The Conference brought together representatives of higher education institutions, quality assurance agencies, students, policymakers and international experts from Kosovo and across Europe. It was opened by the Minister of Education and Science, Mr. Hajrulla Çeku, the Austrian Ambassador to Kosovo, H.E. Georg Schnetzer, and the President of the State Council of Quality, Mr. Avni Berisha.

The discussions explored how external and internal quality assurance can work together to support continuous improvement, strengthen institutional responsibility and foster a sustainable quality culture in higher education. Speakers and participants shared European and regional experiences, practical approaches and lessons on evidence-based quality assurance, stakeholder engagement, follow-up mechanisms and the balance between accountability, enhancement and institutional autonomy.

SHER supported the Conference through a range of organisational and communication activities, including moderation of a thematic panel, support to the Conference rapporteur, communication and promotion, and logistical arrangements. As a follow-up to the Conference, SHER will also support the preparation of a Policy Brief capturing the key messages, lessons and recommendations emerging from the discussions.

The Conference provided an important platform for dialogue and exchange on the further development of quality assurance in Kosovo and on strengthening a culture of continuous improvement across higher education institutions.

SHER is funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), co-financed by the Ministry of Education and Science, and implemented by WUS Austria, the Centre for Social Innovation (ZSI) and OeAD.

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The meeting provided a structured opportunity to review the current status of KRIS, present its updated version, and examine the technical and institutional measures required for its activation. Discussions centered on the processes of testing, integration with existing systems, and the establishment of clear procedures to ensure sustainability and usability. By addressing both technical and governance dimensions, the meeting underscored the importance of KRIS as a tool for transparency, coordination, and evidence‑based decision‑making in the research sector.

The presentations and technical inputs were supported by Mr. Fatos Halilaj, SHER Local Expert, and Mr. Martin Felix Gajdusek, Consortium Member from the ZSI. Their expertise provided valuable insights into the system’s design, functionality, and potential for integration. The session was facilitated by Mr. Aqim Emurli, SHER Team Leader,  and Ms. Shqiponje Kodraliu, SHER Programme Officer, who guided the discussions and ensured that institutional perspectives were fully reflected.

The meeting brought together MES representatives from the higher education and digitalization departments, creating a platform for dialogue and exchange. Participants shared perspectives on the opportunities KRIS offers, identified challenges that need to be addressed, and outlined the next steps required to move from design to activation.

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The Summer School was formally opened by Prof. Dr. Armand Krasniqi, Rector of the University “Haxhi Zeka” in Peja, Mr. Aqim Emurli, SHER Team Leader, and Ms. Edi Gusia, Chief Executive of the Agency for Gender Equality, who each highlighted the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge and tools to advance equality and strengthen democratic participation. Their remarks set the tone for an engaging week of reflection and collaboration.

A key address was delivered by Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosova, Mr. Albin Kurti, who emphasized the central role of youth in shaping Kosovo’s future and underscored the government’s commitment to promoting gender equality and inclusive governance. His speech encouraged participants to see themselves as active contributors to policy reform and social change.

Throughout the week, the programme combined lectures, interactive trainings, and group discussions, bringing together diverse expertise from academia, public institutions, civil society, and the policy community. Participants had the opportunity to engage directly with experts, exchange perspectives, and translate discussions into concrete policy ideas. The collaborative format encouraged critical thinking and fostered a sense of shared responsibility for advancing equality and inclusion. Participants left with new knowledge, practical skills, and networks that will support their continued engagement in public life.

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The event brought together the University’s leadership and staff directly engaged in the implementation of the Plan, including the Rector, Vice Rectors, Deans, Vice Deans, and the Secretary General. Their active participation underscored the importance of collective responsibility in driving institutional change. Working in five thematic groups, each aligned with one of the Strategic Plan’s core objectives, participants assessed the extent to which planned measures had been realized, highlighted key achievements, and openly discussed the challenges encountered during implementation.

Beyond the discussions, the workshop served as a structured exercise in data collection and consolidation. Information gathered during the sessions was systematically reviewed and organized, providing the UASF working group with a comprehensive overview of progress to date. This evidence‑based approach will support more informed decision‑making and guide the refinement of future actions, ensuring that the Strategic Plan continues to serve as a practical and dynamic tool for institutional development.

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The workshop was opened by the Rector of UHZ, Prof. Dr. Armand Krasniqi and SHER Team Leader, Mr. Aqim Emurli, and brought together key institutional stakeholders, including representatives of the University leadership, academic staff, and administrative bodies, to engage in a thorough review of the draft document. Participants examined the Statute not only as a legal foundation but also as a guiding instrument for the University’s long‑term development. The discussions emphasized the importance of aligning governance provisions with the institution’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.

The session focused on the presentation of UHZ’s current realities and its vision for the future. This provided a background framework for reviewing the draft Statute, allowing participants to assess how the proposed provisions respond to both present challenges and anticipated opportunities. Expert recommendations were also presented, offering valuable insights into how the Statute could be further refined to enhance transparency, accountability, and institutional effectiveness.

