In a momentous occasion marking its 30th anniversary, the Agency for Regional Economic Development – Stara Zagora (REDA – Stara Zagora) hosted an inspiring international conference titled “Connecting the Dots.” Over 200 attendees, including more than 100 international partners from across Europe, gathered at the prestigious Regional Library “Zahari Knyazheski” on October 15th, 2025.
This landmark event was a testament to REDA’s unwavering commitment to fostering dialogue between people, institutions, and businesses over the past three decades. The conference featured four dynamic international forums, transforming Stara Zagora into a vibrant hub for European discourse on the critical issues shaping our future.
Driving Sustainable Mobility and Hydrogen Solutions: Experts from Spain, Greece, and the Netherlands shared innovative strategies for integrating electric and hydrogen mobility in transitioning regions. As a key player in this field, REDA is actively involved in three groundbreaking international projects: RenewSTART, RuralMED Mobility, and GH2M.
Empowering SMEs Through Innovation: The spotlight shone brightly on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), exploring avenues for accessing funding and embracing cutting-edge technologies. The European Digital Innovation Hub Zagore took center stage, showcasing its pivotal role in driving digital transformation across regional and national industries.
Championing People-Centered Transitions: Delegates examined the outcomes of recent initiatives, unveiling new approaches to engage citizens in decision-making processes for a just and equitable transition. These initiatives underscore REDA’s dedication to inclusive growth and community involvement.
Elevating Women in Transitioning Regions: A lively discussion highlighted the importance of promoting women’s entrepreneurship and dismantling barriers to gender equality. With REDA as a vital partner, this initiative promises to create lasting change in transitioning regions.
The conference served as a powerful platform for exchanging knowledge, sharing visionary ideas, and forging concrete solutions. It embodied the very essence of REDA’s mission – connecting people, ideas, and policies – and reaffirmed its enduring impact on regional economic development.
