NEWS: Three Quadruple Helix Work Cafés Successfully Held
Three insightful Quadruple Helix Model Work Café events were recently held by GREENSMES project partners: KEPA (Business and Cultural Development Centre, Greece), NCDIEL (National Center for Development of Innovation and Entrepreneurial Learning, North Macedonia), and AGRRA (Zadar County Rural Development Agency, Croatia). Each event provided a dynamic platform for cross-sectoral dialogue and collaboration aimed at fostering green innovation among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
4-Helix Model Work Café by KEPA
On 4 June 2025, KEPA hosted its Work Café titled “Bridges of Cooperation for the Green Economy” which brought together 22 participants from 14 organizations across academia, business, public administration, and civil society – the four pillars of the Quadruple Helix. The event provided a collaborative platform to discuss the potential of green innovation in SMEs.
The session began with an introduction to the GREENSMES project by KEPA staff, followed by a keynote from Ms. Apostolina Tsaltampasi, EU Female Entrepreneurship Ambassador, President of SEGE and WEnCoop, highlighting successful green business innovations. Ms. Jenny Elemé from OECON further presented key findings on current trends in green innovation based on secondary research.
Participants then shared their organizational experiences in sustainability and the circular economy through an interactive exchange, followed by an open dialogue focused on integrating green practices into SME operations. The session concluded with a shared commitment to continued collaboration and knowledge exchange.
4-Helix Model Work Café by NCDIEL
NCDIEL organized its Work Café as part of a broader workshop on the development of North Macedonia’s National SME Strategy 2025–2030. The Quadruple Helix session focused on one of today’s most urgent challenges: enabling SMEs to adopt greener business practices.
Over 20 participants from business, academia, and local administration gathered to explore:
- What are the main barriers SMEs face in going green?
- How can different sectors collaborate and offer support?
- How can stakeholders join the GREENSMES Roster of Experts?
The session sparked lively discussion, idea-sharing, and a mutual recognition of the need for cross-sector collaboration to support sustainable SME growth.
4-Helix Model Work Café by AGRRA
On 27 June 2025, AGRRA organized its Work Café in Zemunik Donji, Croatia, under the title “Green Transition of SMEs through Quadruple Helix Cooperation.” The event gathered 18 participants from all four helix sectors, including SMEs, academia (University of Zadar and Agricultural School Stanko Ožanić), the public sector (Zadar County and ZADRA NOVA), and civil society organizations.
The program included a presentation of the GREENSMES project, an overview of regional green economy research, and a roundtable discussion on barriers and opportunities in green innovation. SMEs shared practical experiences and sustainable practices, while participants jointly identified future collaborative actions to accelerate green transition and build capacity among stakeholders.
Moving Forward Together
All three events successfully demonstrated the value of the Quadruple Helix approach in fostering dialogue, synergy, and actionable strategies for a more sustainable SME ecosystem. The insights and commitments gathered during these sessions contribute to the broader goals of the GREENSMES project and reflect the shared vision of its partners across the Adrion region.
Stay tuned for more updates and outcomes from the GREENSMES project as we continue building greener, more innovative economies together.