This special session will explore how innovation in the raw materials sector supports sustainable economic growth, digital transformation, and market development in emerging European economies, with special focus on Albania and the Western Balkans.

Key Topics

• Raw materials and sustainable growth
• Innovation ecosystems and regional development
• Digitalization and new technologies in industry
• Legal and regulatory frameworks for markets and investment
• Circular economy and green transition
• Skills, entrepreneurship, and education in raw material

About EIT Raw Materials Albania Regional Innovation Center (RIC)

Established by Decision No. 697 on 06.12.2023, the EIT Raw Materials Albania Regional Innovation Center (RIC) is a public legal entity operating under the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energetics and EIT Raw Materials. As a hub for Albania's raw materials sector, RIC Albania connects the Western Balkans and Europe, leveraging Albania's raw material potential. It operates under national legislation and EIT Raw Materials standards via an inter-institutional quadruple helix platform. Its objectives include supporting mineral resource management, promoting innovation, providing training for qualified staff, fostering business development, strengthening industry, introducing green technologies, and ensuring social license to operate to increase primary material supply to the European market.