The Thematic Working Group on “Advancing Inclusive Regional Mobility and Catalyzing Mobility-Driven Innovation and Knowledge Transfer in Western Balkans” organized its final consultation session, part of the Tirana Civil Society and Think Tank Forum (CSFTirana2023) of the Berlin Process. SCiDEV organized and led the Session, which included relevant experts and stakeholders and focused on strengthening research and innovation collaboration at the regional and EU levels.

The meeting highlighted the critical role of research infrastructures in fostering collaboration and driving innovation within the Western Balkans region. Discussions shed light on the region’s challenges and the imperative need for increased governmental commitment, funding, and capacity-building to propel research and innovation (R&I) endeavors forward.

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 significant issue discussed was the need for dedicated funding programs for R&I initiatives due to insufficient financial resources allocated by governments. This economic gap has hampered the region’s ability to exploit its potential in research and innovation fully. Stakeholders highlighted the disparity between the high demand for investing in R&I collaboration and the low governmental commitment and financial support level.

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 the potential to invest, raise awareness, and support capacity-building for R&I initiatives.

Upskilling the workforce and researchers was another central theme. Participants stressed the importance of aligning digital skills with R&I goals, particularly in establishing digital hubs. As the R&I landscape evolves, awareness of 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, including governmental and political will, financial support, and capacity-building efforts. The region’s progress in research and innovation hinges on cohesive collaboration from diverse stakeholders, the cultivation of necessary digital skills, and practical communication and awareness-building strategies. The conclusions and insights generated from the TWG and desk research contributed in developing actionable recommendations presented to policymakers at the forthcoming Leaders’ Summit of the Berlin Process.