๐ 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 persistโsuch as proximity to war zones and political fragmentationโthere 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 โ smarter and faster.
Central, Eastern & South-Eastern Europe
Focus: B2B Strategic Business Development
๐ต๐ฑ Poland
Top Sectors: DefenseTech, Smart Logistics, Cloud B2B Services
Key B2B Clusters:
- Warsaw โ AI & SaaS
- Krakรณw โ Business Services, Cybersecurity
- Wrocลaw โ 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 โ PAIH)
Key Contacts:
- Polish Investment & Trade Agency (PAIH)
โ www.paih.gov.pl - Digital Poland Foundation
โ www.digitalpoland.org
Entry Score: โ Proceed Strategically
๐ท๐ด Romania
Top Sectors: Shared Services, AI Tooling, Circular B2B Manufacturing
Key B2B Clusters:
- Cluj-Napoca โ IT & Software Hubs
- Bucharest โ AI in Banking, EU Tech Projects
- Braศov โ 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 โ www.investromania.gov.ro
- EBRD Romania Office โ www.ebrd.com/romania
Entry Score: โ Proceed Selectively
๐ญ๐บ Hungary
Top Sectors: Industrial AI, Robotics-as-a-Service
Key B2B Clusters:
- Budapest โ Software & Automation
- Gyลr โ Automotive Robotics
- Debrecen โ 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 โ Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency
โ www.hipa.hu - NKFIH (R&D Innovation Office) โ nkfih.gov.hu
Entry Score: โ ๏ธ Proceed with Political Risk Mitigation
๐ง๐ฌ Bulgaria
Top Sectors: Cybersecurity, B2B SaaS, Fintech Support
Key B2B Clusters:
- Sofia โ Tech Outsourcing, DevOps
- Plovdiv โ Light Manufacturing
- Varna โ 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
โ www.b2bconnect.bg - Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
โ www.bcci.bg
Entry Score: โ Proceed (Agile Remote Models)
๐ท๐ธ Serbia (Non-EU)
Top Sectors: EdTech, AI Training, Regional B2B Content Hubs
Key B2B Clusters:
- Belgrade โ Startups, E-learning, Dev agencies
- Novi Sad โ 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
โ www.ras.gov.rs - ICT Hub Serbia
โ www.icthub.rs
Entry Score: โ Hold โ Do Not Proceed in 2025
๐บ๐ฆ Ukraine
Top Sectors: Reconstruction Planning, Green Infrastructure (Post-Conflict)
Key B2B Clusters:
- Lviv โ SaaS Development, Tech Talent
- Kyiv โ Pre-war AI / IT Infrastructure
Entry Models:
- Market research only
- Strategic positioning for 2026โ27
- Engage in public-private alliances for future recovery
Key Contacts:
- UkraineInvest โ www.ukraineinvest.gov.ua
- European Business Association Ukraine โ www.eba.com.ua
Entry Score: โ Donโt Proceed in 2025 โ Monitor & Prepare
Call-to-Action:
Ready to Enter Strategically?
๐ค Partner with RapidKnowHow to localize your B2B Expansion Strategy in CEE
๐ฉ Contact: Josef David for custom your B2B CEE entry strategies
