🚀 Introduction
Entering Emerging Europe with Clarity and Control
In 2025, the Central, Eastern, and South-Eastern European region offers a rare mix of geopolitical tension and economic acceleration. While challenges persist—such as proximity to war zones and political fragmentation—there are pockets of high-value opportunity for B2B leaders who act with precision and insight.
This Investment Playbook by RapidKnowHow is built to cut through complexity.
It provides clear, country-by-country recommendations with:
- Strategic sector focus
- Entry model blueprints
- Key institutional contacts
- Investment readiness scores
It is your decision support tool to navigate, enter, and grow in the region — smarter and faster.
Central, Eastern & South-Eastern Europe
Focus: B2B Strategic Business Development
🇵🇱 Poland
Top Sectors: DefenseTech, Smart Logistics, Cloud B2B Services
Key B2B Clusters:
- Warsaw – AI & SaaS
- Kraków – Business Services, Cybersecurity
- Wrocław – Manufacturing Automation, IoT
Entry Models:
- JV with local defense integrators (e.g., WB Electronics)
- EU co-funded digital infrastructure programs
- Partner with accelerators (e.g., Polish Investment & Trade Agency – PAIH)
Key Contacts:
- Polish Investment & Trade Agency (PAIH)
→ www.paih.gov.pl - Digital Poland Foundation
→ www.digitalpoland.org
Entry Score: ✅ Proceed Strategically
🇷🇴 Romania
Top Sectors: Shared Services, AI Tooling, Circular B2B Manufacturing
Key B2B Clusters:
- Cluj-Napoca – IT & Software Hubs
- Bucharest – AI in Banking, EU Tech Projects
- Brașov – Manufacturing + Supply Chain Services
Entry Models:
- Private label software partnerships
- Local outsourcing alliances (e.g., Fortech, Zitec)
- Leverage EBRD co-funding (via Green Economy Financing Facility)
Key Contacts:
- InvestRomania – www.investromania.gov.ro
- EBRD Romania Office – www.ebrd.com/romania
Entry Score: ✅ Proceed Selectively
🇭🇺 Hungary
Top Sectors: Industrial AI, Robotics-as-a-Service
Key B2B Clusters:
- Budapest – Software & Automation
- Győr – Automotive Robotics
- Debrecen – B2B Innovation Labs
Entry Models:
- B2B Franchising with local systems integrators
- Contract-based automation platforms
- Collaborate with National Research, Development and Innovation Office (NKFIH)
Key Contacts:
- HIPA – Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency
→ www.hipa.hu - NKFIH (R&D Innovation Office) – nkfih.gov.hu
Entry Score: ⚠️ Proceed with Political Risk Mitigation
🇧🇬 Bulgaria
Top Sectors: Cybersecurity, B2B SaaS, Fintech Support
Key B2B Clusters:
- Sofia – Tech Outsourcing, DevOps
- Plovdiv – Light Manufacturing
- Varna – TechTalent for Mobile + Web Apps
Entry Models:
- Remote-first delivery teams
- Staff augmentation with local developers
- EU SME digital innovation hub partnerships
Key Contacts:
- Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency
→ www.b2bconnect.bg - Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
→ www.bcci.bg
Entry Score: ✅ Proceed (Agile Remote Models)
🇷🇸 Serbia (Non-EU)
Top Sectors: EdTech, AI Training, Regional B2B Content Hubs
Key B2B Clusters:
- Belgrade – Startups, E-learning, Dev agencies
- Novi Sad – Creative Tech & Services
Entry Models:
- Licensing partnerships
- Digital product exports only (No fixed assets)
- Wait-and-watch on EU accession developments
Key Contacts:
- Serbian Development Agency
→ www.ras.gov.rs - ICT Hub Serbia
→ www.icthub.rs
Entry Score: ❌ Hold – Do Not Proceed in 2025
🇺🇦 Ukraine
Top Sectors: Reconstruction Planning, Green Infrastructure (Post-Conflict)
Key B2B Clusters:
- Lviv – SaaS Development, Tech Talent
- Kyiv – Pre-war AI / IT Infrastructure
Entry Models:
- Market research only
- Strategic positioning for 2026–27
- Engage in public-private alliances for future recovery
Key Contacts:
- UkraineInvest – www.ukraineinvest.gov.ua
- European Business Association Ukraine – www.eba.com.ua
Entry Score: ❌ Don’t Proceed in 2025 – Monitor & Prepare
Call-to-Action:
Ready to Enter Strategically?
🤝 Partner with RapidKnowHow to localize your B2B Expansion Strategy in CEE
📩 Contact: Josef David for custom your B2B CEE entry strategies
