The International Balkan University (IBU) and InnoX Innovation Center were honored to participate in the esteemed EU Innovation Partners Networking Forum, organized by the ACRID Network.

Representing IBU were Prof. Dr. Lutfi Sunar, Rector, and Prof. Dr. Snezana Bilic, Vice-Rector, alongside Mr. Abil Baush, CEO of InnoX Innovation Center, which functions under IBU.

Their participation underscored the University’s commitment to contributing to global academic discourse and fostering innovation through collaborative networks.

The forum provided a platform for distinguished stakeholders from academia, industry, and policy, offering in-depth discussions and workshops on:

- EU funding mechanisms, such as Horizon Europe, Life+, and SMP;

- Solutions to contemporary challenges in energy, sustainable urban development, green technologies, and the circular economy;

- Strategies for enhancing resource efficiency and addressing scarcity through innovative approaches;

- Emerging trends in digital transformation, green technologies, and deep tech, aimed at advancing Europe’s global competitiveness.

The event also included a pivotal session at the European Commission, emphasizing the role of EU policies in advancing regional development, sustainability, and research-driven innovation.

During the forum, Prof. Dr. Lutfi Sunar and Prof. Dr. Snezana Bilic engaged in dialogues on fostering academic and research partnerships across Europe, while Mr. Abil Baush showcased InnoX’s mission to bridge the gap between academia and industry, aligning with EU sustainability objectives.

This participation reflects IBU’s and InnoX’s shared vision of contributing to the EU’s agenda for sustainable innovation and positions both institutions as active stakeholders in driving transformative change within the European innovation ecosystem.