As of January 2025, the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) Network has expanded to include new hubs across the Western Balkans.
The expansion of the network is part of the EU’s broader Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, aimed at helping the region integrate with the EU Digital Single Market. By joining the EDIH Network, beneficiaries in the Enlargement region gain early access to digital tools, knowledge-sharing platforms, and funding opportunities even before formal EU accession. The benefits will be tangible, especially for SMEs, startups, and public institutions striving for digital and green transformation.
“We are helping both public institutions and businesses to use digital tools that solve real problems like streamlining services for reaching new markets. We are making it easier for them to connect and work across the borders, just like the digital single market is meant to do.” says Prof.Dr. Slavica Tomović, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering of the University of Montenegro. This development marks an important step for the European Union’s digital transformation efforts in the Enlargement region and opens exciting new opportunities for local businesses, public institutions, and startups to become part of Europe’s thriving digital ecosystem.
European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) act as one-stop shops that help companies and public sector organizations respond to digital challenges and enhance their competitiveness. They offer a range of services including access to technical expertise, training and skills development, advice on financing, and the opportunity to “test before invest” in digital technologies. Furthermore, they support the green transition by helping organizations implement sustainable and circular digital practices.
Backed by the Digital Europe Programme (DEP), EDIHs are co-financed—50% from the DEP and the rest from national, regional, or private sources. Their mission is to ensure that no region is left behind in the digital age.
In North Macedonia, the INOFEIT EDIH is the country’s first official European Digital Innovation Hub. Built on the strong foundations of INNOFEITDIH, it brings together academia, industry, business associations, and public stakeholders. Over the next four years, INOFEIT EDIH will provide free digital services worth €2 million to SMEs and public sector organizations with its key services.
“In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, staying ahead with the latest technologies is essential for businesses and public organizations. North Macedonia’s integration into the EU Digital Innovation Hubs Network through INNOFEIT EDIH provides a unique opportunity for SMEs and PSOs to enhance their competitiveness and drive societal progress.” says Dimitar Taskovski from North Macedonia’s INNOFEIT.
In Kosovo, the consortium managing the DIG-4K project is comprised of several actors representing civil society, business and academic sectors, Innovation and Training Park (ITP) as Lead Partner and Edutask; Makerspace Innovation Center Prizren, UBT University, Ukshin Hoti University, QUANTIX, ALT SHPK, CACTTUS Education as implementing partners and the Ministry of Economy, Kosovo and Kosovo Research and Education Network (KREN) as associated partners.
“Kosovo’s integration into the EU Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) Network offers a transformative opportunity for businesses, educational institutions, and public sector stakeholders. Through the DIG-4K project, beneficiaries will gain access to expertise, resources, and funding to accelerate digital transformation.” says Arsim Nimanaj from GIZ Kosovo, further providing concrete information on how beneficiaries can benefit from this membership, “Advisory services will help businesses and institutions implement digital strategies, optimize processes, and enhance competitiveness. The Digital Skills Academy will bridge skill gaps through training, certifications, and hands-on workshops, ensuring a future-ready workforce. The Tech Access and Testing Lab will provide a space for innovation, enabling businesses to prototype and test AI, cybersecurity, and green technologies. Funding and investment support will guide stakeholders in securing financial resources, enhancing their ability to develop and sustain projects. International networking and collaboration will open access to global markets and partnerships, strengthening Kosovo’s digital ecosystem. Additionally, efforts to scale and sustain successful digital solutions will ensure long-term impact through visibility, market reach, and continuous evaluation,” Nimanaj concludes.
Digital transformation starting from AI-powered agriculture to smart public services, fostered by the hubs that are now part of the EDIH Network will support inclusive growth, sustainability, and prepare the region for the future of work and business.
For local organizations in the Western Balkans, joining the EDIH network means being part of a Europe-wide movement toward innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.
More information on the European Union’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans can be found here.
Backed by the Digital Europe Programme (DEP), EDIHs are co-financed—50% from the DEP and the rest from national, regional, or private sources. Their mission is to ensure that no region is left behind in the digital age.
In North Macedonia, the INOFEIT EDIH is the country’s first official European Digital Innovation Hub. Built on the strong foundations of INNOFEITDIH, it brings together academia, industry, business associations, and public stakeholders. Over the next four years, INOFEIT EDIH will provide free digital services worth €2 million to SMEs and public sector organizations with its key services.
“In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, staying ahead with the latest technologies is essential for businesses and public organizations. North Macedonia’s integration into the EU Digital Innovation Hubs Network through INNOFEIT EDIH provides a unique opportunity for SMEs and PSOs to enhance their competitiveness and drive societal progress.” says Dimitar Taskovski from North Macedonia’s INNOFEIT.
In Kosovo, the consortium managing the DIG-4K project is comprised of several actors representing civil society, business and academic sectors, Innovation and Training Park (ITP) as Lead Partner and Edutask; Makerspace Innovation Center Prizren, UBT University, Ukshin Hoti University, QUANTIX, ALT SHPK, CACTTUS Education as implementing partners and the Ministry of Economy, Kosovo and Kosovo Research and Education Network (KREN) as associated partners.
“Kosovo’s integration into the EU Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) Network offers a transformative opportunity for businesses, educational institutions, and public sector stakeholders. Through the DIG-4K project, beneficiaries will gain access to expertise, resources, and funding to accelerate digital transformation.” says Arsim Nimanaj from GIZ Kosovo, further providing concrete information on how beneficiaries can benefit from this membership, “Advisory services will help businesses and institutions implement digital strategies, optimize processes, and enhance competitiveness. The Digital Skills Academy will bridge skill gaps through training, certifications, and hands-on workshops, ensuring a future-ready workforce. The Tech Access and Testing Lab will provide a space for innovation, enabling businesses to prototype and test AI, cybersecurity, and green technologies. Funding and investment support will guide stakeholders in securing financial resources, enhancing their ability to develop and sustain projects. International networking and collaboration will open access to global markets and partnerships, strengthening Kosovo’s digital ecosystem. Additionally, efforts to scale and sustain successful digital solutions will ensure long-term impact through visibility, market reach, and continuous evaluation,” Nimanaj concludes.
Digital transformation starting from AI-powered agriculture to smart public services, fostered by the hubs that are now part of the EDIH Network will support inclusive growth, sustainability, and prepare the region for the future of work and business.
For local organizations in the Western Balkans, joining the EDIH network means being part of a Europe-wide movement toward innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.
More information on the European Union’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans can be found here.
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