Establishing Student Incubators for Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Development

On June 13, 2025, at the Faculty of Economics in Skopje, a presentation was held on the topic Establishing Student Incubators for Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Development. The presentation is the result of insights gained during the secondment held in Croatia in May 2025. Prof. Stojan Debarliev presented a comprehensive roadmap for setting up university-based student incubators, drawing from international best practices and Croatian experiences. He emphasized needs assessment, inclusive program design, mentorship structures, and long-term alumni engagement. Examples from ZICER and the Student Business Incubator at the University of Zagreb illustrated successful models in action. His talk showcased how incubators can bridge academic learning with real-world innovation, equipping students with tools, networks, and funding access to launch sustainable ventures and integrate into wider ecosystems.