This project focuses on fostering regional integration, research excellence, and innovation-driven growth. By enhancing collaboration between Western Balkan countries and the European Union, the project advocates for increased investments in mobility-focused research and innovation (R&I) to drive sustainable economic development and advance the EU integration process. The project follows up on the Key Recommendations of the Thematic Working Group on Mobility stemming from the Civil Society Forum Tirana in 2023.

ABOUT THE PROJECT
As part of the Ignita initiative, this project is implemented by SCiDEV and supported by OSF-WB. It focuses primarily on fostering regional integration and driving systemic change in the R&I landscape across the region. Through research, advocacy, and stakeholder collaboration, it works to influence European and regional decision-makers to prioritize mobility-driven R&I as a critical lever for economic growth and EU convergence. By analyzing recent developments and aligning its efforts with the New Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and the upcoming EU Framework Programme 10, the project seeks to strengthen the integration of WB6 into the European Research Area and enhance their participation in key EU initiatives.
To advance these goals, the project brings together stakeholders from WB6, the EU, and Albania through high-level discussions to review progress, identify challenges, and explore new strategies. It produces targeted policy briefs offering short analyses and actionable recommendations to guide R&I participation in Horizon Europe, monitor research and development measures under the New Growth Plan, and assess mobility agreements within the Berlin Process framework. Collaboration with key platforms, such as the Civil Society and Think Tank Forum 2024 and the Joint Science Conference of the Berlin Process, further amplifies the project’s impact. In addition, a dedicated advocacy campaign aims to boost investments and secure stronger support for mobility-focused research and innovation initiatives across the region.

LOCAL IMPACT
On a local level, the “Enhancing Mobility-Driven Research and Innovation in Western Balkans for Sustained Economic Growth and Convergence with the European Union” project is expected to strengthen the countries’ research and innovation ecosystem by fostering greater collaboration between local institutions and their European counterparts. By advocating for increased investments in mobility-driven R&I, the project also aims to enhance national contribution to the European Research Area, driving local economic growth and supporting the country’s path toward EU integration.

REGIONAL IMPACT
Building synergies with the Joint Science Conference of the Berlin Process and the Chairs’ Conclusions of the Leaders’ Summit in Tirana in October 2023 and using the momentum of the New Growth Plan of the EU for the Western Balkans, SCiDEV will continue to conduct research and advocacy efforts regarding mobility – driven research and innovation in the WB6 and with the EU for sustained economic growth and convergence with the EU. More specifically, SCiDEV will continue to engage with stakeholders to push for specific and concrete recommendations such as support and co-finance the establishment of a Western Balkans Research Fund, the strategic use of IPA (Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance) and New Growth Plan funds to support R&I initiatives in WB6 and with the EU and more focus of the Framework Programme 10 on Western Balkans including a specific Widening Call for Horizon Europe.