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As part of its continuous commitment to advancing innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive participation across Europe, representatives from the Foundation for Management and industrial research (MIR) on behalf of the POLICY ANSWERS project – Gabriela Kostovska Bogoeska, Executive director and Emilija Andonova, Programme coordinator took part in a series of meetings and events in Seville, Spain, aimed at deepening cooperation with European institutions and innovation stakeholders.
The first in the list was the participation in the RE-FEM Multiplier event “Women entrepreneurs: from knowledge to action”, bringing together practitioners, policymakers, and innovation ecosystem actors from across Europe. The event focused on translating knowledge and research into concrete measures that empower women entrepreneurs, fostering gender equality and inclusiveness in business and innovation.
Discussions highlighted the importance of creating enabling environments for women-led startups, integrating gender-sensitive approaches into innovation policy, and supporting female entrepreneurship through knowledge sharing, mentoring, and access to finance. Gabriela participated in one of the Round table discussion sharing insights from the Western Balkan region, showcasing ongoing efforts to strengthen women’s participation in innovation and research, and the organization’s commitment to inclusive growth.
In addition to the event, MIR representatives held productive meetings with several key institutions based in Seville, contributing to knowledge exchange and exploring future collaboration opportunities.
At the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), Emilija and Gabriela met with Emanuele Fabbri, from the Territorial Development Unit (Fair and sustainable economy). Discussions revolved around JRC’s role in supporting evidence-based policymaking and territorial innovation strategies, as well as potential synergies with MIR’s work on policy learning and twin transition in the Western Balkans. Additionally, was discussed the JRC’s role in supporting evidence-based policymaking and territorial innovation strategies, particularly through the Smart Specialisation (S3) framework. They explored how S3 can drive regional innovation by identifying local strengths, fostering strategic investments, and promoting collaboration between research, industry, and government. Potential synergies with POLICY ANSWERS’s ongoing work on policy learning and the twin transition in the Western Balkans were also discussed, highlighting opportunities to leverage S3 methodologies to strengthen regional competitiveness and sustainable development. Both sides exchanged valuable insights on best practices for monitoring tools and processes, drawing from experiences at JRC and the POLICY ANSWERS project.
The delegation also visited the Tecnoincubadora Marie Curie, located in Sevilla Tech Park (PCT Cartuja), where they were welcomed by Blanca Gómez Domínguez, Responsible for entrepreneurship within the innovation & projects department. The meeting provided valuable insights into Seville’s innovation and startup ecosystem, showcasing how local incubators and technology parks drive entrepreneurship and knowledge transfer. Discussions focused on the mechanisms through which incubators like Tecnoincubadora Marie Curie nurture innovation, from early-stage business support to connections with research institutions, industry partners, and public authorities. The delegation explored potential synergies with the POLICY ANSWERS project, particularly in translating evidence-based research and regional innovation strategies into actionable policies. Emphasis was placed on how lessons from Seville’s ecosystem, such as collaborative innovation, startup acceleration, and technology transfer—could inform policy learning and the twin transition in the Western Balkans, helping to strengthen regional competitiveness, sustainable development, and innovation-driven economic growth.
A further meeting was held at La Casa de la Ciencia, hosted by Erika López Palma, Head of Communication and institutional relations at the Delegation of the Spanish national research council (CSIC) in Andalusia. The discussion highlighted the pivotal role of science communication, public engagement, and collaboration between research institutions and society, key elements for fostering trust, inclusiveness, and a culture of innovation in science. The meeting also explored how effective communication strategies can accelerate the translation of research into policy-relevant insights. Emilija and Gabriela discussed with the CSIC team potential pathways to connect these practices with the POLICY ANSWERS project, particularly in enhancing evidence-based policymaking and supporting regional innovation strategies. Emphasis was placed on leveraging science communication to inform stakeholders, inspire citizen participation, and facilitate knowledge transfer between researchers, policymakers, and industry actors. Furthermore, the session examined how CSIC’s approaches to promoting interdisciplinary research, innovation-driven initiatives, and societal engagement could offer valuable lessons for the Western Balkans. By connecting these insights with the POLICY ANSWERS project, the delegation identified opportunities to strengthen policy learning, integrate innovation strategies into regional development plans, and advance the twin transition, ultimately contributing to more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient innovation ecosystems.
These engagements provided a platform to exchange experiences, deepen institutional partnerships, and explore opportunities for collaboration in research, innovation, and policy learning. Through such initiatives, the MIR Foundation continues to contribute to building stronger ties between the Western Balkans and EU innovation ecosystems, promoting inclusive and sustainable development grounded in evidence, cooperation, and shared learning.
The study visit was part of the “POLICY ANSWERS” project funded under the Horizon Europe programme of the European Commission.