INITIATE Project: Advancing Digital Innovation and Sustainability
INITIATE continues to foster collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers through major developments, including the launch of North Macedonia’s first European Digital Innovation Hub, a strategic R&I and Policy Lab, and a roundtable on energy sector challenges. The second INITIATE newsletter has been published, featuring key updates on digital transformation, research initiatives, and sustainability efforts.
Launch of INNOFEIT EDIH
On 31 January 2025, INNOFEIT and UKIM inaugurated North Macedonia’s first European Digital Innovation Hub, INNOFEIT EDIH. Co-financed by the EU and national government, it will provide over 300 free services worth €2 million to support SMEs and public institutions in their digital and green transition.
First R&I Lab in Skopje, North Macedonia
Held on 27 February 2025, this lab brought together 55 participants to discuss Smart Energy Systems, Digital Twins, and Living Labs. ESEIA Project Manager Sila Celebi presented Horizon Europe funding opportunities, fostering collaboration for research proposals. As part of INITIATE, nine R&I Labs will be hosted by UKIM, UNI Zagreb, and ISCTE.
Roundtable on Energy Challenges
On 5 March 2025, a roundtable at INOFEIT gathered stakeholders from North Macedonia and Romania to discuss energy system development and renewable integration. Supported by the Romanian Embassy, key outcomes included Memorandums of Cooperation, the launch of the Smart Energy Systems Group at FEEIT, and discussions on joint solutions.
2nd Newsletter Release
The second INITIATE newsletter provides further details on these advancements, supporting the project’s commitment to digital innovation and sustainability.
INITIATE project – 2nd newsletter! – INITIATE project
Project Coordinator: Marko Mimica, UNIZAG FSB, HR
ESEIA Project Manager: Sila Celebi, AT
