The general objective of this project is to contribute in the development of the research and innovation capacities of HEIs in Albania and Kosovo by enhancing their institutional capabilities, staff skills and networking.For both countries, improved capacities are needed in terms of the HEIs research management and adopted methodologies, but most importantly a closer cooperation of the universities with other actors in the innovation ecosystem, especially local actors as businesses and international partners. The cause for poor performance in both countries, in terms of innovations, lays not only in the economic structure of Albania and Kosovo (dominantly composed by SMEs), but also on the underdeveloped capacities of the HEIs, and the weak links they have developed locally and internationally. The needs analysis for both countries reveals two major fields for action:- The need to improve the HEIs capacities for research and innovation,- The need to foster the links and cooperation among the actors in the innovation ecosystem.As a result, the project seeks to support the development of capacities for research and innovation in intra and inter institutional level.The foreseen outputs can be summarized as follows:- Newly established/ strengthened research and innovation support structures- Modernized teaching and mentoring methodologies that enhance students’ capacities for research - Trained researchers and managers - Research quality indicators developed- Enhanced International linkages through interdisciplinary research groupsThe short term impact is to have increased capacities for research in the HEIs participating in the project, as well as generate synergy and a stronger cooperation among them.The expected long term impact is improved research performance in quantitative and qualitative terms.
The general objective of this project was to contribute to the development of the research and innovation capacities of HEIs in Albania and Kosovo by enhancing their institutional capabilities, staff skills, and networking, and more specifically with the setting or strengthening dedicated research and innovation support structures (RISS) including Strategy, Action Plan and Human Resources for these dedicated structures.
Research and development are fundamental aspects for the development of any country and HEIs hold an important role in the innovation system of a country. The higher education system in Albania and Kosovo saw a robust increase in student participation and institutional expansion of the system, but due to the young age of most institutions as well as the limited legacy in terms of research capacities from the past, these challenges pertain largely to the research activity as well.
<< Background >> Research and development are fundamental aspects for the development of any country and HEIs hold an important role in the innovation system of a country. The higher education system in Albania and Kosovo saw a robust increase in student participation and institutional expansion of the system, but due to the young age of most institutions as well as the limited legacy in terms of research capacities from the past, these challenges pertain largely to the research activity as well. << Objectives >> The general objective of this project was to contribute to the development of the research and innovation capacities of HEIs in Albania and Kosovo by enhancing their institutional capabilities, staff skills, and networking, and more specifically with the setting or strengthening dedicated research and innovation support structures (RISS) including Strategy, Action Plan and Human Resources for these dedicated structures. << Implementation >> During the three years of lifespan, the project was implemented from the Consortium composed of HEIs from AL and *KS as well as EU partners, keeping in mind to achieve tangible results in line with the objectives of the project, with a special focus to develop individual, institutional capacities as a prerequisite these results to be translated in the development of this WBs countries. The special goal was the sustainability of the project, putting sustainability KPIs in place << Results >> Training for mentors, academic and managerial staff, with tangible deliverables after each training HEIs from AL and KS. More specifically the main outputs: -Research and Innovation Support Structures were established or strengthened (RISS)-Teaching methodologies-Project Management handbook-Benchmarking system with the research and innovation indicators -Code of research conduct and research ethics -Gender Equality Plan-Roadmap for the research network and virtual platform