SpinIT Meeting in Sofia: Pilot Validations and Preparation for the Final Phase

The opening session included an overview of the project’s progress, presentations of pilot results and a review of communication and promotional activities delivered by Petr Kopřiva from DEX Innovation Centre. After the introductory presentations, partners moved on to the central part of the programme, which focused on sharing pilot validations from across the Danube Region.

Pilots Focused on Entrepreneurship and Young Innovators

The Croatian organisation Optimizacija presented a two-day FutureMinds workshop in Zagreb aimed at developing entrepreneurial skills among young people. Participants worked with real examples and practical tools, which noticeably strengthened their confidence in finance, pitching and business planning. A similar approach was presented by the Bulgaria Economic Forum, which adapted the FutureMinds format for medical students at Trakia University in Haskovo. Students worked with the Business Model Canvas, explored innovation opportunities in healthcare and demonstrated that entrepreneurial thinking has a meaningful place in medical education as well.

Pilots Developing Digital Skills and Artificial Intelligence

A significant portion of the presentations focused on digital skills and artificial intelligence. The European Development Agency from the Czech Republic prepared the validation of two intensive workshops devoted to practical and responsible use of AI in small and medium-sized enterprises. Participants completed pre- and post-tests and worked with real case studies to learn how to integrate modern technologies safely and effectively into everyday operations. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Development introduced a pilot combining hands-on exercises, AI tools, GDPR principles and basic cybersecurity. Thanks to this, the Tuzla Canton is strengthening its foundation for developing digital competencies among SMEs and young professionals.

Pilots Supporting Industry 4.0 and Technological Innovation

In Hungary, the Innomine Digital Innovation Hub presented a pilot focused on Industry 4.0 and robotics. Activities included workshops, demonstration days and consultancy aimed at automation and robotic processes in SMEs. Collaboration with Bosch Rexroth and the University of Pécs showed the strong potential of the region while also highlighting the need to address low digital readiness through structured training and practical support. Serbia, represented by the company InoSens, introduced a series of six online workshops followed by an in-person final session. Participants appreciated the practical format, real examples and personalised guidance. The pilot proved to be an effective way of transferring digital skills across different sectors, including small businesses and non-profit organisations.

Pilots Combining Education, Leadership, AI and the Public Sector

The Regional Development Agency INOVAcija from Croatia presented its ICT Cross-Sector Traineeship programme held in Zadar. Participants from the public sector, business and academia learned leadership skills, AI tool usage and the basics of EU project development. The combination of parallel workshops, mentoring and topic rotation strengthened cross-sector collaboration and encouraged participants to pursue further digital development.

Pilots Supporting Mentoring and SME Development

The municipality of Cluj-Napoca in Romania presented a two-phase model for SME digitalisation. The process begins with a panel discussion at the Transilvania Digital Innovation Summit and continues with individual mentoring sessions. This method proved effective because it combines inspiration from practical examples with concrete steps for companies moving towards Industry 4.0.

Pilots Focused on Cybersecurity

The Slovenian organisation SRC Bistra Ptuj introduced a pilot addressing the rising number of cyberattacks targeting individuals, companies and universities. The goal is to strengthen basic digital resilience and teach participants how to protect themselves from common threats that affect both personal and professional environments.

Strategic Planning and Preparation for the Final Phase of the Project

The afternoon programme on the first day focused on preparing activities for the final project period. Partners discussed the analysis of lessons learned, the development of a digital transformation methodology, recommendations for digital policies in the Danube Region and preparations for the upcoming transnational meeting in Prague, which will include a capacity-building seminar and a digital e-book. The day concluded with a Steering Committee meeting dedicated to project management, finance and communication.

Visit to Sofia Tech Park and Main Takeaways from the Meeting

The second day was dedicated to a visit to Sofia Tech Park, where partners learned about the local innovation ecosystem and technological infrastructure. The programme ended with a guided tour of Sofia’s historic city centre, offering opportunities for informal discussions and new connections.

The SpinIT meeting in Sofia clearly demonstrated that partners across the region are able to deliver practical, sustainable and easily transferable models for developing digital skills, entrepreneurship and innovation. The validation of individual pilots confirmed their value and their potential for implementation in other countries. The project now enters its final phase, focused on consolidating results, sharing best practices and preparing for the final joint meeting in Prague in 2026.