneur Ajla Kasapović and her restaurant booking platform meetnmeat.com, created within the EU4Business project. Ajla graduated from the catering and tourism high school. After...

• Serbia: Magic is in the Teachers’ Hands Competition

  Play online game about Prince Marko, hear news from Ancient Rome news agency, attend a short online course about Branislav Nušić or a course in one of his works, or learn more about nuclear reactors.

• Montenegro is for the first time on European Innovation Scoreboard

  For the first time, Montenegro is on the European Innovation Scoreboard this year. The European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS) provides a comparative analysis of the impact of innovation in the countries...

• The Parliament of Montenegro passes two reform laws in the field of innovation and technological development

  The Proposal for a Law on Innovation Activities and the Proposal for a Law on Incentives for Research and Innovation Development were adopted by the Government of Montenegro on 23 July, only to be passed...

• [Call Announcement] Two extraordinary Erasmus+ calls for proposals

  Two extraordinary Erasmus+ calls for proposals were launched on 25 August 2020 to support digital education readiness and creative skills. The calls each provide €100 million to respond to the coronavirus...

• [Call Announcement] Visegrad Fund Grants

  With grants, we seek to advance innovative ideas that address shared challenges by high quality regional cooperation projects. Whether you are pursuing arts, work with vulnerable groups or focus on innovative...

• [Event Announcement] EIT Digital Anniversary, 29 October - Save the Date

  Celebrate 10 years of impactful digital innovation. Enjoy the vision of Makers and Shapers for a strong digital Europe. Discover the potential of technical excellence and entrepreneurial skills. ...

• An Interactive OnLine Platform for students and Practitioners of Social Work in Serbia and the wider region

  FPN KonekTaS is an interactive online platform that brings together practitioners, teachers and students of social work and social policy in Serbia to share new theoretical and practical knowledge, professional...

• [Call Announcement] PhD opportunities at IICRR announced

  Three PhD scholarships have been announced at DCU’s IICRR, following the award of a €3.9 million grant from the EU for a European Training Network (ETN) project called MARKETS.

• Creative caravan – developing entrepreneurial ecosystem

  Putting together creative ideas from young people and the work done by dedicated entrepreneurs who are constantly working to improve their business is bound to yield results. Creativity and proactivity...

• [Document Announcement] Regional Risks for Doing Business 2019

  The Regional Risks for Doing Business report offers a business perspective on the impact of global risks and illustrates how they are experienced differently across regions. In an increasingly complex...

• RISE: Launching of Programme for Young Entrepreneurs to Change Western Balkans

  The RISE project will support over 200 young entrepreneurs from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia to develop their social business ideas. Through a series...

• How to make open science work

  Viewpoint: The success of open science depends on protecting academic data from commercial exploitation

• Competences for life: the skills you need to cope with complexity

  People who nurture certain personal, social and learning skills will be better prepared to face the challenges of today’s society and grasp the opportunities that change brings.

• [Document Announcement] Can R&I save the day?

  While research and innovation (R&I) are at the core of the response to the pandemic itself in the areas of virology, vaccines development, treatments and diagnostics, it will be crucial also in the...

• Why Europe Needs Frugal Innovation

  Communication from Erasmus University Rotterdam Research and innovation are at the core of Europe’s economy and vital for a sustainable society. Europe is renowned for its excellent scientific and...

• The EIT Digital Venture Program attracts more and more entrepreneurs

  More than 300 entrepreneurial teams from over 20 European countries applied to the 2020 edition of the EIT Digital Venture Program, resulting in 33 winning teams. Program’s perks include up to €25,000...

• Austria takes over the Chairmanship of Eureka Network 2020/2021

  Eureka, the world’s biggest public network for international cooperation in R&D and innovation is celebrating its 35th anniversary. Austria, as one of the founding members of Eureka now takes over...

• The EIT: A strong track record of delivery in the Western Balkans

  Since 2018 the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has built and strengthened its core role as Europe’s well-established one-stop-shop for innovation and is becoming a global innovation...

• Innovation and local tourism key to re-design Europe’s cultural and creative cities

  European cities with a high share of cultural and creative jobs are particularly exposed to the economic impacts of the coronavirus crisis, according to a new JRC report.

• An official entity: European Innovation Council Equity Fund for high-impact innovation

  The EIC Fund, which will provide equity from €0.5m to €15m to breakthrough innovation companies selected for EIC Accelerator blended finance support (grant and equity), has become an official entity...

• Western Balkans in the EU Innovation Scoreboard

  The recently published European Innovation Scoreboard 2020 provides a comprehensive and comparative analysis of innovation performance in EU countries, other European countries, and regional neighbors...

• New report on funding landscape for women-driven businesses published

  On 29 June 2020, a new report on “Funding women entrepreneurs: How to empower growth” was published. The report was prepared jointly by the  EIB and European Commission and provides a market overview...

