Better transport connections, fewer administrative barriers and more effective support for SMEs are the central topics of the 15th Conference of Presidents of the Chambers of the New Alps-Adriatic Network (NAAN), which takes place on 23 October 2026 in Bolzano, Italy. All NAAN member chambers are also members of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), which creates an important basis for connecting companies and supporting their operations in neighbouring and other foreign markets.
The conference is hosted by the Bolzano Chamber of Commerce. The participants were introductory by its President Michl Ebner and the President of the Carinthian Chamber of Commerce Jürgen Mandl, who also chairs the NAAN network. The expert starting point for the discussion was presented by Antonello Fontanili from Uniontrasporti, who highlighted the challenges of transport and mobility in the northeastern border regions of the Alps and the Adriatic.
Linking NAAN and EEN networks for concrete support to businesses
The joint membership of the chambers in the NAAN and EEN networks combines knowledge of the regional business environment with international contacts and professional support for companies. The Enterprise Europe Network helps companies find business, technology and research partners, understand the rules of the single market and develop innovative, digital and sustainable business.
For companies from the Alps-Adriatic area, this is a good starting point for access to information and networking through partner organisations that are familiar with the situation in each market. Closer cooperation between chambers can facilitate the search for suitable interlocutors, the exchange of information on business conditions and the identification of cross-border business opportunities. Regional integration within the NAAN is thus complementary to the international reach of the EEN network.
The importance of maintaining quality support for businesses was also emphasized in the discussion by Meinrad Höfferer, Executive Director of the NAAN network. He drew attention to the need for adequate funding for the EEN network, and highlighted the reduction of bureaucracy and the adaptation of the requirements of the digital product passport to the capabilities of craftsmen and small businesses among the priorities. He also highlighted investments in transport and energy infrastructure and closer integration of universities and the economy throughout the NAAN area
OZS: companies need useful information and help to do business across borders
In the presentation of the OZS, Rok Capl emphasised that micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) represent the backbone of the Slovenian economy. Together, they employ approximately 70% of all employees and self-employed persons in enterprises, and their development is closely linked to the preservation of jobs, knowledge and the development of local environments.
They also play an important role in economic cooperation with neighbouring countries. According to the data presented in the OZS contribution, in 2024 they generated more than half of the value of Slovenian goods exports to each of the three neighbouring countries: 69.1% to Croatia, 60.8% to Austria and 59.1% to Italy. Among Slovenian companies operating in these markets, micro-enterprises are the most numerous.
Capl therefore emphasized that participation in the NAAN network must bring useful information and help to companies in everyday challenges. When providing services in neighboring countries, they need clear explanations about business conditions, required documentation and competent institutions.
It proposed closer integration of the advisory services of partner chambers and the appointment of contact persons to resolve cross-border issues more quickly. An individual chamber would also be able to provide support to a company through a trusted partner in a neighbouring country. At the same time, chambers would exchange information on the most common problems and record obstacles, which they would jointly address to the competent authorities.
As all NAAN chambers also participate in the EEN network, the proposed integration can build on existing professional contacts and experience in supporting international business. This is also an important basis for Capl’s proposal to connect companies from the Alps-Adriatic area for joint appearances in third markets, especially in Asia and America. The OZS contributes to this by providing direct insight into the needs of craftsmen and entrepreneurs. With a network of 62 regional chambers of crafts and entrepreneurship and 30 professional sections, it identifies the challenges of individual activities and local environments and connects interest representation with consulting, education and business networking.
NAAN connects the chambers of four countries
The New Alps-Adriatic Network (NAAN) was established in 2007 with the aim of strengthening cooperation and representing the interests of small and medium-sized enterprises in the Alps-Adriatic area. It connects chambers from Austria, Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. From Slovenia, the Chamber of Crafts and Entrepreneurship of Slovenia and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia participate. The priority areas of the network are transport infrastructure and logistics, tourism, the labour market, education and training, as well as digitalisation and innovation. NAAN promotes the exchange of knowledge, joint entrepreneurial initiatives and cooperation in cross-border European projects, and seeks funding opportunities for joint projects of partners from three or more countries in the area.
The Conference of Presidents of Chambers determines the strategic directions of the network, while the technical working group prepares the annual program and ensures the implementation of joint activities. Since 2019, the network has been based in Carinthia, Austria.
The two-day meeting in Bolzano began on 22 October with a visit to the Talent Centre and the Trade Museum. Today’s conference continues to connect with a discussion on transport accessibility and concrete forms of support for companies in doing business across borders.
