Exploring Innovation and Sustainability: MIR Foundation’s UK Peer-Learning Study Visit
Gabriela Kostovska Bogoeska, Executive Director of the Foundation for Management and Industrial Research and Emilija Andonova, Programme Coordinator, recently participated in a series of high-level meetings in London and Oxford. The visit was an opportunity to exchange knowledge, explore collaboration opportunities, and discuss pressing topics in research, innovation, and sustainable development with leading UK institutions and experts that can contribute to relevant Macedonian stakeholders from the quadruple helix.
During their stay, the MIR representatives met with key UK governmental agencies to discuss innovation policies and funding mechanisms, including Engagements with UK Governmental Agencies and Innovation Hubs such as UKRI-UK Innovation and Research, NESTA – UK Innovation Agency for Social Good, ARIA – Advanced Research and Invention Agency. These discussions focused on fostering international collaboration in research and innovation while exchanging best practises in policy implementation.
The delegation visited Oxford Brookes University, where they engaged in a productive meeting with Professor Simonetta Manfredi, Director of Research, Innovation, and Enterprise. The visit also included a stop at the Oxford Brookes Enterprise Centre, where they discussed entrepreneurial and innovation support systems within the university ecosystem. Additionally, they explored opportunities with Oxford Women in Business, Oxford Science Enterprises & Grassroots Business Incubator.
A key highlight of the visit was attending the Source Fashion Fair 2025, where they participated in workshops focused on sustainable textiles. As sustainability is a crucial area in the Macedonian Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3), the event provided insights into circular fashion, biomaterials, and innovative textile production.
The MIR representatives also met John Walker, Treasurer of the European Small Business Alliance. Discussions revolved around SME support, industrial research, and fostering sustainable economic growth. A knowledge exchange meeting was also held with the Innovation Unit, where they explored impactful innovation programmes designed for social and economic benefit.
A UKRI-hosted session brought together MIR representatives and industry leaders, including the following topics: Transforming the garment waste into reusable materials; Sustainable and circular workwear solutions; Digital design solutions for circular fashion; AI, VR/XR, and emerging tech in fashion sustainability; Insights on sustainability in fashion supply chains; Leather alternatives from brewing waste; Pioneering textile recycling.
The UK peer-learning study visit provided invaluable insights into research, innovation, and sustainable business practises. The engagements reinforced MIR’s commitment to fostering knowledge exchange and building strategic partnerships to drive innovation and sustainability in the Western Balkans. Stay tuned for more updates on future collaborations and initiatives stemming from this productive visit!
The event was part of the “POLICY ANSWERS” project funded under the Horizon Europe programme of the European Commission. The project supports political dialogue, including formal meetings, monitoring and agenda setting, capacity building and implementation of the EU agenda for the Western Balkans, as well as alignment of thematic priorities. It will implement regional pilot activities and upgrade the information centre based on the www.westernbalkans-infohub.eu platform. 14 partner organisations, representing network nodes in the region and EU expert organisations, support policy dialogue through ministerial meetings, Steering Platform meetings and ad hoc policy meetings. They provide analytical evidence through monitoring and mapping activities (of the stakeholder ecosystem, implementation of the Western Balkans agenda and integration into the European Research Area).
