National Knowledge Transfer Workshop Strengthened Social Economy Dialogue in Slovakia

On 26 June 2026, the National Knowledge Transfer Workshop was held in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia, bringing together representatives of public authorities, social enterprises, business support organisations and international experts to discuss the future development of the social economy.

Organised within the Danube4SEecosystem project in cooperation with the Banská Bystrica Self-Governing Region, the workshop focused on strengthening cooperation between local public authorities and social economy actors while supporting the long-term sustainability of the project's results.

The event attracted 125 participants, including social entrepreneurs, representatives of the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family of the Slovak Republic, the Banská Bystrica Self-Governing Region, the Permanent Representation of the Slovak Republic to the OECD, business support organisations and international experts from Poland, Austria and the Czech Republic. The diverse participation created valuable opportunities for dialogue, knowledge exchange and the sharing of practical experience.

Discussions addressed current challenges and future opportunities for the social economy, including policy development, the green and digital transition, innovation and cross-border cooperation. Participants also highlighted the importance of strengthening communication between policymakers and practitioners in order to create a more supportive environment for social enterprises.

One of the workshop's main outcomes was the shared recognition of the need for a permanent multi-stakeholder dialogue platform in Slovakia. Such a platform would facilitate continued cooperation between public authorities, social enterprises and support organisations, ensuring that the momentum created through Danube4SEecosystem continues beyond the project's lifetime.

The workshop demonstrated how transnational cooperation can foster stronger partnerships, encourage knowledge transfer and support the long-term development of more resilient and inclusive social economy ecosystems across the Danube Region.