Highlights from the FINNO 2025 Conference: Digital. Green. Sustainable.

FINNO 2025: Digital. Green. Sustainable.

October 15–17, 2025 | Hotel Splendid, Budva

The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) Consortium in Montenegro – MontEENegro, composed of the Ministry of Regional Development and Cooperation with NGOs, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Montenegro, the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro and the Business Start-Up Center Bar, successfully hosted the FINNO 2025 Annual Conference: Digital. Green. Sustainable.

Organized in cooperation with regional EEN partners gathered around the FINNO platform and with the support of the European Commission and EISMEA, the event brought together over 100 participants from the Western Balkans and EU countries — including policymakers, SMEs, startup founders, researchers and representatives of innovation and business support organizations.

Conference Focus and Key Messages

The conference served as a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and cooperation, exploring how digital and green transitions drive sustainable business growth in the Western Balkans.

Key messages emphasized the importance of:

Strengthening innovation ecosystems through the Enterprise Europe Network;
Combining EU programmes such as Horizon Europe, Interreg, EIT, and Digital Europe for greater impact;
Promoting circular economy and sustainable business models;
Supporting regional B2B networking and access to finance opportunities for SMEs.

Opening and Insights

The conference was officially opened by Mirsada Bošnjak, State Secretary at the Ministry of Regional-Investment Development and Cooperation with NGOs, who emphasized that the FINNO initiative connects policy, practice and partnership with the goal of strengthening innovation, sustainable growth and business competitiveness in Montenegro and the region. She highlighted that regional cooperation within the Enterprise Europe Network is essential for achieving tangible results and inclusive innovation that empowers both people and economies.

Dr. Nina Drakić, President of the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro, underlined the importance of the FINNO platform in promoting innovation and regional cooperation:“Digital transformation, green economy and sustainability are not abstract concepts, but concrete tools for increasing competitiveness and accessing European markets. FINNO connects partners and generates initiatives that go beyond borders” she stated, adding that the Network represents a true community of collaboration and shared progress.

Prof. dr Radoje Vujadinović, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Montenegro, pointed out that it is a great honor for the Faculty and the University to be part of the world’s largest network supporting SMEs, noting the institution’s long-standing dedication to entrepreneurship, partnerships, and innovation.

Representing the European institutions, Muriel De Grande, EEN Programme Manager at the European Commission, noted that FINNO has become a reference platform and a symbol of cooperation among six countries, demonstrating how the Enterprise Europe Network can generate tangible impact in areas most important for SMEs. She underlined that through more than 850 activities, EEN has supported thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises, facilitated 4,900 international partnerships and helped companies access new clients and markets, contributing directly to job creation and economic growth across Europe: “Thanks to this support, many companies have strengthened their competitiveness and expanded into new markets. Our mission within the EEN network is clear – to help companies grow, innovate, and thrive” said De Grande.

Adam Stzelecki, representative of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), emphasized that the European Union is strongly engaged in developing the Western Balkans by unlocking regional knowledge and talent: “The best way to develop the Western Balkans is through greater participation of regional talent in EU activities. EIT is the EU’s main engine for innovation, and we want to engage Western Balkan partners as much as possible in European projects” he said, announcing that an EIT Center will soon be established in Montenegro as a new hub for innovation, support and education.

The opening session was moderated by Ivana Tomašević, Coordinator of the EEN Consortium in Montenegro (Business Start-Up Center Bar) and FINNO 2025 Leader, who noted that the conference marks “the beginning of a new phase of regional cooperation, combining networks, platforms, and initiatives dedicated to innovation, digitalization, and sustainable growth”.

Panels and Discussions

The conference featured four thematic panels on:

1️⃣ Digital Transformation of SMEs: Challenges & Solutions
Moderated by Aleksandar Janičić (J Consulting Group), the discussion focused on digital tools, AI-driven innovations, and the impact of new technologies on business productivity and competitiveness.
Panelists Sanja Nikolić (University of Donja Gorica), Marko Mandić (CEFTA), Jasna Pejović (Digital Bee), and Evisi Kopliku (Regional Cooperation Council) explored barriers and practical solutions for SME digitalization in the Western Balkans.

2️⃣ The Role of EEN in Strengthening Innovation Ecosystems
Moderated by Prof. dr Aleksandar Vujović (University of Montenegro), this session examined how the Enterprise Europe Network supports innovation through collaborative partnerships, research institutions, and specialized services.
Panelists included Dr. Vesna Rašković Depalov (EEN Serbia – BINS), Beti Kostadinovska Dimitrovska (UKIM Skopje), Sanja Popović (Mihailo Pupin Institute), and Žarko Miranović (DRS Radio).

3️⃣ Synergy of European Projects: Horizon, Interreg, EIT, Digital Europe & EEN
The session, moderated by Mr. Radivoje Drobnjak (STP MNE & MontEDIH), showcased good practices in connecting EU and regional programs to boost internationalization and innovation.
Speakers included Prof. dr Simona Kustec (University of Primorska, Koper), Prof. dr Sanja Bojić (University of Novi Sad), Doc. dr Bojan Ćudić (Digital Innovation Hub ONEX, Banja Luka), and Gabriela Kostovska Bogoeska (Foundation for Management and Industrial Research, Skopje).

4️⃣ Green Transition & Circular Economy: Potential & Practice
Moderated by Radovan Nikčević (Green Agenda Expert), this panel explored regional initiatives supporting the green transition and sustainable circular business models.
Panelists Aleksandar Filiposki (UNIDO), Maja Sušec (PTP Pomurje), Katarina Pavlović (EEN Serbia – BINS), and Amela Alispahić (EMPRESS Zenica) shared successful practices and policy recommendations contributing to the region’s green transformation.

Each session gathered regional experts and practitioners who presented best practices and models for integrating innovation, sustainability and international cooperation.

RECONOMY Awards and Circular Economy Hub

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the Western Balkans Circular Economy Hub and the RECONOMY – Circular Economy Awards 2025, recognizing pioneering initiatives in sustainable development.

Among 55 applicants, seven winners were awarded in categories such as innovation, design, education, civil society engagement and corporate leadership, celebrating the best circular economy practices across the region.

B2B Meetings and Cooperation Opportunities

In addition to plenary sessions, the conference featured B2B meetings and networking activities, connecting SMEs, startups, innovation centers and research organizations from the Western Balkans and EU.
The B2B sessions took place alongside the Economic Conference Montenegro 2025, creating valuable opportunities for collaboration and joint project development.

Conclusions

FINNO 2025 reaffirmed the importance of regional cooperation, innovation, and sustainability in shaping the future of the Western Balkans.
The conference demonstrated that digital and green transitions are key drivers of SME competitiveness, and that the EEN remains a vital bridge linking local innovation ecosystems with European markets.