The European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) DigitMak has strengthened regional innovation and cross-border cooperation through the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Bulgaria's AgroDigiRise EDIH and EDIHCS. The agreements establish a framework for long-term collaboration, knowledge exchange, and joint support for companies and public organizations pursuing digital and green transformation.

The cooperation was initiated by the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia (ECNM), a consortium partner in DigitMak, and Cleantech Bulgaria, a partner in both AgroDigiRise and EDIHCS. The collaboration was formalized during meetings in Sofia, where representatives of the partner organizations signed the MoUs and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the regional innovation ecosystem.

Representatives from ECNM on behalf of DigitMak, Mihajlo Donev, Assistant Operations Director for Development, Innovation, and Knowledge and Daniel Matrakoski, International Cooperation Coordinator and representatives of Cleantech Bulgaria on behalf of AgroDigiRise, Mariyana Hamanova, Executive Director and Maria Nakova, Head of EDIHCS agreed that these new partnerships are more than institutional cooperation and bring more opportunities to Macedonian and Bulgarian companies to utilize cross-border services, connect with complementary innovation ecosystems, and access expertise that may not be available within their national innovation environments. The partnerships reflect the core vision of the European Digital Innovation Hubs initiative: creating a connected network of innovation hubs that enables businesses to access expertise, testing facilities, infrastructure, investment opportunities, and specialized services across borders. Through this cooperation, companies from North Macedonia and Bulgaria will gain improved access to complementary innovation ecosystems and cross-border EDIH services.

The collaboration aligns with the Smart Specialisation priorities of both countries, focusing on sectors with high potential for sustainable growth and digital transformation.

One key area is Construction, Sustainable Materials and Smart Buildings, where DigitMak and EDIHCS will support companies in adopting advanced technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), digital twins, artificial intelligence, smart infrastructure solutions, resource-efficient materials, and circular economy approaches. Businesses in construction, architecture, engineering, and building materials production will benefit from expanded access to expertise, testing facilities, and innovation services.

A second focus area is Smart Agriculture and Food with Higher Added Value, where DigitMak and AgroDigiRise will promote cooperation in precision agriculture, digital farm management, artificial intelligence, IoT applications, sustainability practices, and value-added food production. The partnership will create new opportunities for farmers, food processors, technology providers, and research organizations from both countries.

By connecting the innovation ecosystems of North Macedonia and Bulgaria, DigitMak, AgroDigiRise, and EDIHCS are creating stronger foundations for digital and green transformation in strategic sectors. The partnerships will enhance competitiveness, support innovation-driven growth, and provide businesses with greater opportunities to access knowledge, technologies, and services throughout the European Digital Innovation Hubs network.