Accelerating Energy-Efficiency Investments among SMEs in the Western Balkans

The two-day programme included a workshop held on 15 October, followed by field visits on 16 October. On the first day, participants explored energy-efficiency investment trends, available financing instruments and the wider business-support ecosystem. On the second day, they visited ETIKGRAF and Marservis, where they gained insight into how two Istrian businesses are putting energy-efficiency investments into practice.

Juraj Dobrila University of Pula was represented by Ivona Peternel, PhD, who presented the important role of universities as connectors between small and medium-sized enterprises, skills development and opportunities offered through European Union projects. Examples of such cooperation included industry-linked education, student placements and the monthly Breakfast with Entrepreneurs, which brings together the academic community, companies and local support institutions.

Three recommendations were particularly highlighted: involving universities as intermediaries alongside chambers and agencies, investing in the skills of those preparing projects, and building on European Union programmes and networks available to Western Balkan partners. Strengthening these connections between academia, businesses and support institutions can further contribute to transforming business ideas into well-prepared and fundable projects.