This year’s agenda placed a particular focus on the role of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), emphasizing their contribution to SME digitalisation, cross-border cooperation, and innovation-driven growth.

EDIH DIG-4K, alongside fellow hubs from the region, participated in the panel discussion titled “Competitive Western Balkans Six Businesses for the EU Markets: The Role of EDIHs in Advancing Digital Transformation and Innovation of SMEs,” moderated by Graciela Garrido from FundingBox.

We were proud to have our Team Leader, Besmir Krasniqi, as one of the panelists, sharing valuable insights on how DIG-4K supports SMEs in embracing digital transformation and strengthening their competitiveness in regional and EU markets.

The Summit once again reaffirmed the importance of collaboration, innovation, and digital empowerment in building a stronger and more connected Western Balkans.

Read more: Western Balkans Digital Summit 2025

Beyond sharing experiences, the event served as a valuable platform to review progress since the first regional meeting and to discuss concrete measures for supporting MSMEs and accelerating digital innovation across the region.

A key milestone of the workshop was the signing of a Joint Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among Western Balkans EDIHs — a significant step toward enhancing cross-border services and fostering closer regional collaboration.

We extend our sincere thanks to INNOFEIT EDIH for taking the lead in driving this initiative forward.

We’re proud to be part of this collective effort to build a more innovative, collaborative, and connected digital future for the Western Balkans.

The program featured lab visits, workshops, and networking sessions focused on strengthening the EDIH ecosystem, applied AI for SMEs, digital maturity and skills, as well as EDIH management and strategy. These activities provided valuable opportunities to exchange knowledge, connect with peers, and explore new avenues for collaboration across the EDIH network.

DIG-4K is proud to be part of this dynamic community, driving digital innovation and partnerships forward.

Key highlights of the event included:

•Opening remarks and presentation of ITP Prizren by Mr. Muhamed Rexhepi, Executive Director of ITP;

•Project overview delivered by Mr. Besmir Krasniqi, Team Leader of DIG-4K;

•Presentations from consortium partners, including ALT, Cacttus Education, Edutask, Quantix, Makerspace, UUHP, UBT, and KREN;

•Success stories from other European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), showcasing lessons learned and impactful outcomes;

•Interactive roundtable discussions, where MSMEs shared their current activities, challenges, and specific digitalization needs;

•A guided tour of the ITP Prizren facilities, offering a glimpse into the infrastructure and innovation space available.

The event fostered meaningful dialogue and connections between stakeholders, reinforcing DIG-4K’s mission to empower Kosovo’s MSMEs with the tools and knowledge necessary for digital growth.

We extend our sincere thanks to all participants and partners for their enthusiastic engagement. We look forward to continuing this collaborative journey toward a more innovative and digitally enabled future.

In parallel, the 3rd Regional Workshop of Digital Innovation Hubs, organized by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), gathered EDIH & DIH representatives from across the Western Balkans, including EDIH DIG-4K.

The workshop featured interactive sessions on mapping regional strengths and lessons learned. Participants discussed achievements, identified shared challenges, and explored opportunities to co-develop support instruments tailored to regional needs, including potential collaboration with the EU4Digital project.

These discussions and connections are expected to shape future joint actions, strengthen the innovation ecosystem in the Western Balkans, and advance the integration of AI and emerging technologies across sectors.

We sincerely thank RCC and STP Niš for organizing these impactful events and fostering meaningful regional cooperation.

The event highlighted strong leadership in Kosovo’s digital transformation, with key addresses from:

• Ms. Artane Rizvanolli – Acting Minister of Economy
• Ms. AnnaCarin Platon – Representative from EU Office in Kosovo
• Mr. Muhamed Rexhepi – Executive Director, ITP Prizren
• Mr. Besmir Krasniqi – Team Leader, DIG-4K

Attendees got a closer look at the DIG-4K Project, its consortium partners, and the long-term impact it aims to create in advancing digital innovation and services in Kosovo. The project is co-financed by the European Union and the Government of Kosovo.

Implemented by ITP Prizren alongside key partners from the private sector, academia, and civil society, DIG-4K will support MSMEs, startups, public institutions, and communities in building a dynamic digital ecosystem across Kosovo.

The kick-off meeting brought together ALT shpk, Quantix LLC, Edutask, Cacttus Education, UBT, University of Prizren, Makerspace Innovation Center Prizren and Kren Kosovo.

The workshop brought together European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) and National Contact Points (NCPs) from across the Western Balkans, united by a common goal: to build a strong regional EDIH network and support integration into the EU’s Digital Single Market.

The workshop featured interactive sessions on mapping regional strengths and lessons learned. Participants discussed achievements, identified shared challenges, and explored opportunities to co-develop support instruments tailored to regional needs, including potential collaboration with the EU4Digital project.

Focusing on collaboration and knowledge-sharing, the event explored ways to enhance digital support for SMEs and public sector institutions, laying the foundation for a more connected, competitive, and digitally empowered Western Balkans.

As the German Ambassador to Montenegro noted, “I am particularly pleased that ITP Prizren – a German initiative, Innovation and Training Park – is recognized as part of the EU digital initiatives.”

This recognition underscores ITP’s growing role in regional innovation and digital transformation through its new initiative: Digital Innovation Gateway for Kosovo (DIG- 4K)

Implemented by ITP Prizren alongside key partners from the private sector, academia, and civil society, DIG-4K will support MSMEs, startups, public institutions, and communities in building a dynamic digital ecosystem across Kosovo.

The kick-off meeting brought together our key partners— ALT shpk, Quantix LLC , Edutask , Cacttus Education, University of Business & Technology, University of Prizren, Makerspace Innovation Center Prizren and Kren Kosovo to align on next steps and drive impact. Together, we’re shaping Kosovo into a regional hub for digital transformation!