Context:
Kosovo faces the challenge of making its economy more climate-friendly and innovative. However, the expansion of sustainable technologies, such as renewable energy (solar and wind power), is progressing slowly. The reasons for this include insufficient transfer of knowledge between research and the private sector, a lack of technical equipment, a shortage of skilled workers, and education and training programmes that are not aligned with practical needs. Furthermore, the conditions for innovation are not favourable enough: government investment in research and development is very low. In many places, there are no institutions and opportunities for research and new developments. International cooperation is also limited. In addition, small and medium-sized enterprises in particular often lack digital and technological skills.
Objective:
Research institutions, businesses and training programmes are working closely together to develop and apply more business-relevant sustainable and digital innovations.
Approach:
The project operates in the three areas:
1. It is expanding pilot centres and advising them so that they can conduct applied research, develop innovations, provide further training for staff and secure long-term funding.
2. Furthermore, the project promotes cooperation between academia, the private sector and public institutions by providing advice on joint innovations, training, and support with the implementation of Kosovo’s innovation strategy.
3. The project enhances international research cooperation. To achieve this, it advises Kosovo on cooperating with European Union (EU) programmes, involve Kosovar researchers abroad and adopt EU research and innovation standards.