Nearly 700 experts from 57 countries gathered in Aalborg, Denmark, on 26-28 November for the Enterprise Europe Network 2025 annual conference on fostering innovation, decarbonisation and security for SMEs. The annual conference is the central meeting point for network partners, EU policy makers and international experts.
This year, for the first time ever, the new Czech consortium EEN Czechia, led by CzechInvest, also participated in the conference. During the two and a half days, the participants attended strategic discussions, practical workshops and interactive exchanges of experiences, which focused on supporting SMEs in the era of rapid digitalization, global changes and increasing demands for sustainability.
“Czech companies are very sensitive to economic shocks and often lack funding for innovation, digitalisation or the transition to more sustainable business models. In all these areas, Enterprise Europe Network provides a range of tools that we can provide to Czech companies and help them on their way to growth, attracting international partners and success in the single European market and further afield,” said Martina Malíková from CzechInvest, the main coordinator of the EEN Czechia project.
Simplifying processes for SMEs as a key EU priority
The theme of simplification or simplification of processes for small and medium-sized enterprises, which is a major priority of the European Union, resonated strongly through the conference programme. It should be reflected in particular in better use of the single market, simpler rules for cross-border activities, reduction of the administrative burden or in support for the international expansion of companies.
The event featured 86 speakers in 19 panel discussions and workshops covering four main EU themes and priorities: innovation and start-ups, industrial transformation, the internal market and global expansion, and the quality and impact of services for businesses across Europe.
The Enterprise Europe Network Annual Conference was organised by the Directorate General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs and the European Council’s Executive Agency for Innovation and SMEs. Enterprise Europe Network is the largest global SME support network, operating in over 56 countries and bringing together over 569 SME support organisations.
From 1 July 2025, the Czech Republic has a new national team of Enterprise Europe Network Czechia (EEN Czechia), which builds on the long-standing success of EEN in the Czech Republic. It provides entrepreneurs with free consultations and services focused on expansion into foreign markets, innovation, digitalisation, sustainability or business financing. More information about the project can be found at een.gov.cz
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