Team

Team

Our Team2025-09-22T11:00:59+00:00

Institute for Research in Environment, Civil Engineering and Energy

The Institute for Research in Environment, Civil Engineering and Energy (IECE) is a private, non-profit research institution dedicated to promoting sustainable development through an integrated approach of research, education, and consultancy.

Founded in 2014 by Civil Engineering Institute Macedonia JSC (CEIM)—a regional leader with decades of experience across the Western Balkans—IECE was established as part of CEIM’s corporate social responsibility to create long-term, knowledge-driven impact beyond business. The institute is accredited by the Ministry of Education and Science of North Macedonia.

IECE is strategically positioned as an interface between academia and industry, fostering mutual exchange of knowledge, expertise, and innovative ideas. Its mission is to create platforms for dialogue, collaboration, and sustainable action that benefits both the economy and future generations.

The foundations of IECE are set on three pillars

Research, development, and innovation

Leading applied research to address pressing environmental and societal challenges.

Education

Offering higher education, vocational education and training (VET), and lifelong learning programs tailored to youth and adults alike.

Consultancy

Providing expert guidance to institutions, companies, and communities in implementing sustainable, long-term strategies.

IECE’s signature CO-IN© Model promotes collaborative innovation by bringing together government, academia, industry, professional associations, and civil society. Through systemic thinking, inclusive dialogue, and practical implementation, the model supports the creation and scaling of circular and sustainable solutions.

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Committed to a knowledge-based economy, IECE empowers future generations to develop sustainable solutions with innovation, responsibility, and leadership.

RECONOMY Program

The establishment and continuous support of the Western Balkans Circular Economy Hub was initiated by the RECONOMY program and the Western Balkans Chambers of Commerce.

RECONOMY is an inclusive and green economic development program of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), implemented by HELVETAS Swiss Inter-cooperation in the Eastern Partnership and the Western Balkan countries.

Chambers of Commerce

The Western Balkans Circular Economy Hub has partnered with the Chambers of Commerce from the region as key institutions that represent the interests of businesses, support their growth, and act as a bridge between the private sector and policy makers. By partnering with the Chambers, we aim to accelerate the circular economy transition in the Western Balkans by directly engaging companies—the main actors in this shift. Through this collaboration, the Hub can promote circular practices, share resources, and support capacity-building among chamber members, making circularity more accessible and actionable across sectors.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia
Chamber of Economy of Montenegro
Kosova Chamber of Commerce
Small Business Chamber N. Macedonia
Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Union of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Albania
Chamber of Commerce of Republic of Srpska

Become a Partner of WBCE Hub

Join us as a partner to co-create impactful activities, expand your network, and raise the visibility of your circular economy efforts as an organisation.

  • Collaborate with the Hub and other organisations from the region to co-create joint events and activities, and forge partnerships for long-lasting projects

  • Get access to a regional network of circular economy actors, including businesses, experts, and institutions, with the potential to exchange valuable contacts and expertise

  • Amplify your outreach by leveraging the Hub’s platform to disseminate your events, news, and circular economy initiatives to a wider audience across the Western Balkans

  • Increase your visibility and recognition through featured promotion on the Hub’s communication channels and dedicated Partner section on the upcoming digital platform

Frequently asked questions

Who can become a partner of the Western Balkans Circular Economy Hub?2025-08-07T10:38:20+00:00

Organizations and institutions from the six Western Balkan countries that are active or interested in the field of circular economy can become partners. This includes NGOs, business support organizations, educational and research institutions, local authorities, and other relevant stakeholders who share the Hub’s mission of accelerating the circular transition in the region.

Can partners propose activities or projects for collaboration?2025-08-07T10:39:11+00:00

Yes. Partners are encouraged to propose activities or projects that align with the Hub’s mission and target groups. These can include events, trainings, campaigns, joint research, or knowledge-sharing initiatives. The Hub is open to co-creating and supporting activities where there is shared interest and potential for mutual benefit.

What kind of collaboration opportunities are available for partners?2025-08-07T10:39:38+00:00

Partners can engage in various forms of collaboration, including:

  • Co-creation and participation in events such as webinars, workshops, and networking sessions
  • Exchanging relevant contacts (e.g. experts, mentors, businesses) for specific needs
  • Disseminating circular economy-related content through their local networks
  • Participating in or supporting mentorship programs and capacity-building initiatives
  • Enhancing mutual visibility through joint promotion across communication channels

Partners of the Hub

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Contact us

regionalcehub@gmail.com
info@iege.edu.mk

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The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Republika Srpska (RS Chamber) is an independent, non-profit public-legal association formed in 1992 under the Law on Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Srpska. It is structured as a unified chamber system with five regional chambers (Banja Luka, Doboj, Bijeljina, East Sarajevo, and Trebinje) and has branch (sector) associations.

