The 2025 Enterprise Europe Network Annual Conference, titled “Promoting Innovation, Decarbonisation and Security for SMEs: A Stronger Network in Action”, brought Enterprise Europe Network members and partners to Aalborg, Denmark for a three-day meeting focused on collaboration, learning, and the exchange of experiences.

Enterprise Europe Network was established in 2008 by the European Commission to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in growth, innovation, and internationalisation. The network is active in over 50 countries and connects more than 3,000 experts from over 500 organisations.

With nearly 700 participants from 57 countries, the EEN Annual Conference—organised by the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) and the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW), with support from the North Denmark EU Office—represented a new milestone in strengthening Europe’s largest business support ecosystem.

Representatives from the South-East Europe Enterprise Europe Network consortia also attended, actively participating in discussions, workshops, and networking sessions. Their presence contributed to the exchange of best practices and the strengthening of connections among European partners, while enabling the sharing of SME experiences and needs in the international arena.

Over three days, participants joined high-level discussions, practical workshops, and interactive exchanges focused on helping SMEs innovate, expand internationally, and adapt to an increasingly dynamic global environment. Bringing everyone together in one place, where they could share perspectives and better understand shifting EU priorities, was a highlight for many. As Muriel De Grande, Head of the Enterprise Europe Network and EEN Partnerships sector at EISMEA, emphasised:

“For me, the most important aspects of our annual conference are meeting experts, sharing knowledge, presenting activities that address SME challenges, and maintaining strong connections with the European Union, the European Commission, and EISMEA.”

Key Themes and Messages
This year’s discussions focused on four main thematic areas, reflecting the EU’s key policy priorities and the network’s role in translating them into tangible support for SMEs across Europe:

  • Innovation and Start-ups
    Sessions on Financing the Future and Protecting Innovation demonstrated how the network connects SMEs with European financial instruments, investment opportunities, and partnerships that enable growth and global competitiveness. Spyros Kellidis from Enterprise Europe Network Greece highlighted:
    “I was particularly impressed by the Innovation Finance Arena session, where different European networks presented to a real company, and the audience evaluated the best solution. The format was dynamic, interactive, and highly practical.”

  • Industrial Transformation
    Workshops such as Circular Energy Solutions for Net-Zero Industry and EEN Solutions for Decarbonisation focused on how SMEs can reduce emissions, adopt circular models, and innovate within the transition to a clean industry.

  • Single Market and Beyond
    Panels like Smart Trading in a Changing World and Helping SMEs Choose Europe – The New EEN Investment Agenda highlighted the importance of supporting SMEs in growing within the EU internal market and expanding globally, even amid geopolitical uncertainty.

  • Quality and Impact
    Discussions including Key Link: EEN and the New Simplification Agenda and SME-Friendly Finance: How Cascading Funding Can Boost EEN’s Work explored how the network can improve service quality, streamline processes, and enhance measurable impact for European SMEs. Jesús Rojo from EEN Spain noted:
    “The conference offered insight into the future of our network, which will evolve into the EU for Business platform. It’s inspiring to see the future taking shape, particularly with simplifications that will benefit both SMEs and us.”

EEN Annual Conference 2025 in Numbers
Beyond the content programme, the conference offered numerous networking opportunities. Antonella Marras from EEN Italy stated:
“In a world increasingly shaped by digital tools and artificial intelligence, in-person meetings remain extremely important. Here, new members meet experienced ones, enabling the exchange of knowledge, perspectives, and fresh energy.”

Dedicated networking areas facilitated over 740 individual meetings, while the exhibition space showcased numerous EU initiatives supporting SMEs—from innovation and digitalisation to access to finance and internationalisation. As Spyros Kellidis remarked:
“The most striking moments were the genuine networking opportunities, particularly around the exhibition stands. I met representatives from India, Vietnam, and Colombia, and we already have concrete plans for joint activities.”

Enterprise Europe Network 2025 Awards
The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards recognising inspiring SME success stories fostered through the network. The Most Inspiring Customer Journey 2025 award went to French biotech company Cilcare, which, with EEN partners’ support, concluded a €15 million licensing agreement with Shionogi in Japan, with potential future payouts of up to €400 million.

Other finalists recognised were:

  • CAEmate (Italy): A company developing digital twins for infrastructure, which secured both European funding and private investments, receiving the European Commission’s Seal of Excellence.

  • Hacker School (Germany): A non-profit organisation promoting programming education, now also operating in Austria with EEN support.

Looking Ahead
Participants left Aalborg energised, with new knowledge and partnerships. Aija Konisevska Azadi from EEN Denmark commented:
“Hosting this year’s conference was a great honour. We are delighted that participants enjoyed the programme, atmosphere, and practicality of the venue.”

The insights and connections formed in Denmark will guide the work of the Enterprise Europe Network over the coming year, strengthening collaboration across regions, sectors, and institutions.

Author: Edina Babnik