The Rector Drilon Bunjaku underlined the critical importance of these processes for strengthening the university’s long-term strategic direction and ensuring robust, sustainable quality assurance. On the other side, Mr. Aqim Emurli reaffirmed SHER’s commitment to supporting UFAGJ throughout the entire process, while also emphasizing the broader importance of strategic development and institutional accreditation for future development of the university. In this regard, he highlighted SHER’s readiness to provide tailored support in line with the signed MoUs, as well as the availability of earmarked funds of SHER to facilitate these processes.

The workshop was facilitated by SHER expert Prof. Dr. Bujar Pira, who presented the methodology and a clear roadmap for both the strategic planning process and the development of the SER, ensuring a structured and coherent approach. The next phase will include a stakeholder workshop focused on defining clear strategic priorities and objectives for the Strategic Plan 2026–2030.

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A central highlight of the conference was the keynote on “Smart Regulation: Field of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration between University, Industry and Public Sector,” delivered by Prof. Dr. Stefan Thalmann, SHER International Expert. His address emphasized the importance of establishing structured fields of excellence in AI as a foundation for interdisciplinary research and stronger cooperation across sectors. Smart regulation was presented not as a constraint, but as an enabling framework that can foster responsible innovation, strengthen institutional capacities, and create new opportunities for sustainable collaboration at both national and international levels, including Austria–Kosovo cooperation through SHER.

This forward-looking perspective was complemented by a dedicated focus on the Kosovo Digital Landscape, presented by Mr. Shpend Ahmeti, Co-founder of Data4X. The session offered insights into Kosovo’s evolving digital ecosystem, emerging data-driven opportunities, and the strategic steps needed to accelerate inclusive and sustainable digital transformation. The discussion highlighted both the progress achieved and the importance of coordinated action to fully harness AI’s potential.

The dialogue continued through two thematic panel discussions. The panel on “University–Industry–Public Sector Collaboration,” moderated by Mr. Nehat Islami, brought together Prof. Besnik Krasniqi, University of Prishtina; Mr. Besim Mustafa, Kosovo Chamber of Commerce; Prof. Asoc. Arbresha Meha, University of Applied Sciences in Ferizaj, and Mr. Muhamed Rexhepi, Innovation and Training Park – ITP. The discussion explored concrete pathways for strengthening partnerships, enhancing knowledge transfer, and building innovation ecosystems that translate research into tangible impact.

Meanwhile, the panel on “The State of Digital Transformation with AI,” moderated by Prof. Dr. Stefan Thalmann, featured Mr. Driton Hapçiu, co-founder of Cacttus; Mr. Ercan Canhasi, co-founder of Gjirafa; Mr. Besmir Krasniqi, European Digital HUB Kosovo, and Mr. Ermal Lubishtani, SHER Expert. The conversation examined Kosovo’s readiness for AI adoption, institutional and private sector capacities, and the shared responsibility required to advance a responsible and future-oriented digital agenda.

Overall, the conference reaffirmed that sustainable innovation in Kosovo depends on structured collaboration, smart frameworks, and a common vision for leveraging AI and digital transformation for long-term societal and economic development.

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During the discussions, participants outlined the next steps in the implementation process, identifying specific areas of support and clarifying responsibilities to ensure smooth coordination. The discussions reflected not only a shared commitment to ensuring effective delivery but also a collective determination to achieve sustainable results that will strengthen OKAA’s capacities.

In addition, the event provided space to explore other upcoming initiatives and activities within SHER’s area of support to OKAA. By fostering both practical planning and broader reflection, the meeting underscored the importance of continuity in advancing the objectives of the cooperation.

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During the meeting, SHER representatives engaged substantive discussions with the Rector, vice-rectors, members of the Governing Council, as well as the University’s management and administrative staff, ensuring that all key institutional actors were involved in the dialogue. The exchanges focused on clarifying and aligning key provisions of the Statute with the University’s broader strategic development priorities, highlighting the importance of coherence between governance structures and long‑term institutional goals. The session, led by the Deputy Chair of the Governing Council, Dr. Avni Islami, emphasized the importance of broad institutional commitment in drafting a comprehensive and professional Statute. Particular emphasis was placed on the value of integrating the insights and recommendations provided by SHER’s international expert, whose comprehensive review offered a solid foundation for shaping the Statute.

Following the recent revision of the Strategic Plan and the Self-Evaluation Report, this process represents another significant step in strengthening governance and institutional sustainability at UIBM. The SHER Programme remains committed to providing continuous support to partner universities in advancing quality, accountability, and long-term development in higher education.

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The workshop gathered academic and administrative staff to jointly define priorities, objectives, and concrete actions for advancing gender equality within the institution. The workshop was facilitated by SHER local expert, who kicked off the first session by presenting the situation analysis provided by the UKZ. This introduction led into a structured and interactive session, including a SWOT analysis across five key thematic areas, where working groups identified institutional strengths, gaps, opportunities, and potential risks related to gender equality.