The Chamber represents the interests of its members — businesses, banks, educational institutions, agricultural cooperatives, and professional associations — before legislative and executive authorities, and works to develop economic relations domestically and abroad. It also provides advisory services, trainings, and support for competitiveness, export readiness, standards implementation, and business promotion.

In recent years, the Chambre has increasingly focused on sustainability and circular economy measures. For example, through its Women’s Entrepreneurship Council, it has organised trainings and workshops that include themes like energy efficiency and green economy. It participates in certification programs for business-friendly municipalities (BFC SEE) which increasingly include environmental criteria and resource-use efficiency among evaluation standards.

 

The Kosovo Chamber of Commerce (KCC / OEK) is a non-profit, independent institution established in 1962 by the Assembly of Kosovo. It serves as the leading representative body for the business community in Kosovo, advocating for favorable economic policies, supporting entrepreneurship, and promoting internationalization of local businesses.

Over the years, KCC has evolved its legal and organizational structure—most notably in 2005 it secured a foundational law that formalized its mandate, enabled voluntary membership, and granted it several institutional roles such as issuing certificates of origin and engaging in social dialogue.

Today, it has thousands of members across many sectors, regional offices throughout Kosovo, and works closely with both public authorities and international partners to improve the business environment and boost economic growth.

The Chamber of Kosovo has established an Office for Circular Economy to support the private sector’s green transition. Through its 2024–2026 Operational Plan and Stakeholder Engagement Plan, the Chamber has defined clear goals, initiated activities, and positioned itself as a key partner in advancing the circular economy in Kosovo.

So far, it has:

– Held over 30 meetings with international partners, including GIZ, USAID, UNDP, World Bank, and EBRD, to promote Kosovo’s green initiatives and explore cooperation opportunities.

– Organized major events such as the National Conference on Promoting the Circular Economy in Kosovo and the regional Revolve to Evolve – Go Circular conference.

– Published summary reports on key topics such as circular economy and sustainability, energy statistics, and environmental taxes in Kosovo.

– Developed project proposals, including SustainKosova (identifying 100 sustainable companies) and Greening Private Sector Companies in Kosovo (in cooperation with EBRD).

– Actively contributed to regional working groups, such as the Green Transition and Energy Efficiency Working Group (WB6 CIF) and the Stakeholder Platform on Green and Circular Economy in the Western Balkans (RCC).

The Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina is an independent, non-governmental, non-profit, and non-political public legal association of business entities and business associations from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its mission is to foster and improve the economic relations of Bosnian and Herzegovinian entrepreneurs and to represent their interests before the relevant institutions within the country.

In addition to these core responsibilities, the Chamber also carries out tasks based on public authority delegated by the state, and it actively engages in the education and capacity-building of businesses to prepare them for the demands of international markets.

The Chamber serves as a reliable source of information and offers a wide range of services to both domestic and international partners, including business and market intelligence, regulatory and legal information, advisory services, promotional activities, and access to databases.

The Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a member of numerous international organizations (such as Eurochambres, the International Chamber of Commerce – ICC, ABC, FIATA, IRU, and SECI), which enables it to participate in projects aimed at strengthening and enhancing regional and international business cooperation.

How is this Chamber of Commerce supporting the transition to a circular economy?

The need for new circular business models and green production processes is increasingly evident in the operations of companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This need has emerged as a result of global trends that are transferring from developed markets to smaller economies, prompting them to adapt in order to remain competitive.

Recognizing that Bosnia and Herzegovina can safeguard its economic interests only by following the same principles, the Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina has been actively engaged in the economic transition since the signing of the Sofia Declaration in November 2020. The Chamber has identified the potential of green value chains in building new competencies, strengthening the competitiveness of export potential, maximizing the use of domestic resources, reducing waste, protecting the environment, and creating new jobs.

Continuous education of the business sector in the field of circular economy is a key prerequisite for achieving these goals. For many years, the Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina has served as a hub for knowledge-sharing events and capacity-building initiatives.

Supporting companies in the “greening” process often involves concrete and specific tasks, such as the implementation of technical standards in production, the identification of new sales and procurement channels, and business networking. These activities represent the core of the Chamber’s daily operations. Together with its member companies, the Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina has initiated the transition of the domestic economy towards sustainable and environmentally friendly business models, consistently striving for excellence in all areas.

