At Barleti University in Tirana, the kick-off meeting for the project “Regional Open Innovation Hubs for Green Growth through Digital Transformation” (EVOLVE) was held on September 30 and October 1, 2025, officially marking the start of a new cross-border partnership connecting Albania, Montenegro, and Italy.
The EVOLVE project aims to enhance biodiversity conservation and sustainable development through digital transformation, offering an innovative model that goes beyond the traditional trade-off between environmental protection and economic progress. The project is inspired by the European model of Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH), which, within EVOLVE, is adapted to the biodiversity sector—creating a new operational framework for the South Adriatic region.
During the two-day meeting, partners presented planned activities and expected results, highlighting in particular: the development of the EVOLVE Biodiversity Strategy, the establishment of two digital hubs in Albania and Montenegro, and the creation of guidelines for testing and prototyping innovative ideas in both the public and private sectors. Special emphasis was placed on supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), as well as strengthening collaboration between institutions, researchers, and local communities.
The meeting was opened by Kejda Nuhu, the project manager, while opening remarks were delivered by Sokol Duma, Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation of Albania, and Prof. Dr. Aleksander Xhuvani, Director of the Barleti Institute for Research and Development. Participants jointly defined the implementation plan for work packages, the calendar of future activities, and cooperation mechanisms for the next 30 months.
The EVOLVE project brings together six partners:
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Barleti Institute for Research and Development (Albania) – lead partner
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CETMA – European Research Center for Technologies, Design, and Materials (Italy)
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Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center Tehnopolis (Montenegro)
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Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation (Albania)
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EKO Fund – Environmental Protection Fund (Montenegro)
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Regional Agency for Rural Development, Agriculture, and Fisheries (Italy)
The project will carry out a range of activities aimed at strengthening digital transformation and innovation in the biodiversity sector in Albania, Montenegro, and Italy. Key activities include identifying and networking relevant stakeholders, developing and adapting the EDIH model for digital innovation hubs to meet biodiversity needs, building and equipping two digital hubs (in Albania and Montenegro) with modern infrastructure and digital tools, and supporting the testing and prototyping of innovative solutions.
The project also includes organizing cross-border workshops and exchanges of good practices, supporting MSMEs through testing digital solutions, creating training and education programs, and activities aimed at assessing the potential of the hubs to provide public services and raise awareness of the importance of digitalization in biodiversity conservation. Special attention will be given to informing users about available funding, calls, and investment opportunities that can contribute to the development of innovation in this field.
The total project budget is €1,037,322.05, and it will run until December 31, 2027.
The project is implemented under the Interreg IPA South Adriatic Programme, co-financed by the European Union.