Further sessions focused on refining the vision, strategic objectives, and costing elements of the Gender Equality Plan. Within these sessions, the working groups engaged in constructive discussion, enchaining ideas and proposing concrete activities, and provided initial estimates of the resources required for implementation. Each group presented its input, fostering collaboration and alignment across perspectives. Building on these contributions, the groups worked together to outline the next steps, setting the foundation for drafting a comprehensive and actionable GEP that reflects both strategic ambition and practical feasibility.

SHER is committed to supporting UKZ in advancing gender equality into Gender Equality Plan.

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The workshop focused on consolidating and refining the provisions related to the internal organization of the university administration. With the support of a SHER-engaged expert, members of the working group reviewed the structure of administrative units, clarified reporting lines, discussed the systematization of positions, and ensured that the proposed positions are aligned with the university’s actual institutional needs. The discussions aimed to strengthen clarity, efficiency, and coherence within the administrative structure.

This workshop was part of SHER’s broader support to UKZ, through which local expertise has been engaged to assist the working group in developing and reviewing up to five key regulations, including: (1) Code of Ethics, (2) Work and Procedures of the Ethics Council, (3) Prevention of and Protection from Harassment, (4) Internal Organization and Systematization of Administrative Positions, and (5) Mobility of Academic Staff. Together, these regulatory instruments contribute to strengthening institutional integrity, clearly defining roles and responsibilities, and aligning internal procedures with modern standards of higher education governance.

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The study visit aimed to provide first-hand insights into Austria’s research and innovation ecosystem, with a focus on mechanisms that support knowledge transfer, academic entrepreneurship, spin-off creation, and university–industry collaboration. The visit was facilitated and coordinated by the Centre for Social Innovation (ZSI), member of the SHER implementing consortium, which organized the institutional meetings and structured the exchange with Austrian counterparts.

During the three-day visit, the delegation held meetings with several key Austrian institutions representing different functions within the research and innovation system. At the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), discussions focused on the design and implementation of innovation funding instruments, including spin-off fellowships and start-up support schemes that bridge the gap between research and market application. The meeting with the Austrian Council for Research, Science, Innovation and Technology Development (FORWIT) provided insights into strategic advisory processes, internationalization policies, and the role of independent councils in shaping national research priorities.

At the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW), the delegation explored institutional approaches to research funding, fellowship schemes, and innovation support structures. Particular attention was given to the work of the Knowledge Transfer Office (KTO), including intellectual property management, patent portfolio development, licensing processes, and structured support for spin-off creation. Further exchanges at Hochschule Campus Wien and at the Technical University of Vienna offered practical examples of how universities embed entrepreneurship support, incubation services, and applied research collaboration within their institutional strategies.

In addition, the delegation was received by the Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo in Vienna. Discussions during this meeting focused on strengthening structured engagement with Kosovo’s academic and scientific diaspora and exploring potential science diplomacy mechanisms that could support the future implementation of Diaspora4Science.

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The event was opened by the newly appointed Director, Mr. Bardhyl Kabashaj, who expressed gratitude for the continued cooperation with SHER and highlighted key institutional priorities. In his address, Mr. Emurli, SHER Team Leader, provided an overview of SHER’s core activities and highlighted the progress and developments achieved through the SHER Programme. The meeting was joined by the heads of divisions of the Department of Higher Education and Science.

Throughout the event, Mr. Dervishi and Ms. Kodraliu presented key ongoing and planned activities supporting Kosovo’s higher education and research system. Thematic presentations focused on targeted support to MESTI, public higher education institutions, including quality assurance, research and innovation, social dimension measures, and the integration of human rights-based and gender equality approaches. Discussions focused on shared priorities, progress to date, and the need to better harmonize efforts across policies, institutions, and implementation.

The SHER Programme reaffirmed its commitment to supporting national higher education and research priorities through continued partnership with MESTI.

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During the workshop, the SHER expert provided an overview of both regulations and outlined the key areas requiring focused attention during the revision process. Participants were then divided into working groups and engaged in structured discussions to review specific sections of the regulations from different perspectives. This group work enabled participants to assess the clarity, relevance, and practical applicability of the provisions, while also identifying areas for improvement and alignment with institutional needs and good practices.

The workshop concluded with a plenary session in which the working groups presented their key observations and preliminary recommendations. These inputs will support UASF working group as it moves forward with revising and finalizing the regulations, with the aim of strengthening the institutional framework for scientific research, applied work, and academic publishing. SHER will continue to provide expert support throughout the process of finalizing the proposed amendments.

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The WG meeting focused on translating the Strategic Plan into practical and measurable actions. With facilitation from the SHER-engaged expert, the WG engaged in reviewing and further developing key activities and sub-activities, defined implementation timelines, discussed indicative budgeting, and clarified roles and responsibilities.

This follow-up support marks an important step in moving from planning to implementation. Through assistance in developing a structured and realistic Action Plan, SHER is strengthening KAA’s capacity to effectively implement the Strategic Plan 2026–2030 and to monitor progress over the implementation period.

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