The 2025 Enterprise Europe Network Annual Conference, titled “Fostering innovation, decarbonisation and security for SMEs: a stronger network in action,” brought together members and partners of the Enterprise Europe Network in Aalborg, Denmark, for a three-day meeting of collaboration, learning, and exchange.
Enterprise Europe Network je bila ustanovljena leta 2008 s strani Evropske komisije za podporo mikro, malim in srednje velikim podjetjem (MSP) pri rasti, inovacijah in internacionalizaciji. Mreža je aktivna v več kot 50 državah in povezuje več kot 3.000 strokovnjakov iz več kot 500 organizacij.
With nearly 700 participants from 57 countries, the Enterprise Europe Network Annual Conference, organized by the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) and the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW), with the support of the North Denmark EU Office, marked a new milestone in strengthening Europe’s largest support ecosystem for businesses.
The annual conference was also attended by a representative of the Chamber of Craft and Small Business of Slovenia and other representatives of the Slovenian Enterprise Europe Network consortium, who actively participated in discussions, workshops, and networking. Their presence contributed to the exchange of best practices and the strengthening of ties between European partners, while also enabling the presentation of Slovenian experiences and the needs of SMEs in the international arena.
Over three days, participants joined high-level discussions, practical workshops, and interactive exchanges focused on helping SMEs innovate, expand internationally, and adapt to an increasingly dynamic global environment. The gathering in one place, where they could exchange views and better understand the changing priorities of the EU, was for many the highlight of the event. As highlighted by Muriel De Grande, Head of Sector for Enterprise Europe Network and EEN Partnerships at EISMEA: “For me, the most important aspects of our annual conference are meeting experts, sharing knowledge, showcasing activities that address the challenges of SMEs, and maintaining a strong connection with the European Union, the European Commission, and EISMEA.”
Key themes and messages
This year, the discussions focused on four main thematic areas that reflect the key political priorities of the EU and the network’s role in translating these priorities into concrete support for SMEs across Europe:
- Innovation and Start-ups
Discussions on Financing the Future and Protecting Innovation showed how the SME network connects with European financial instruments, investment opportunities, and partnerships that enable them to grow and be globally competitive. Spyros Kellidis from Enterprise Europe Network Greece highlighted: “I was particularly impressed by the Innovation Finance Arena session, where different European networks presented themselves to an actual company, and the audience evaluated the best solution. The format was dynamic, interactive, and very practical.”
- Industrial Transformation
Workshops such as Circular Energy Solutions for Net-Zero Industry and EEN Solutions for Decarbonisation focused on how SMEs can reduce emissions, implement circular models, and innovate within the context of the transition to clean industry.
- Single Market and Beyond
Panels such as Smart Trading in a Changing World and Helping SMEs Choose Europe – New EEN Investment Agenda highlighted the importance of supporting SMEs in growing within the EU internal market and expanding globally, even in times of geopolitical uncertainty.
- Quality and Impact
Discussions such as The Key Link: EEN and the New Simplification Agenda and Friendly Financing for SMEs: How Cascade Funding Can Strengthen EEN’s Work examined how the network can improve service quality, simplify processes, and strengthen measurable impact on European SMEs. Jesús Rojo from EEN Spain emphasized: “The conference offered an insight into the future of our network, which will evolve into the EU for Business platform. It is inspiring to see how the future is taking shape, especially with a focus on simplifications that will benefit both SMEs and us.”
Annual Conference 2025 in numbers
In addition to the content program, the conference offered numerous networking opportunities. As Antonella Marras from EEN Italy stated: “In a world increasingly shaped by digital tools and artificial intelligence, face-to-face meetings remain exceptionally important. This is where new members meet experienced ones, enabling the exchange of knowledge, perspectives, and fresh energy.”
Dedicated networking areas facilitated more than 740 individual meetings, while the exhibition space showcased numerous EU initiatives to support SMEs – from innovation and digitalization to access to finance and internationalization. According to Spyros Kellidis: “The authentic networking opportunities, especially around the exhibition booths, stood out the most. I met representatives from India, Vietnam, and Colombia, and we already have concrete plans for joint activities.”
Enterprise Europe Network Awards 2025
The most anticipated part of the event was the award ceremony for inspiring SME success stories that grew with the help of the network. The award for the most inspiring customer journey 2025 was received by the French biotechnology company Cilcare, which, with the support of EEN partners, managed to conclude a 15-million license agreement with the company Shionogi in Japan, with potential future payments of up to 400 million €.
The other two finalists also received recognition:
- CAEmate (Italija): podjetje, ki razvija digitalne dvojčke za infrastrukturo in je pridobilo tako evropska sredstva kot zasebne investicije ter prejeto Znak odličnosti Evropske komisije.
- Hacker School (Nemčija): neprofitna organizacija, ki širi izobraževanje na področju programiranja in s podporo EEN že deluje tudi v Avstriji.
Looking ahead
Participants left Aalborg full of energy, new knowledge, and new partnerships. As Aija Konisevska Azadi from EEN Denmark said: “Hosting this year’s conference was a great honor. We are happy that the participants enjoyed the program, the atmosphere, and the practicality of the location.”
The annual conference takes place in a different country every year, bringing fresh cultural and professional perspectives. Insights and connections created in Denmark will guide the work of the Enterprise Europe Network into the next year and strengthen cooperation between regions, sectors, and institutions.
Author: Edina Babnik, OZS