The Chamber of Economy of Montenegro (CEM), founded in 1928, is a key business association representing the interests of all economic entities in the country. It promotes economic development, encourages business practices, fosters corporate responsibility and supports integration with global markets. CEM plays an active role in shaping economic policy, engaging in EU and supporting companies through: training, project management and dispute resolution. International cooperation is central to its mission, with efforts focused on increasing exports, attracting foreign investment and supporting Montenegrin companies’ participation in global trade and fairs. The Chamber is part of numerous international and regional chamber networks and has substantial experience in managing EU and other donor-funded projects. It is particularly interested promoting Montenegro’s investment potential and advancing sectors like: green economy, ICT, agriculture, tourism etc.

 

In addition to its policy and advocacy work, the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro serves as a vital platform for dialogue between the private sector and government institutions. It organizes regular business forums, conferences, and matchmaking events, facilitating direct communication and cooperation among stakeholders. The Chamber also provides up-to-date economic analyses and market intelligence, helping companies make informed decisions and adapt to changing trends. Through its sector-specific associations and committees, CEM ensures that the voice of every industry is heard and represented. With a forward-looking approach, the Chamber remains committed to fostering innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, making it a cornerstone of Montenegro’s economic resilience and growth.

By continuously advocating for a supportive business environment, the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro remains a key partner in accelerating the digital transformation of the Montenegrin economy.

How is this Chamber of Commerce supporting the transition to a circular economy?

The Chamber of Economy of Montenegro supports the transition to a circular economy through a range of strategic activities, initiatives, and partnerships aimed at promoting sustainability, innovation, and resource efficiency across the business sector. One of the instruments in this effort is the Montenegrin European Digital Innovation Hub (MontEDIH), which offers digital solutions, expert guidance, and training to help companies adopt circular business models.

In addition, the Chamber has established the Circular Economy Hub, a dedicated platform that connects businesses, research institutions, public bodies, and civil society to exchange knowledge and best practices in circularity. This Hub serves as a space for capacity building, awareness-raising, and policy dialogue, and it supports pilot projects that showcase practical applications of circular principles.

The Chamber promotes access to funding opportunities for green and circular innovations and actively participates in regional and EU-funded projects that address sustainable development goals. Through its advocacy work, training programs, and business support services, the Chamber encourages Montenegrin companies to align with EU environmental standards and embrace the circular economy as a pathway to competitiveness, resilience, and long-term growth.

The Chamber also works to raise awareness among SMEs about the economic and environmental benefits of circular practices through seminars, workshops, and targeted publications. By promoting concepts such as eco-design, waste reduction, product lifecycle extension, and industrial symbiosis, the Chamber helps businesses understand how circularity can lead not only to compliance with EU standards, but also to cost savings and new market opportunities. Collaboration with educational and research institutions is another important pillar, aiming to build skills and knowledge needed for a circular transition. Furthermore, the Chamber advocates for the integration of circular economy principles into national policies and development strategies, ensuring that the private sector is actively involved in shaping Montenegro’s green agenda. Through this comprehensive approach, the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro positions itself as a driving force behind the shift toward a more sustainable, innovative, and circular economic system.

The Small Business Chamber’s programs provide support to its members in the areas of economic development, innovation, competitiveness, branding, and promotion in new business markets.

The Chamber facilitates networking and the establishment of project lines for financing, marketing, product and service sales, and investments. It also provides mentoring services, education, and business advice through a network of local and international consultants and collaborators.

To strengthen entrepreneurship, the Chamber builds networks of cooperation with civil society organizations, local communities, funds, and foundations. These efforts aim to enhance social impact, foster entrepreneurship, and develop entrepreneurial skills among young people. The Chamber also promotes financial literacy in the new era of digitalization, encourages green social responsibility, and advances positive environmental practices through close cooperation among companies, citizens, and organizations.

How is this Chamber of Commerce supporting the transition to a circular economy?

Digitalisation can be an enabler and catalyst for achieving a sustainable circular economy resulting in a digital circular economy which could become a key driver for the European Green Deal. Better management of data and use of digitally enabled solutions can improve different segments of the circular economy.

The Chamber is a leader in initiating and mentoring the implementation of digital technologies to establish sustainable circular models in the ecosystem of business, universities, community and institutions.

Twin Green & Digital is a program of Small Business Chamber for the design, execution and supervision of SMART digitalization , sustainable, green and circular economy development projects in the public sector, the community and the business sector.

