20 May 2026
On the edge of convergence: Research, innovation and mobility in the Western Balkans
Country Western Balkans
Date 14 October 2025
Author Blerjana Bino
Publisher SCiDEV
Research, innovation, and mobility in the Western Balkans (WB6) are at a turning point—between advancing integration into the European Research Area or remaining underfunded and peripheral. All WB6 economies have joined Horizon Europe, adopted Smart Specialisation Strategies, and benefited from the EU’s €6 billion Reform and Growth Facility and Berlin Process mobility agreements. Yet, persistent weaknesses hinder progress: R&D spending remains below 1% of GDP, brain drain continues, governance is fragile, and regional cooperation lacks a sustainable framework such as the long-awaited Western Balkans Research Fund. WB6 participation in EU research remains limited and largely junior. This memo identifies five key challenges—underinvestment, brain drain, weak governance, inconsistent reforms, and marginalization—and calls for greater R&D investment, reintegration incentives, operational regional mechanisms, and stronger EU support through FP10 and dedicated funding to secure the region’s place in Europe’s knowledge economy.
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