Launch of the CreaTech Project
We’re thrilled to launch the first issue of the CreaTech newsletter:
Your go-to source for updates, milestones, and insights from a bold new initiative connecting innovation, entrepreneurship, and the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs).
CreaTech is a European initiative that empowers Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to become leaders in innovation across the creative sector. Funded by the EIT HEI Initiative, the project fosters future-proof skills, supports institutional transformation, and helps unlock the full potential of creative ecosystems across Europe.
CreaTech is built on two pillars:
| Institutional Capacity Building | Collaborative Ecosystem Developments |
| By embedding interdisciplinary training, mentoring, and startup acceleration into HEI curricula and research, we are equipping students and staff with the skills to thrive in the rapidly evolving creative economy. | We’re connecting HEIs with businesses, creative organisations, and research institutions to enable co-creation and knowledge exchange in line with the EIT Knowledge Triangle. These partnerships will help reduce fragmentation and ensure long-term competitiveness in the CCIs. |
Meet the CreaTech Consortium
Our consortium brings together a vibrant mix of universities, research institutes, creative networks, and innovation leaders:
University of Tirana, Albania
AAB College, Kosovo
EMUNI University, Slovenia
University of Patras, Greece
University of Bedfordshire, UK
CED, Albania
ECHN – European Creative Hubs Network, Greece
Lascò, Italy
CNR – Italian National Research Council, Italy
Kick-Off Meeting in Tirana
In June, we held our first coordination meeting under the EIT HEI Initiative IV Call 2024 at the Faculty of Economy, University of Tirana.
The meeting opened with warm words from our hosts — Prof. Dr. Dorina Kripa (Project Coordinator), Prof. Assoc. Dr. Bernard Dosti (Dean of the Faculty of Economy), and Prof. Dr. Anila Paparisto (Vice-Rector of the University of Tirana).
Over two days of intensive work, our consortium partners laid the operational foundations of the project, focusing on: Training & mentoring in the HEIs, Startup acceleration, and establishing collaborative centers to drive innovation in the cultural & creative industries.
The partners also presented first drafts of the Project Management Guidelines, the Data Management Plan, the Communication, Dissemination & Transferability Plan, and the Baseline Capacity Assessment.
In the last months, we’ve hit the ground running with several key deliverables:
1.1 – Project Management Guidelines
Led by the University of Tirana, this comprehensive internal guide outlines all processes, roles, responsibilities and communication protocols, ensuring smooth coordination across our diverse consortium. It establishes the project's governance framework, defines roles and responsibilities, and sets out procedures for quality assurance, reporting, risk management, and financial management.
1.2 – Data Management Plan
Also led by University of Tirana, this plan outlines the types of data that will be generated, the standards and methodologies used for their collection and processing, and the strategies in place to ensure their secure storage, ethical use, and long-term preservation. Given the interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of the project, a robust and transparent data management strategy is essential to ensure consistency, interoperability, and adherence to both scientific and legal standards.
2.1 – Communication & Dissemination and Transferability Plan
Led by ECHN, this roadmap outlines how we’ll raise awareness, share results, and engage stakeholders across sectors.
3.1 – Capacity Building Program Framework
Under the guidance of CNR, we’re developing a robust training and mentoring framework for HEI staff and students, addressing entrepreneurship, creative leadership, and innovation management.
4.1 – Knowledge Lab Toolkit
Developed by AAB College with contributions from key partners, this practical guide supports the design and implementation of CCI Knowledge Labs: Spaces that foster experimentation, co-creation, and cross-sector collaboration within HEIs.
6.1 – Start-Up Booster Blueprint
EMUNI is designing a tailor-made acceleration program to support start-ups in the CCI ecosystem.
CreaTech will empower HEI Trainers for Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Cultural and Creative Industries!
On 30th of July 2025, CNR, partner of CreaTech project organized remotely the Service Co-design workshop for the Createch Capacity Building program, a collaborative workshop with CreaTech consortium team, to design a comprehensive Capacity Building Program aligned to institutional priorities, which includes training modules, mentorship support, and practical tools to enhance the innovation and entrepreneurial capacities of HEI staff.