RISE Project Holds 3rd Project Partner and First Year Review Meeting in Belgrade

The RISE project’s Partner and First Year Review (FYR) Meeting took place on March 13–14, 2025, at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia in Belgrade, gathering all 11 project partners from across the Danube region. Organized in a hybrid format, the event was co-hosted by CCIS and the Lead Partner PTP, enabling dynamic participation both onsite and online. 

Valuable input was provided by Ms. Katalin Kovács-Kasza, the project officer (MA/JS), who participated in person and offered guidance for future steps.

The 1st day was dedicated to reviewing progress from the first year of implementation. The importance of the B2GreenHub platform as a long-term support tool for circular and digital transition was emphasized, along with the need to ensure usability and cross-regional relevance. To wrap up the first day of the event, CCIS organised a networking dinner in Dva Jelena located in, Belgrade’s historic quarter—blending professional exchange with cultural experience. 

On the 2nd day, the focus shifted to technical progress and small-scale regional testing of the RISE toolbox during the 3rd RISE Project Meeting and A1.5 Workshop. Pomurje Technology Park, the coordinator of this activity, presented and discussed the assessment tools developed within the project, including: 

• Digital Transformation Assessment Tool, 

• Energy Optimization Tool, and 

• Material Circularity Tool. 

These tools will provide small-scale food and beverage SMEs in the Danube region with tailored optimization strategies, helping them enhance efficiency, reduce resource consumption, and improve competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market.

Pomurje Technology Park which coordinates the toolbox development activities also provided an update on the E-Knowledge Platform: B2GreenHub, intended to serve as a central space for training materials,  cross-sector assessment tools and other resources supporting the implementation of pilot actions by RISE mentors. 

The meeting concluded with partners agreeing clear next steps, and reafirming a shared commitment to continue their the development of high-impact solutions for SMEs.