Western Balkans Start-up Ecosystem at a Crossroads

20 October 2025 | REPORT

The Western Balkans Start-up Ecosystem at a Crossroads is a joint publication by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN). It provides the first comprehensive, evidence-based overview of the start-up landscape in the Western Balkans Six (WB6). The study analyses the region’s progress toward an innovation-driven economy, mapping its key strengths, such as a growing ICT sector and a young, skilled workforce, while identifying persistent challenges like funding shortages, fragmented markets, and talent migration.

The report outlines a strategic roadmap to strengthen the regional innovation ecosystem, focusing on mobilising private capital, bridging the talent gap, and fostering stronger cross-border and global connections. By aligning the efforts of European and regional partners, it highlights how coordinated action can unlock the WB6’s untapped potential and accelerate their integration into Europe’s Single Market. The publication serves as both an analytical benchmark and a call to action for policymakers, investors, and innovators working toward a more competitive and resilient Western Balkans.

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