ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF), in collaboration with the Imran Pervaz Khan Institute (IPKI) and the Union of Iranian Societies of Mathematical Sciences (UISMS), cordially invites you to a joint webinar on Innovation Leadership & Ecosystems in Europe, drawing lessons for the ECO Member Countries.

Topic: Innovation Leadership in Europe: Lessons from Central and Eastern European Ecosystems
Speaker: Ms. Eva Mejtová, Innovation Specialist & Founder, GrantHub
Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025
Time: 16:30 (Islamabad time – GMT+5)

Zoom Access
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82312856055?pwd=OM4ty8tKnfqiGU28Fp3GSGCr4gxvXS.1
Meeting ID: 823 1285 6055
Passcode: 643134

Abstract
Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries such as Czechia, Estonia, Poland and Slovakia have transformed from transition economies into competitive innovation systems, each with distinct strengths and constraints. The talk will discuss how these countries have built research capacity, aligned with European standards, and supported startups and SMEs, while still grappling with issues like brain drain, fragmented funding and gaps between research and industry. Drawing on concrete examples, it will highlight lessons that emerging ecosystems—especially in countries like Pakistan—can realistically adapt, showing how innovation can grow through long-term policies, stable institutions, international cooperation and investment in young talent.

Bio of Speaker
Ms. Eva Mejtová is an innovation specialist focused on technology transfer, high-quality project design and support for startups and SMEs. As an EIT Community Officer for RIS Hub Czechia and founder of GrantHub, she helps organisations navigate European funding, develop competitive ERC and MSCA proposals, and connect with investors and international partners. She also serves on the jury of the World Summit Awards and partners with the Funder investment-matchmaking platform. Eva holds a Master’s degree in Ecology with a strong focus on sustainability and applied innovation.