At Barleti University in Tirana, on September 30 and October 1, 2025, the Kick-off Meeting of the “Regional Open Innovation Hubs for Green Growth through Digital Transformation” (EVOLVE) project officially launched a new cross-border collaboration connecting Albania, Montenegro, and Italy.
Funded under the Interreg IPA South Adriatic Programme and led by the Barleti Institute for Research and Development (BIRD), the EVOLVE project aims to strengthen biodiversity conservation and sustainable economic growth through digital transformation. Inspired by the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) model, EVOLVE adapts this framework to the biodiversity sector, creating a pioneering regional approach that bridges the gap between technological innovation and environmental sustainability.
During the two-day meeting, project partners presented the planned activities, work packages, and expected results, focusing on the development of the EVOLVE Biodiversity Strategy, the establishment of two Digital Innovation Hubs in Albania and Montenegro, and the creation of guidelines for testing and prototyping digital solutions in both the public and private sectors.
The meeting was opened by Ms. Kejda Nuhu, Project Manager at BIRD, with welcoming speeches by Mr. Sokol Duma, Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation of Albania, and Prof. Dr. Aleksandër Xhuvani, Director of BIRD. Participants worked jointly to finalize the implementation plan, define the communication framework, and schedule the calendar of activities for the next 30 months.
The EVOLVE consortium brings together six organizations:
- Barleti Institute for Research and Development (BIRD) – Lead Partner (Albania)
- CETMA – European Research Center for Technologies, Design and Materials (Italy)
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center Tehnopolis (Montenegro)
- Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation (Albania)
- EKO Fund – Environmental Protection Fund (Montenegro)
- Regional Agency for Rural Development, Agriculture, and Fisheries (ARSARP) (Italy)
Through this partnership, EVOLVE will support SMEs, institutions, and local communities to adopt digital tools and solutions that enhance biodiversity management and promote green innovation. The project foresees the creation of new training programs, cross-border workshops, and pilot actions that demonstrate how technology can drive sustainable change.