The workshop contributed meaningfully to shaping a Statute that will serve as a cornerstone for more effective, transparent, and accountable governance at UHZ, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to excellence and integrity in higher education.

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A central focus of the workshop was the identification and assessment of potential risks that could influence the successful implementation of the Strategic Plan. Through guided discussions, participants examined both internal and external factors, weighing their possible impact on institutional priorities. This exercise not only sharpened awareness of challenges but also encouraged proactive thinking about mitigation strategies and contingency planning.

Equally important was the continued work on the Action Plan, which translates strategic objectives into concrete steps. Participants engaged in group work and collaborative dialogue to review the proposed activities, ensuring their alignment with the overarching goals and key performance indicators. The process allowed for critical reflection, highlighting areas that required further refinement and adjustment to strengthen coherence and feasibility.

By combining risk analysis with action planning, the workshop reinforced UFAGJ’s commitment to building a robust and forward-looking Strategic Plan.

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In their opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Avni Hajdari, Vice Rector of UP for Scientific Research, and Mr. Nehat Dervishi, SHER Thematic Coordinator, underscored the importance of investing in the professional growth of administrative staff. They highlighted that strengthening these capacities is not only vital for the efficiency of daily operations but also directly contributes to the university’s long‑term institutional progress. Both speakers emphasized that the initiative is fully aligned with the University of Prishtina’s Strategic Plan, which prioritizes institutional development, innovation, and continuous improvement.

The workshop was facilitated by Mr. Art Alishani, SHER expert, who provided participants with technical training on prompt writing and the effective use of AI‑powered tools such as ChatGPT and NotebookLM. Through interactive sessions, participants explored how these technologies can streamline administrative workflows, enhance productivity, and support more responsive communication within the university.

The workshop offered practical demonstrations and created space for participants to openly discuss the operational challenges they encounter in their daily work. This exchange of experiences fostered a collaborative environment where staff could identify concrete solutions and strategies for integrating AI into their administrative practices. By combining strategic vision with hands‑on training, the workshop marked an important step in equipping UP’s administrative staff with the skills and confidence to harness AI as a tool for institutional advancement.

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The workshop was opened by the Rector of the UKZ, Prof. Assoc. Dr. Artan Dermaku, who expressed the importance of the revision process in ensuring that the statute reflects the University’s current needs and strategic priorities. While, Mr. Nehat Dervishi, Thematic Coordinator shared SHER’s commitment to supporting the University throughout the revision process.

Facilitated by SHER Expert, discussions focused on existing provisions, areas requiring revision, identified challenges, and proposed amendments to individual articles. The framework for these discussions was the comprehensive analysis prepared by the SHER international expert, which served as the basis for the workshop deliberations. The workshop concluded with a summary of key discussion points and follow-up steps for the continuation of the statute finalization process.

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SHER supported UP throughout the strategic planning process, including the review of the previous Strategic Plan 2023–2025 and the development of the new strategic framework. The process followed a participatory approach, involving the university management, working groups, academic and administrative staff, students, and other relevant stakeholders.

Through expert support, facilitated working sessions, workshops, and consultations, SHER contributed to the development of a strategic document that reflects UP’s priorities, institutional needs, and long-term vision. The new Strategic Plan is structured around six key development areas: academic excellence, student-centred learning, research and innovation, internationalisation, governance and sustainability, and digital transformation.

The Strategic Plan 2026–2030 represents an important milestone in strengthening the University of Prishtina’s institutional development and further aligning its priorities with European higher education practices.

SHER remains committed to supporting higher education institutions in Kosovo in strengthening strategic planning, institutional governance, quality enhancement, and evidence-based reforms.

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The workshop was opened by Ms. Qamile Sinanaj, Head of the International Cooperation in Higher Education and Science Division at the Ministry of Education and Science and NCP Coordinator, who highlighted the importance of strengthening Kosovo’s engagement in Horizon Europe and fostering collaboration among NCPs and relevant stakeholders. Mr. Aqim Emurli, Team Leader of the SHER Programme, also addressed participants, emphasizing the Programme’s continued commitment to supporting Kosovo’s research and innovation community.

During the workshop, Ms. Qamile Sinanaj further provided an overview of Kosovo entities’ participation in Horizon Europe, current statistics, and the support opportunities available through WIDERA. Participants also benefited from the expertise of Mr. Gorazd Weiss, Senior Expert and Head of the Department for Research Policy and Development at the Centre for Social Innovation, Austria, who facilitated an interactive session on improving promotional activities for the Horizon Europe 2026 Work Programmes and presented recent updates for NCPs related to changes in the impact section of Horizon Europe application forms.

The workshop served as a valuable platform for exchanging experiences, strengthening collaboration, and jointly developing approaches to enhance outreach and engagement within Kosovo’s research and innovation community. We thank all speakers and participants for their active contributions and continued commitment to advancing research and innovation in Kosovo.

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