EU Advances Research and Innovation in Western Balkans and Türkiye with Smart Specialisation Strategy

This strategy has become a key part of essential EU policy documents, catalyzing regional development and economic growth.

The “Smart Specialisation Framework in the EU Enlargement and Neighbourhood Region,” launched in 2019 by the European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC) in collaboration with the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR), is poised to enhance the EU Enlargement and Neighbourhood Region through expert methodological guidance and support. The Western Balkans and Türkiye, as the primary beneficiaries, are set to harness customized Smart Specialisation strategies for transformative impact.

Embracing the ethos of regional cooperation, the JRC appointed Macarena Sanz in 2022 to lead a pivotal analysis of the agri-food sector’s potential in the Western Balkans. Sanz, who is an agricultural engineer from the Polytechnic University of Madrid with an Executive MBA from IESE Business School, brings invaluable expertise to the project.

The results of this comprehensive study, conducted under the direction of Macarena Sanz, will be presented at the upcoming online event titled “Smart Specialisation process in the Western Balkans and Türkiye: main achievements and next challenges ahead” scheduled for Monday, 27th November (full event agenda is available in the event’s website.). This event will disclose the study’s conclusions, spotlighting the significant accomplishments and identifying prospects for innovation and collaboration.

The online forum is expected to convene a diverse group of stakeholders, including policy makers, industry experts, and academic leaders, to engage in critical discourse about the future trajectory of Smart Specialisation in the region. The dialogue is anticipated to inform and influence the strategies and models of collaboration across the participating countries.