“This policy paper addresses the state of affairs, identifies barriers and areas for improvement,
and proposes concrete recommendations for the Leader’s Summit of the Berlin Process. The
insights presented herein are reinforced by a collaborative advocacy strategy, which seeks to
engage pivotal stakeholders within the Western Balkans and the EU. Research and innovation (R&I) and knowledge transfer in the WB6 constitute a transformative potential of accelerating sustainable growth and convergence of the WB economies with the EU, which can be attained only if the pressing challenges of R&I and mobility-driven innovation in the region are addressed in a timely and systematic manner. Even though the WB6 have made significant strides in aligning their R&I ecosystems with EU standards, steadfast support, and investment in mobility-driven R&I – both intra-regionally and with the EU – are still needed.”