Startup ecosystems in Europe are proving that success doesn’t require copying Silicon Valley – instead, they’re building innovation networks that leverage local strengths, with global connections. In this DLD Future Hub session, moderated by
Stefan Drüssler (UnternehmerTUM), three emerging hubs demonstrate how cities can transform from overlooked regions into thriving innovation centers.
The transformation story of Tirana captures this perfectly. Helga Mustafaraj from Innovation Hub Tirana describes the remarkable journey of Albania’s capital from a “wild regime” after the fall of Communism to embracing AI and digital transformation within just 30 years of democracy.
One key to success tapping into the expertise of expats who’ve gone abroad. “You have to go global”, she says. “You connect with your own people, so you don’t get lost into the globalization, you still have an identity, but you still connect.”
Krloos Rivera, a director at Startup Valencia, explains how the Spanish has embraced its role as an innovation lab particularly in cybersecurity, biotech, and mobility. The city’s strong public-private partnerships, accessible networks, and bridge-building with Latin America set it apart, he says. “The key word is collaboration. It’s about people.”
Vlad Ciurca of Techsylvania highlights how the city of Cluj in Romania has leveraged its engineering talent and young population to grow from an outsourcing hub into a center for product innovation. “What’s important is to connect with other ecosystems”, he emphasizes. Events like Techsylvania are important in this context because they attract international founders and investors to inspire and grow the local ecosystem.
Watch the video to learn more about Europe’s hidden, but thriving innovation hubs.
