A Sustainable Regional Innovation Hub
The concept of Regional and Digital Innovation Hub (DIH) as a policy initiative is recent and was formally launched by the European Commission (EC) in its Communication on “Digitising European Industry” (European Commission, 2016a).
Innovation Hubs are defined as structures that support companies in the region become more competitive by improving their business/production processes as well as products and services by means of technology and innovation.
Argjiro Innovation Hub is conceived as an ecosystem of actors and stakeholders of the region of Gjirokastra supporting initiatives that support innovation, start-ups and the development of the surrounding innovation ecosystem in the concrete territorial context of Gjirokastra.
Our initial vision is supported by EU funded cross border cooperation projects
- INECO – Innovative Economy Ecosystem
- ACCEL – Corporate Acceleration of Existing Ventures
- CULTURE PLUS – Culture Branding Strengthening Extroversion
Support the Local Economic Development
Our core mission as Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Gjirokastra is the support of local economic development, strategic planning, policy making and entrepreneurship. Thus we have established a Local Action Plan including, but not limited, to
- Support Youth, Scientists and Diaspora – Dedicated action for youth, scientists and diaspora of Gjirokastra region as a contribution to local and national actions for brain gain, through support, business incubation, coaching, mentoring and professional services
- Advice local government and actors – Close cooperation with local government (Prefectures, Regional Council. Municipalities, University and Professional Unions) to support the policy making and concrete actions for all pillars of the local economy
Participate in National and International Bodies – including close cooperation with Ministries, National Investment Council, Public SME Support Agencies, EU Delegation in Albania and all potential donors acting in Albania, Western Balkans and EU27.
