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The S|B Widening Initiative conference “Fostering Innovative Careers”, organised by Science|Business in collaboration with UNICA (Network of Universities from the Capitals of Europe) and hosted by the University of Zagreb together with UNIC (European University of Cities in Post-Industrial Transition) took place 26–27 March 2026. It facilitated engaging discussions on how Europe could better support research careers and talent development across sectors.
The event brought together representatives from universities, EU institutions and research organisations for in-depth reflections on evolving career pathways – not only within academia but also across public administration, innovation ecosystems and the broader labour market. Executive Director of the Foundation for Management and Industrial Research (MIR), Gabriela Kostovska Bogoeska, participated in one of the sessions focusing on job creation, representing the POLICY ANSWERS project and the Western Balkans Info Hub. Her contribution enriched the dialogue on how Widening countries can enhance career opportunities and foster regional development by supporting researchers and innovators.
Throughout the exchanges, universities emerged as central connectors along the education–research–innovation continuum. Participants emphasised their growing role in supporting doctoral training, mobility schemes, and inclusive career frameworks, particularly in Widening regions. Several discussions underlined how universities not only prepare the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs but also help translate research into start-up initiatives and new value chains.
A recurring message across the conference was also that fostering innovative careers required creating conditions for talent to circulate more fluidly across sectors and borders. As Manuel Heitor aptly noted, “the key challenge is how we can turn the European brain drain into a European brain gain – certainly with increased circulation of talent throughout Europe.”
Photo credit: Leon Ginder / Akademski list
For more information, refer to the sources for this announcement on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/foundation-for-management-and-industrial-research_today-at-the-sb-widening-initiative-activity-7443269233465090048-5s89/ and https://www.linkedin.com/posts/science-business_careers-skills-knowledge-activity-7443265584265523200-EW1O/