| CSF
Tirana, 24 August 2023 - The Thematic Working Group (TWG) on "Advancing Inclusive Regional Mobility and Catalyzing Mobility-Driven Innovation and Knowledge Transfer in Western Balkans" held its fourth and final consultation session, part of the 2023 Tirana Civil Society and Think Tank Forum (CSFTirana2023) of the Berlin Process. The session was organized and led by SCiDEV, with the participation of relevant experts and stakeholders, focusing on strengthening research and innovation collaboration at regional and EU level.
The critical role of research infrastructures in fostering collaboration and driving innovation within the Western Balkans region was highlighted throughout the meeting. The discussions shed light on the challenges faced by the region and the imperative need for increased governmental commitment, funding, and capacity-building to propel research and innovation (R&I) endeavors forward.
The participants emphasized that engaging in research and mobility opportunities is a pivotal step in enabling researchers from the Western Balkans to access broader networks and enhance their capabilities. This not only benefits individual researchers but also has the potential to elevate the region's contributions to the global knowledge landscape. However, a glaring issue that emerged was the lack of dedicated funding programs for R&I initiatives due to insufficient financial resources allocated by governments. This financial gap has hampered the region's ability to fully exploit its potential in research and innovation. Stakeholders highlighted the disparity between the high demand and need for investing in R&I collaboration and the low level of governmental commitment and financial support.
The discussion also called for a unified, multi-stakeholder approach involving academia, civil society, businesses, and government entities to establish resilient collaborative networks. Think tanks and digitalization-focused organizations were identified as key contributors, with their potential to invest, raise awareness, and support capacity-building for R&I initiatives.
Upskilling the workforce and researchers was another central theme of the discussion. Participants stressed the importance of aligning digital skills with R&I goals, particularly in establishing digital hubs. As the R&I landscape evolves, awareness about the new skills required for progress is crucial.
In conclusion, participants agreed that the journey toward enhanced R&I collaboration in the Western Balkans requires a confluence of factors. Governmental and political will, coupled with financial support and capacity-building efforts, are paramount. The region's progress in research and innovation hinges on cohesive collaboration from diverse stakeholders, the cultivation of necessary digital skills, and effective communication and awareness-building strategies. The conclusions and insights generated from the TWG and desk research will contribute to developing actionable recommendations that will be presented to policymakers in the forthcoming Leaders’ Summit of the Berlin Process to be held in Tirana in October 2023.