• NTP Science and Technology Park – Montenegro's biggest investment in Innovation

  The Science and Technology Park (NTP), an investment worth 12m euros, will have the task of generating the necessary energy and being a gathering place for scientists and researchers and technology-oriented...

• European Innovation Scoreboard 2020: EU's innovation is increasing

  The Commission released the European Innovation Scoreboard 2020, which shows that Europe's innovation performance continues to improve across the EU, surpassingfor the second year the United States. However...

• Commission updates Horizon 2020 Work Programme to support coronavirus research and innovation

  The Commission is delivering on its pledge to invest €1 billion from the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme into coronavirus research and innovation, made at the launch of the Coronavirus Global Response initiative...

• Trio-presidency programme of the Council has been published

  Germany, Portugal and Slovenia presented their joint EU presidency programme for the next 18 months on Tuesday (16 June), seeking to focus primarily on social recovery in the wake of the pandemic.

• ECCP survey identifies key needs for SMEs to meet COVID-19 challenges

  Three key areas where European SMEs need help to counter the impact of the COVID-19 crisis have been identified by a European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP) survey.

• ENTRENOVA 2020 NEws: Venue and Call for Papers Deadline Extended

  The conference will be organized as planned, in the beautiful Mediterranean Institute for Life Sciences, located beneath the Marjan Park. Besides the current situation, more than 160 authors with 80 papers...

• “It is time for reinvention”: Interview with "Startup Macedonia"’s co-founder and Balkans super-connector, Nina Nikolikj

  Being a hidden gem in the startup and tech world for a while now, it’s about time that the Balkan region gets greater recognition for the evermore prominent role it’s playing in the European startup ecosystem...

• Out of the total Number of Bosnian Enterprises, 35.6 Percent introduced One Innovation

  Agency for statistic of Bosnia and Herzegovina is publishing data on innovation activity of enterprises referring to the period 2016-2018, obtained through the biennial survey on innovation activities...

• EIB Group to contribute €1.7 billion to the EU's Covid-19 response package for the Western Balkans

  Contribution by the EU bank is part of the EU support package for the Western Balkans worth €3.3 billion To provide long-term support, the EIB is building a pipeline of projects worth €2.3 billion...

• OECD overview of the COVID-19 crisis in the Western Balkans

  The OECD has been working with South East Europe (SEE) since 2000 to ensure peace, stability and prosperity in a region weakened by conflict, but endowed with rich resources and dynamism. Governments, ...

• [Document Announcement] THE COVID-19 CRISIS IN THE WESTERN BALKANS: Economic impact, policy responses, and short-term sustainable solutions

  The COVID-19 pandemic hit the six Western Balkans1(WB6) amidst a reacceleration of economic activity and promising economic outlook for 2020 (EC, 2020). With the rapid spreading of the coronavirus in ...

• Regional innovation fund could trigger economic recovery of the Western Balkans

  Following the first Meeting of the Leadership Group (LG) and the kick-off of the Western Balkans Competitiveness and Innovation Accelerator held in Tirana late February, the World Economic Forum (WEF) ...

• Albania seeks to address barriers via a comprehensive Startup & Innovation Program

  Startup Nations member Florensa Haxhi, Director General, Development Programs and Cooperation Unit, from the Albanian Prime Minister's Office, shared information about the barriers to entrepreneurship...

• WB6 Chamber Investment Forum welcomes EU support to the Western Balkans

  President of the WB6 Chamber Investment Forum Marko Čadež thanked the EU Commission for the announced immediate support of up to €38 million for the Western Balkans to tackle the health emergency and ...

• [Call Announcement] STARTUP3 Open Call

  STARTUP3 Business and Growth Programme aims to build an ecosystem where cluster SMEs, technology SMEs, market-oriented researchers, deep tech ventures, individual innovators/researchers with innovative...

• EU mobilises immediate support for its Western Balkan partners to tackle coronavirus

  As part of the global response to the coronavirus outbreak, the European Commission has announced up to €38 million in immediate support for the Western Balkans to tackle the health emergency caused by...

• European Innovation Council pilot: €344 million to 107 visionary ideas of start-ups, SMEs and researchers

  The European Commission has announced the latest results of the European Innovation Council (EIC) pilot. Over 100 game-changing ideas from across Europe are on track to receive EIC support totalling €...

• [Document Announcement] European Court of Auditors publishes report on SME Instrument

  On 22 January 2020, the European Court of Auditors published a new report on the SME Instrument. The SME Instrument was launched as part of Horizon 2020 in 2014 to support innovation in small and...

• [Call Announcement] INNOWWIDE - 2nd Call for Viability Assessment Projects (VAPs)

  INNOWWIDE – Viability assessment of collaborative and INNOvative business solutions in WorldWIDE markets, is a Horizon 2020 project that aims to fund at least 120 European innovative SMEs and start-ups...

