INITIATE project - 2nd newsletter!
Here's whats been happening in the last 6 months of the project!
Supporting European Research&Innovation through stakeholder collaboration and institutional reform
March, 7th, 2025, Zagreb, Croatia
Since its launch in February 2024, the INITIATE project has been working to empower higher education institutions in Widening countries by fostering research and innovation (R&I) through institutional transformation. By promoting cooperation, knowledge circulation and interdisciplinary collaboration, INITIATE aims to enhance scientific excellence and knowledge valorisation.
Through stakeholder engagement and a co-design approach, the project is developing a tailored transformation framework that addresses institutional needs, policy barriers, and best practices while identifying collaboration opportunities with other institutions and local ecosystems. Recent pilot workshops in Croatia, Portugal, and North Macedonia have provided valuable insights, contributing to the development of policy recommendations, research outputs, and joint funding applications.
This edition highlights the most significant events and key achievements from the past 6 months.
First General Assembly and R&I Lab in Lisbon, Portugal
The INITIATE General Assembly took place in Lisbon, from 23rd to 25th October, 2025, bringing together project partners to review progress, share insights and refine strategies for institutional transformation in research and innovation (R&I). Over three days, key discussions focused on project milestones, collaboration opportunities and policy frameworks.
The assembly began with an overview of the project’s achievements over the past nine months, followed by discussions on key topics within work packages. These included stakeholder engagement, legislative barriers, best practices, transformation strategies, KPI frameworks, the development of the INITIATE database, capacity building, training content, the establishment of participatory R&I Labs, and pilot implementations in Zagreb, Lisbon, and Skopje, focusing on digitalization, energy systems, and business analytics.
A major highlight was the Workshop on Collaboration Strategies and Policy Frameworks, featuring external stakeholders who shared perspectives on HEI-industry cooperation. Discussions explored challenges, risks, and strategies to strengthen partnerships for innovation. Additionally, the R&I Lab session emphasized policy recommendations and structured coordination for proposal applications. The General Assembly concluded with a visit to a demonstration site. The event reinforced the collective commitment to driving impactful institutional transformation in Widening countries.
R&I Lab in Skopje, North Macedonia
The R&I and Policy Lab in Skopje, North Macedonia, took place on February 27, 2025, hosted by INOFEEIT, FEEIT, and UKIM. The hybrid event brought together 55 participants from government, civil society, industry, and academia to foster collaboration on energy and sustainability.
Key discussions included the Smart Energy Systems Group (SESG), the integration of Digital Twins and Living Labs, and interactive sessions focused on proposal co-creation for Horizon Europe and EUKI calls. Participants also worked on research ideas for decarbonization and digitalization in the energy sector.
The event resulted in three Miro Boards capturing ideas, expertise and collaboration opportunities—serving as a foundation for future research and innovation efforts. This lab represented a significant step forward in advancing North Macedonia’s energy transition and R&I ecosystem.
Scientific publications
As part of the project, three significant scientific papers have been published, contributing to the advancement of renewable energy systems and the water-energy nexus. One paper explores a model for a fully renewable and self-sufficient urban energy system, focusing on short-term dynamics and the integration of transport and thermal sectors. The second study examines the optimization of desalination systems powered by renewable energy, incorporating storage solutions to enhance efficiency within the water-energy nexus. The third study deals with the challenges in the energy planning of islanded systems and how they can become autonomous, secure and carbon-free. These publications not only provide valuable insights for the scientific community but also foster collaboration between researchers, industry, and policymakers, driving innovation and accelerating the transition towards sustainable energy and water management solutions. Both papers are available on the project website.
As part of the INITIATE project, continuous efforts have been made to disseminate results, share knowledge and engage key stakeholders. A strong focus has been placed on showcasing advancements from pilot projects, demonstrating real-world applications of innovative solutions in renewable energy and integrated energy systems. Participation in high-profile events, conferences, and forums has played a crucial role in fostering collaboration, exchanging expertise, and promoting the project’s findings to the wider scientific and professional community. By presenting research and insights at international gatherings INITIATE has contributed to discussions shaping the future of sustainable energy while strengthening connections with experts, policymakers, and industry leaders.
11th International Forum on Renewable Energy, Power & Energy Masters 2024, Vodice, Croatia
The INITIATE project, in collaboration with the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture (UNIZAG FSB), proudly participated in the 11th International Forum on Renewable Energy, Power & Energy Masters 2024, held from November 6th to 8th in Vodice, Croatia. The event gathered leading experts and researchers to discuss key challenges in Croatia’s energy sector and explore innovative solutions, with a strong focus on renewable energy and advanced technologies. Over three days, participants engaged in dynamic presentations, panel discussions, and networking, exchanging insights on the latest advancements in sustainable energy. The forum highlighted the importance of forward-thinking approaches, fostering collaboration and reinforcing the commitment to shaping the future of energy.
INNOFEIT EDIH Officially Launched: A Gateway for Green and Digital Transformation
On January 31, 2025, INNOFEIT and UKIM officially launched North Macedonia’s first European Digital Innovation Hub – INNOFEIT EDIH. This milestone initiative, co-financed by the EU and the Government, will provide over 300 free services valued at 2 million euros to support SMEs and public institutions in their green and digital transformation efforts.
The grand opening gathered key representatives from academia, government, and industry, emphasizing the crucial role of digital innovation in shaping the country’s future. With the establishment of INNOFEIT EDIH, UKIM/FEEIT is strengthening collaboration with industry and policymakers across the agriculture, manufacturing, smart building, and energy sectors. Aligned with the goals of the INITIATE project, this initiative fosters institutional transformation by enhancing research, innovation, and knowledge exchange, further reinforcing UKIM’s position as a leading hub for sustainable development. Through joint projects, events, and strategic partnerships, INNOFEIT EDIH and INITIATE are driving forward the green and digital transition in North Macedonia and beyond.
Roundtable on Energy Sector Challenges in Skopje, North Macedonia
On March 5th, the first thematic roundtable focused on the exchange of experiences in the energy sector took place at INOFEIT, bringing together key stakeholders from North Macedonia and Romania. The event gathered academic representatives from FEEIT and the University of Constanța, as well as business sector representatives, transmission system operators, and regulators. A central topic of discussion was Romania’s experience as an EU member in developing its energy system and integrating renewable energy sources.
Supported by the Embassy of Romania in North Macedonia, the event highlighted the importance of regional collaboration. Key outcomes included the signing of Memorandums of Cooperation between CITYINNOHUB and INNOFEIT EDIH, the promotion of the newly established Smart Energy Systems Group at FEEIT, and productive discussions on joint solutions to energy challenges. This event represents a significant step forward in fostering innovation and regional cooperation in the energy sector, paving the way for impactful, sustainable solutions.
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Author(s) and Contact Information:
Goran Krajačić, PhD
Project Manager
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb
Ivana Lucica 5, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
