Active entrepreneurs, representatives from the University of Pristina, diplomatic representatives from Luxembourg, Sweden, Finland, development partners from the EU, USAID, Sida, ADA, GIZ and LuxDev participated in this event.
Minister Rozeta Hajdari praised the collaboration with these important partners for enhancing entrepreneurship and innovation in Kosovo.
The Minister highlighted the importance of this week, referring to it as a celebration of innovators who start with entrepreneurship and turn their creative ideas into reality.
She noted that Kosovo continues to be a hub for talented young individuals focused on STEM fields, who have an entrepreneurial mindset, proving that with support and commitment, talent can achieve remarkable success.
The Minister stated that the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Kosovo is evolving, with numerous entities providing spaces to support "start-ups", as well as pre-incubation and incubation programs. She revealed that this year, MIET, through the KIESA agency, is working on setting up business incubators in municipalities and universities for young entrepreneurs. Furthermore, they are providing direct financial support to expedite digital transformation and innovation in 185 "start-ups", micro, small and medium-sized enterprises through the grant scheme for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Through the Law on Sustainable Investments, which is now in force, we have established the Agency for Innovation and Enterprise Support in Kosovo (AIESK) at MIET, and the Agency for Investment and Exports (AIE) within OPM. Additionally, as part of the Draft Law on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which is currently in the approval process in the Government, we are creating the Innovation Fund to provide further support to individuals and enterprises engaged in innovative activities such as developing new products, processes, services, and production methods, as well as introducing new models of doing business, Minister Hajdari emphasized.
In celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week, Minister Hajdari declared that with our creative and dedicated entrepreneurs and a sustainable governance system to support innovation and entrepreneurship, we will expedite sustainable economic development, create decent employment opportunities, maintain a clean environment, and better utilize natural resources in our country.
The event also included a panel discussion addressing the importance of cooperation between government institutions, universities, businesses, and organizations to further strengthen entrepreneurship and create networks.
Activities as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week will continue with visits to businesses, meetings, and other events aimed at promoting dialogue and cooperation with entrepreneurs in the Republic of Kosovo.
