Shining a spotlight on SZ REDA!
"This is part of our team – smiles, coffee, ideas and we are ready to go - behind the scenes or on the stage – always there to learn, cooperate, exchange, be there for the best to give and take!"
In the third instalment of COMMIT’s Partner Ecosystem series, we’re spotlighting the Stara Zagora Regional Economic Development Agency (SZ REDA) – the driving force behind Semester 3, focused on access to finance. Let’s dive into how their values and mission are shaping regional transformation.
What are SZ REDA’s values and how do they inform your work?
SZ REDA is much more than a regional development agency – it’s a mission-driven organisation rooted in values of just transition, empowerment, sustainability, equity, innovation, and collaboration, above all. SZ REDA has a set of core values that are tightly aligned with the mission of a just, sustainable, and inclusive green transition for the Stara Zagora region. These values aren’t just theoretical – they’re actively brought to life through SZ REDA’s leadership in policy shaping, stakeholder engagement, and SME empowerment, both locally and beyond.
At the heart of SZ REDA’s approach is a strong commitment to amending and implementing the Territorial Just Transition Plan (TJTP). The agency prioritises ensuring that all affected parties – especially SMEs – are actively involved in the process. This commitment is evident in SZ REDA’s emphasis on equitable support mechanisms, recognising that economic transformation must be fair and inclusive across all sectors and communities.
The agency plays a vital role in supporting micro and small enterprises in adapting to and capitalising on the low-carbon economy. From improving access to finance to fostering innovation and promoting sustainable growth, the agency is not only building economic resilience but also positioning local businesses as engines of green and digital development.
What’s SZ REDA’s main interest in realising COMMIT’s aims?
As the leaders of Semester 3 of COMMIT – focused on access to finance – SZ REDA transfers and adapts successful models from other EU regions, contributing to smarter policy development and the continuous improvement of regional governance mechanisms. We connect the dots - each one a goal in itself, and at the same time present a pathway to the next.
SZ REDA’s principles not only underpin its role in COMMIT but also position it as a regional catalyst for green and just transformations. The agency prioritises climate-focused investments and technological shifts, actively engaging in decarbonisation planning and promoting renewable energy and circular economy practices among regional SMEs.
By analysing good practices across Europe and adapting proven models – such as Ideation and Living Labs and public-private investment mechanisms – SZ REDA develops data-driven regional policies. This commitment to smart governance, evidence-based learning, and continuous improvement is evident in every initiative.
Collaboration is central to SZ REDA’s strategy. By uniting municipalities, academia, the private sector, and civil society through initiatives like SynGReDit and the EDIH Zagore digital innovation hub, the agency fosters solutions that serve both regional and international interests. This inclusive, co-creative approach reinforces SZ REDA’s belief that systemic change requires coordinated, cross-sectoral action.
What are your hopes for COMMIT?
Our hope for the COMMIT project is to build a resilient, inclusive, and low-carbon SME ecosystem across European regions by empowering local actors, sharing transformative practices, and driving sustainable economic growth through collaborative innovation.
Stay tuned to COMMIT’s media updates to see how these efforts take shape throughout the project!