Launch of the Western Balkans Regional Innovation Academy 

The Western Balkans Info Hub is delighted to announce the launch of the Western Balkans Regional Innovation Academy, an online platform designed to support individuals and organisations involved in research and innovation across the region. Whether you are a student, researcher, entrepreneur, policymaker, educator, or youth worker, the academy, which is part of the Western Balkans Info Hub and has been co-created by the POLICY ANSWERS consortium, offers a wealth of resources to enhance your knowledge and engagement with innovation. 

A Comprehensive Platform for Innovation 

The Innovation Academy brings together a wide array of topics to support all those engaged in the innovation process. It begins with materials like publications, videos, podcasts on the basic principles of innovation and extends to more advanced subjects such as innovation management, funding opportunities, and inspiring success stories from innovative entrepreneurs. The academy also highlights key organisations in the public and civil sectors that promote innovation, offering a balanced view of the challenges and opportunities in today’s innovation landscape. 

To date, 24 carefully curated educational resources have been sourced, with a particular emphasis on materials relevant to the Western Balkans. These resources are available in various formats—PowerPoint presentations, images, texts, podcasts, and videos—ensuring they are engaging and accessible to users from diverse backgrounds. 

Promoting Gender Equality in Innovation 

One of the standout-features of the platform is its dedicated section on gender-related innovation. This segment focuses on women in innovation and underscores the importance of gender equality in research and development. As global discussions around inclusivity and diversity continue to gain momentum, these resources serve as a vital reminder of the value of incorporating diverse perspectives into the innovation ecosystem. 

Tailored Content for Key Stakeholders 

The platform primarily targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), representatives from public and civil sectors, as well as academia. Each group benefits from tailored content designed to enhance their capabilities and drive progress. The educational materials were curated by the Institute Mihajlo Pupin, with Formica Blu (FBLU) contributing an attractive and user-friendly design. Additionally, input was provided by POLICY ANSWERS partners. This collaboration has resulted in a platform that directs users to the most relevant aspects of each resource, making it easier for stakeholders to access and benefit from its rich content. By carefully evaluating the materials, the partners have ensured that users can quickly focus on the key insights—whether reading documents, watching videos, or listening to podcasts—without needing to go through the entire resource. 

By bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications, the Regional Innovation Academy is poised to become an important resource for advancing innovation and technology transfer across the Western Balkans. 

Educational Resources: Four Key Categories 

The content of the Regional Innovation Academy is organised into four main categories: 

1. Tools 

This section provides practical resources such as manuals, guidelines, toolkits, checklists, templates, and case studies. These materials are designed to simplify complex processes like project development, evaluation, and implementation. Interactive resources for training or self-assessment are also available. The tools cater to a wide range of stakeholders—entrepreneurs, policymakers, educators, researchers—helping them strengthen their capacities in innovation management. Some of the resources available in this category are:

• The A to Z of Fundraising
• Funding Opportunities
• Business Innovation Statistics and Indicators

2. Insights 

Here you find expert analyses on current trends and challenges in innovation. Topics include emerging funding opportunities, best practices in innovation management, policy developments, gender inclusivity in research, showcasing successful initiatives in the region. These insights offer strategic recommendations for businesses, public institutions, and researchers aiming to drive sustainable growth. Some of the resources available in this category are: 

• Most Common Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make
• How to Create a Successful Business Plan: Lean Methodology and Advanced Business Planning
• A Journey Through Transformative Innovation Policy

3. Lectures and Courses

This category features online courses, expert-led lectures, webinars, and training sessions covering both basic and advanced topics in innovation management. Continuously updated to reflect new trends and developments, these materials equip participants with practical skills for accessing funding, managing innovation processes, and navigating technology transfer. Some of the resources available in this category are:

• WEgate Webinar: Women Entrepreneurs Benefiting from Inclusive Support in Innovation, Investments, and Transatlantic Networking
• Circular Economy

4. Case Studies 

This section presents real-world examples of successful projects across the Western Balkans. These detailed accounts highlight challenges faced, strategies employed, case studies and outcomes achieved by various organisations. By learning from these examples, stakeholders can adopt innovative approaches tailored to their own contexts. Some of the resources available in this category are:

• Successful Stories of Women Entrepreneurs in Innovation

• Digital Transformation of Women’s Businesses

Key Focus Areas 

The Innovation Academy emphasises several critical domains to address diverse needs within the innovation ecosystem: 

• Innovation Basics: Build foundational knowledge on core principles of innovation. 

• Managing Innovation: Learn effective strategies for managing innovation within organisations. 

• Funding Innovation: Explore various funding opportunities for innovative projects. 

• Gender-Related Innovation: Access materials promoting inclusive approaches that integrate gender perspectives into research and development and the above-mentioned focus areas. 

By engaging with the Western Balkans Regional Innovation Academy, stakeholders can enhance their capabilities, foster collaboration across sectors, and contribute to the growth of dynamic innovation ecosystems throughout the region. POLICY ANSWERS and the Western Balkans Info Hub remains committed to providing accessible resources that empower individuals and organisations to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. 

The Western Balkans Info Hub will continue to maintain the Innovation Academy as a dynamic and evolving platform. By regularly updating its resources and expanding its offerings, the aim is to ensure that the Academy remains a valuable tool for fostering innovation across the region. Plans include adding new materials, collaborating with additional partners, and addressing emerging trends in research and innovation. This commitment underscores the Western Balkans Info Hub’s dedication to supporting stakeholders in their innovation journeys and strengthening the region’s innovation ecosystem.