On 19–20 November 2025, the EIT Community Hub Albania successfully organized Harvesting Innovation with EIT Manufacturing, a two-day event designed to strengthen Albania’s industrial competitiveness and accelerate the country’s integration into Europe’s innovation ecosystem.
The event gathered leading voices from industry, academia, SMEs, public institutions, and innovation-support organizations, placing Albania’s manufacturing transformation at the center of discussion.
As Europe’s leading innovation engine, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) through its Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) supports innovators in turning ideas into market-ready solutions. Since its establishment in February 2025, the EIT Community Hub Albania has served as the national gateway to these opportunities, connecting stakeholders across the country to European expertise, funding, talent development, and business support programmes.
Spotlight on EIT Manufacturing
The event showcased EIT Manufacturing, the KIC dedicated to accelerating innovation in the manufacturing sector through:
- Education and talent development
- Innovation support
- Business creation
Through engaging discussions, panels, and hands-on activities, participants explored ways to boost Albania’s industrial modernization, encourage entrepreneurship, and strengthen links with European value chains.
High-Level Opening and Strategic Discussions
The opening session featured insightful remarks from:
- Ms. Françeska Korançe, EIT Community Officer, EIT CH Albania
- Dr. Niki Kousi, Managing Director, EIT Manufacturing South East
- Ms. Jenni Lundmark, Programme Manager, EU Delegation to Albania
- Ms. Eleanor Mika, Component Manager, ProSeed 2.0
Following an introductory presentation by Dr. Vivian Sophou, Senior Manager Business Development and Innovation, EIT Manufacturing South East, delivered a comprehensive overview of the full spectrum of opportunities offered by EIT Manufacturing. Her presentation covered key pillars including education and capacity building, innovation support, business creation, cross-European collaborations, and the Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS). She outlined clear pathways for Albanian stakeholders to access funding, expertise, mentorship, and industry-driven innovation programmes designed to strengthen competitiveness across the manufacturing value chain.
The event continued with two strategic panel discussions:
Panel 1 – Challenges and Potentials in the National Manufacturing Ecosystem
Representatives from automotive, aerospace, steel, textile, and footwear industries moderated by Mr. Arben Shkodra highlighted the key barriers and new opportunities for industrial growth, digital transformation, and sustainability.
Panel 2 – Supporting Innovation in the Business Sector
Experts from EU4Circular Economy, NASRI, UNIDO Albania, and the Polytechnic University of Tirana moderated by Ms. Françeska Korançe explored pathways to strengthen innovation support services, research–industry collaboration, and access to European programmes.
Co-Creation Challenge & Innovation Bootcamp
In the afternoon, participants took part in a hands-on Innovation Challenge, where 7 teams formed, developed ideas on minimizing waste and reusing textile and leather waste, and pitched solutions inspired by real manufacturing needs. With guidance from industry mentors, the top three teams were selected to advance to the Demo Day.
Day 2 – Demo Day & Industry Immersion at ProDyn
On 20 November, three winning teams travelled to the ProDyn manufacturing facilities for an immersive site visit, guided tour, and innovation prototyping session. Teams worked directly with technical experts in the Innovation Room, refined their ideas, and built early prototypes. The programme concluded with closing reflections and an outlook on how these solutions could evolve into market-ready products through EIT Manufacturing support.If you’re interested in delving deeper into the EIT’s offerings and discovering how it can support you on your innovation or entrepreneurial journey, please reach out to the EIT Community RIS HUB Albania: albania@eitcommunity.eu or follow the LinkedIn page: EIT Community Hub Albania and EIT Community RIS Hub in Albania country page.
