GSA JOINED EEN 2025 TO STRENGTHEN EUROPE’S STARTUP LANDSCAPE
The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) Annual Conference 2025, held from 26–28 November in Aalborg, brought together hundreds of ecosystem builders, policymakers, investors, and innovation leaders from across Europe and beyond. As one of the EU’s flagship annual events for SME support and internationalisation, the conference focuses on shaping a stronger, more connected, and more competitive innovation landscape for European companies.
This year, discussions centered on how to help SMEs confidently Choose Europe as their base for long-term growth. This mission has become increasingly important in the time of global uncertainty and rapidly shifting business dynamics.
Driving Europe’s Startup Competitiveness
Representing the Global Startup Awards and XO Group, our CEO Kim Balle joined one of the conference’s main session dedicated to strengthening Europe’s startup and investment landscape. His participation aligned with GSA’s ongoing work to support regional innovation ecosystems and foster stronger connections across European markets.
The session brought together key voices from Europe’s innovation community, including Mariella Masselink, Head of Unit for Industrial Forum, Alliances, and Clusters at EU Business. The discussion focused on how the Enterprise Europe Network helps SMEs:
Connect with the right investors
Gain access to public and private financing
Build sustainable, Europe-first growth strategies
By contributing to this conversation, Kim Balle helped highlight the importance of coordinated support systems, cross-border partnerships, and a unified approach to accelerating European startups. His involvement reflected the Global Startup Awards’ commitment to strengthening the foundations of Europe’s innovation landscape.
Looking Ahead
With workshops, matchmaking sessions, policy discussions, and ecosystem dialogues spread across three days, the EEN Annual Conference continues to be a vital platform for aligning the ambitions of Europe’s innovation actors.
As more insights emerge from the 2025 edition in Aalborg, one message is clear: collaboration between networks like EEN, global platforms like GSA, and leaders across industry and policy is essential for shaping Europe’s future.
Global Startup Awards remains committed to supporting SMEs, innovators, and ecosystem builders, ensuring that Europe stays resilient, connected, and globally competitive.