| CSF
Tirana, 17 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 third consultation session, part of the 2023 Tirana Civil Society and Think Tank Forum (CSF2023) of the Berlin Process. The session was organized by SCiDEV and with the participation of relevant stakeholders, to further refine the TWG working group’s approach to enhancing mobility and collaboration, focusing in the higher education sector of the Western Balkans.
The meeting commenced with a discussion on the need for establishing and enforcing agreements on recognition of the diploma and educational qualifications in the Western Balkans (WB) while concerns were raised regarding potential hindrances stemming from political factors. Participants also addressed challenges associated with accreditation programs and strategies for internationalization and simplified procedures.
The discussion then shifted to the importance of empowering and strengthening universities’ active involvement, regional collaboration, and capacity-building to address brain drain, engage with EU networks, and enhance research and innovation efforts in the context of higher education. It was emphasized during the discussion that universities should adopt a proactive approach and collaborate more closely with national ministries to shape effective higher education policies. On the other hand, to empower universities and educational institutions in tackling brain drain, universities should receive increased support and encouragement, enabling them to strengthen regional cooperation within universities and educational institutions in WB. This involves boosting their capabilities for fostering regional collaboration in the higher education field.
A recurring theme throughout the meeting was the importance of Research and Innovation (R&I) contact points in the Western Balkans to bolster research and innovation communication and collaboration. Moving forward into the direction of establishing and strengthening R&I contact points emerged as a priority, requiring not only financial support and human resources but also incentives to promote innovation and collaboration.
In conclusion, the session ended with reaffirming the need of exploring new possibilities for deeper cooperation in academic exchanges and mobility to promote educational growth and cross-border learning opportunities. The TWG remains dedicated to furthering these conversations and to developing actionable recommendations that will guide policy and practice in the region. The results of these consultations will contribute to the forthcoming Leaders’ Summit of the Berlin Process to be held in Tirana in October 2023.