On 20 November 2024, the SHER team held a meeting with colleagues from the Higher Education and Science Department of the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI). This meeting marked the continuation of a collaborative effort aimed at advancing Kosovo’s higher education and research systems. Mr. Burim Gashi, Acting Director of the Higher Education and Science Department, and Mr. Aqim Emurli, Team Leader of SHER, along with their respective teams, explored crucial areas of partnership to align Kosovo’s educational and research reforms with the principles of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), the European Research Area (ERA), and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

A central focus of the discussions was the SHER Programme’s commitment to contributing to a sustainable, evidence-based, needs-oriented, and gender-responsive higher education system. This holistic approach emphasizes the importance of addressing the diverse needs of society, ensuring equitable opportunities, and embedding gender responsiveness into the core of higher education reforms.

Key topics included the drafting of the Law on Scientific Research and Innovation, aimed at creating a robust legal framework to support research and development. During the meeting it was also discussed implementing performance-based funding mechanisms for public universities to encourage accountability, efficiency, and quality improvements across the higher education sector. Additionally, the operationalization of the Kosovo Research Information System (KRIS) was highlighted as a priority for improving transparency, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making in research activities.

The meeting concluded with a strong mutual commitment to continued collaboration. Both sides emphasized their shared vision of building a more sustainable and forward-looking higher education and research system that contributes meaningfully to the country’s long-term development. By working together, we aim to create a higher education environment that serves as a catalyst for social, economic, and scientific progress.