The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and EU4Innovation officially launched the first EIT Community Hub in Albania on February 10, 2025, at the Europe House in Tirana.
This initiative, supported by the EU, BMZ, and SIDA and implemented by GIZ and SIDA, connects Albania’s innovators to Europe’s largest innovation ecosystem and fosters collaboration across academia, industry, and government.
High-level officials, including EU Delegation Head of Cooperation Mr. Hubert Perr and EIT Director Mr. Martin Kern, emphasized the hub’s role in bridging Albanian and European innovation ecosystems.
Mr. Hubert Perr highlighted its potential to address brain drain by enhancing education and skills development, while Mr. Martin Kern underscored its focus on engaging local participants in EIT Community activities.
Mr. Iven Schad, Head of German Development Cooperation invited “Albanian innovators to exchange with Germany’s EIT network, fostering cross-border cooperation and shared knowledge.”
Dr. Sonja Kurz, GIZ Albania Country Director said that the hub will scout Albania’s most promising talent, channeling them into EIT programs, focusing on women-led start-ups and sustainable growth.
The EIT Community Hub, part of the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS), will provide centralized access to education, funding, and policy support while promoting Albania’s integration into Europe’s innovation landscape.
The launch event continued with an info session, featuring panel discussions with representatives from EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) in the sectors of Food, InnoEnergy, Health, Urban Mobility, Manufacturing, and Raw Materials.
The dialogue continued with a regional perspective through the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) Hubs panel, which brought together voices from Albania, Croatia, North Macedonia, and Montenegro and the EIT National Contact Points.
The day concluded with valuable insights from the EIT Beneficiaries in Albania, highlighting the tangible impact of EIT’s presence in Albania. This new hub, representing all of EIT’s KICs, will serve as a one-stop shop for local talent and entrepreneurs to benefit from the EIT Community’s education, business creation, and innovation opportunities.