The objectives of the Twin Green & Digital program:

– Digitalisation of organizations based on transparency and information traceability, ready for implementation of blockchain technology for an additional level of security for sensitive or critical data in the supply chain;

– Green the Economy with green investments;

– Establishment of sustainable circlar business models in the country;

– Sustainable Smart Green Communities formation as an important link in establishing a circular economy chain;

– Transition to low carbon economy in the countries of the region.

The Twin Green & Digital program is realized by:

– Cooperation with institutions, organizations and stakeholders involved in the preparation and implementation of projects for sustainable development, energy efficiency and renewable energy sources and / or preparation and implementation of an institutional framework for sustainable development, green/circular and digitalisation policies;

– Networking and realization of mutual business contacts of interested companies that offer digitalisation, energy services and equipment for digitization, energy efficiency on the one hand, and clients from the business and public sector and financial institutions;

– Supporting the members participation in local, regional and international projects with assisting in preparation or revision of project documentation, supervision and project realization with the installation of technical equipment;

– ESCo-SUN – an energy saving model for financing energy efficiency projects in the public sector, local self-government and the business sector;

– Eco-En Cert – a platform for promoting, establishing and certifying green projects and sustainable business practices for companies and organizations.

– Smart Digitalization Cluster

– Green Social Entrepreneurship Network

The Serbian Chamber of Commerce (PKS) is a legally defined organization of economic entities. With a tradition of 168 years, PKS brings together the Serbian economy into a unified system, both sectorally and regionally.

PKS members are business entities grouped into the sectors of agriculture, industry, and services, which are further organized into 18 branch associations. Within the network of 16 regional chambers of commerce and the chamber of the capital city, professional support and effective representation of business interests are provided regionally. Through its representative offices in several European countries, which are Serbia’s main foreign trade partners, special emphasis is placed on business internationalization and connecting domestic businesses with international markets.

PKS represents the interests and views of its members by participating in the creation of laws and other regulations relevant to the business community; it enhances economic cooperation with foreign countries; provides informational and analytical support to the economy; encourages export activity and the integration of domestic companies into international supply chains. By connecting the business sector with the scientific community, PKS promotes the application of new technologies and knowledge in modern business and production.

All members of PKS have rights and obligations defined by law and internal acts. PKS is autonomous and independent in its activities, and business representatives participate in the work of its governing bodies and structures.

How is this Chamber of Commerce supporting the transition to a circular economy?

The Role of the Center for Circular Economy of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce (PKS) is to support businesses in the transition from a linear to a circular business model through education, knowledge transfer, project initiatives, and networking.

Support for businesses in transitioning to a circular model:

  • Guidance on more efficient use and saving of natural resources, reduction of generated waste, and its reuse or recycling
  • Circular business tools:

Guide to the Energy Passport: https://rs.boell.org/sr/2025/03/03/vodic-kroz-energetski-pasos

Other publications: https://pks.rs/udruzenje/sluzba-za-cirkularnu-ekonomiju

  • Presentation of circular business solutions and practices at domestic trade fairs:

https://pks.rs/dogadjaj/sajam-ecofairenergetika-4311

https://bgdmarathon.org/running-expo-belgrade-marathon/

Representation of business interests:

  • Participation in the drafting of strategies, laws, and regulations related to circular economy and green transition
  • Mediation in dialogue with competent state and local authorities regarding current issues in the circular and green transition

Organization of various educational business events (conferences, seminars, workshops, round tables) on circular economy topics:

Public awareness events aimed at raising citizen awareness about preserving natural resources and applying circular economy principles:

Marathon Plogging Challenge at the 37th and 38th Comtrade Belgrade Marathon:

Support in access to financing by informing the business and academic community about open calls and available domestic and international funding sources:

Support for foreign trade operations through the organization of fair visits and participation in the “Buyers Program – B2B meetings”, with special benefits for businesses:

Networking aimed at optimizing the consumption of natural resources and improving the state of environmental protection, including cooperation with:

  • Academic community:
  • International organizations: UNDP, GIZ, WWF Adria, Heinrich Böll Foundation
  • NGOs and experts in the field of circular economy

Proper waste separation and disposal at the main PKS facility and recycling of tons of waste annually, thanks to cooperation with companies:

  • Tomra Collection – PET and MET waste disposal machines
  • Ekostar Pak – boxes for paper and cardboard waste
  • Kappa Star Recycling – responsible for collecting and taking over sorted waste

Let’s Make Things Happen

Contact Info

41 Avada Avenue, Florida, 98765

403-904-3623

Team Discussion
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