By Stefan Atanasovski Trajkovic

The Follow me Club recently had the chance to step into the heart of digital innovation in North Macedonia. As Young European Ambassadors, we visited INNOFEIT EDIH (European Digital Innovation Hub) at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technologies (FEIT) in Skopje in May 2025. This visit gave us a close-up look at how one of the country’s most forward-looking initiatives is helping businesses and public institutions improve through digital tools. INNOFEIT EDIH is the first of its kind in North Macedonia, and it supports companies and public services as they explore and adopt technologies like artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics. To share this experience with others, we also created a short social media reel during the visit to showcase how the EU is actively supporting innovation in our region.

A Hands-On Look at Europe’s Digital Innovation Network

INNOFEIT EDIH officially opened in early 2025 and is now part of a larger EU-funded network of European Digital Innovation Hubs. This network exists to support the digital transformation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and public services across Europe. What makes this hub important is that it brings access to high-level technologies right to our doorstep. We’re talking about real tools like cybersecurity systems, smart sensors, computer vision, and even digital twin technology, not just abstract concepts.

While walking through the center, we learned how the hub provides “Test Before Invest” services, meaning companies can try out technologies in a safe and supported environment before deciding to invest in them. Alongside this, the hub offers technical advice, training, and help with finding financing for innovation.

What really stood out to us was how the hub tailors its work to fit the needs of local industries. It focuses on key sectors from North Macedonia’s Smart Specialization Strategy, including smart agriculture and food processing, modern construction materials, advanced manufacturing, and energy solutions. It helped us see how EU support can connect global innovation with local challenges.

Connecting the Western Balkans to Europe’s Digital Future

INNOFEIT EDIH is part of a broader vision for the Western Balkans. Through the EU’s Growth Plan and Digital Europe Programme, seven EDIHs have been launched across five Western Balkan countries, with over €5.6 million in funding to support these hubs. They’re not just offices with tech – they’re one-stop shops where businesses and institutions can learn, grow, and connect to a wider European network. These hubs make support available in local languages and share best practices across countries.

During our visit, we saw how INNOFEIT EDIH is also working to close the digital skills gap, which affects many people in our region. The hub offers practical training programs for everyone from students to professionals, covering everything from basic digital tools to advanced skills like AI and cybersecurity.

Why This Visit Matters to Us

This visit reminded us that the EU’s support isn’t just about policies or funding — it’s about creating real opportunities for people in our countries. At INNOFEIT EDIH, we saw how cooperation between the EU and the Western Balkans is turning ideas into action. The hub is not only building technical capacity – it’s building confidence and opening doors for the next generation of innovators.

We want young people across the Western Balkans to know that these kinds of projects are meant for them too. Whether you’re into tech, entrepreneurship, public service, or just want to build your digital skills – places like INNOFEIT EDIH are here to help.

To get a feel for what we experienced, check out the reel we created during our visit. And stay tuned as we continue exploring how EU-supported projects are shaping our region’s future, one innovation at a time.