• 2,5 million Euros of European Union’s support for WB6 economies – a Grant Contract signed in Tirana

  Thanks to the European Union and a Grant Contract that was signed in Tirana, more than 1,200 small and medium companies from all six Western Balkan economies will receive concrete support in the next ...

• [Document Announcement] SME Performance Review

  The SME performance review is one of the main tools the European Commission uses to monitor and assess countries' progress in implementing the Small Business Act (SBA) on a yearly basis. With an emphasis...

• Self-assessment system for enterprises

  SME Innoboost provides for the development of data, tools and a system for enhancing the innovation potential and competitiveness of SMEs in the Balkan region in order to contribute to smart and sustainable...

• How to apply for IPARD funding for your farm, food processing or rural business development

  To get funding under IPARD, an application needs to be sent to the national IPARD agency.

• Instrument for pre-accession assistance for rural development (IPARD)

  Part of the instrument for pre-accession assistance (IPA), designed to support reforms in countries in the process of joining the EU, IPA  rural development programmes (IPARD) focuse on rural areas...

• Registration for 2019 EU Industry Days open

  EU flagship event on industrial policy in February 2019

• Policy learning platform in Interreg Europe

  Learning workshop in Sofia

• Joint Declaration reinforcing the Central and Eastern European/Western Balkans technological entrepreneurship ecosystem

  New declaration signed during Startup Europe Summit

• Western Balkans Economic Report published by the World Bank

  The World Bank's most recent report on the Western Balkans economies includes research and innovation as well as broader economic trends

• Austria supports Kosovo in improving its system of innovation

  On 20 September 2018, the HERAS project, which is funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation, organised in cooperation with the Kosovan Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) a conference...

• Competitiveness and Innovation in the Western Balkans: Interview with Jakob Fexer (OECD)

  Mr. Jakob Fexer is a Project Manager in the OECD South East Europe (SEE) regional programme which recently released the OECD flagship publication Competitiveness in South East Europe: A Policy Outlook...

• [Call Announcement] The Ministry of Science of Montenegro published a Call for awarding grants for innovative projects

  The Call total amount is EUR 1,000,000 allocated for grants for innovative projects (hereinafter: projects).

• Support for start-ups in Montenegro

  On 21 June 2018, the Horizon 2020 Policy Support Facility (PSF) Specific Support to Montenegro kick started in Brussels, Belgium. The Montenegrin government has asked for policy advice in building a friendlier...

• European Commission launches Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans

  At the Digital Assembly in Sofia - Bulgaria (25th June 2018), the European Commission has launched the Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans.

• [Event Announcement] Webinar: Basic IP Toolkit for SMEs – Hacks and Common Pitfalls

  In order to raise awareness regarding IP in SMEs day-to-day activities, we need to understand their problems and connect them with useful information regarding IP rights. This webinar  on June, 6...

• [Event Announcement & Call for papers] Entrenova 2018 : ENTerprise REsearch InNOVAtion Conference, Split, 6-8 September 2018

  ENTRENOVA Conference (ENTerprise REsearch InNOVAtion Conference) is a multi-disciplinary conference dedicated to examining, comprehending and discussion of the economic, management, organisational, marketing...

• [Call for Applications] Call For Good Practice In Training For Internationalisation Of SMES

  The ETF is seeking applications from training providers that have established a good practice in training for the internationalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises.

• [Call announcement] Call for good practice in training for internationalisation of SMES

  The European Training Foundation (ETF) is seeking applications from training providers that have established a good practice in training for the internationalisation of small and medium-size enterprises...

• Latest SME Instrument results: European Commission to invest €8.9 million in 184 innovative businesses

  184 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from 28 countries have been selected for funding in the latest round of the Horizon 2020 SME Instrument.

• Horizon 2020 SME Innovation Associate for Researchers

  Under 'Horizon 2020', the European Union's Research and Innovation Programme, a new funding will support 90 SMEs or start-ups hire a researcher as the brain who will bring their brilliant idea to life...

• [Call for participation] Entrepreneurial innovation in the IPA Adriatic area - Take part in the online survey

  This survey has been prepared in order to assess the present status of accellerators and incubators in the IPA Adriatic area and the results will contribute in drawing up of a common...

• EU/EBRD SME Competitiveness Support Facility: Helping SMEs in Bosnia and Herzegovina meet EU standards

  This EU/EBRD SME Competitiveness Support Facility is expected to provide financing of €20 million through three local partner banks and is complemented by EU grant funds to cover consultancy costs and...

• Western Balkans Joins the European Open Science Agenda

  Seven Western Balkans’ economies joined the European Union (EU) family in pursuing the EU Open Science Agenda at the Open Data and Access in Science meeting organised by the Regional Cooperation Council...