Tirana roundtable calls for reforms, funding and stronger regional integration in science and innovation

Tirana, 5 June, 2025 — A regional policy roundtable hosted by SCiDEV and OSF–WB gathered over 50 experts from the Western Balkans and EU to push for research, innovation and mobility in the EU integration process.

Held under the banner “Enhancing Mobility-Driven Research and Innovation in the Western Balkans for Sustained Economic Growth and Convergence with the European Union”  the event underscored that to advance EU integration, the Western Balkans must move beyond passive alignment and commit to concrete reforms, targeted research investment, and stronger regional cooperation.

Mobility-driven research and innovation (R&I) is a key driver of economic convergence in the Western Balkans. It drives competitive growth, narrows development gaps with the EU and offers real solutions to brain drain by creating attractive career and mobility opportunities. By promoting joint regional programs, R&I strengthens cross-border collaboration, supports knowledge exchange and accelerates the region’s path to EU integration.

EU Accession Tied to Innovation Reform and Funding

Opening the event, SCiDEV Executive Director Blerjana Bino highlighted the importance of aligning Western Balkan R&I systems with European standards, pointing to progress such as the establishment of European Innovation and Digital Innovation Hubs.

Jenni Lundmark of the EU Delegation in Albania underlined the need for Albania to shift from “emerging” to “moderate” innovator status in the European Innovation Scoreboard by 2025, supported by credible reforms and stronger national funding

OSF-WB’s Ignita Strengthens Regional Advocacy and EU Readiness

Representing the OSF-WB, Klodjan Seferaj presented Ignita, a regional platform designed to strengthen cross-border cooperation and joint advocacy on key priorities. These include EU enlargement, access to the single market, energy and environmental policy, digital transformation, mobility and regional security. He highlighted Ignita’s role in supporting joint regional initiatives, equipping think tanks and research actors to shape policy agendas and boost the Western Balkans’ preparedness for deeper EU integration.

Scaling Horizon Europe Participation and Readiness for FP10

The roundtable’s first panel focused on participation in European research initiatives and the region’s readiness for EU Framework Program 10 (FP10). Bernhard Fabianek of EU Directorate General Research and Innovation highlighted as a sign of growing engagement and a call to action that over 500 Horizon Europe projects currently include Western Balkan partners. Dr. Armela Dino of Complutense University of Madrid emphasized that successful EU participation requires proactive planning, increased national co-financing, and structured engagement of scientific diaspora networks.

The SCiDEV experts presented policy briefs which revealed persistent gaps, including fragmented mobility frameworks, underutilized EU programs and the lack of structural R&I reform. Recommendations focused on long-term investment, stronger EU partnerships and regional coordination mechanisms.

Mobility-Driven Innovation in Practice

Speakers showed how innovation and mobility intersect in practice. Përparim Alikaj of the EIT RawMaterials Albania spoke about promoting innovation in critical raw materials with EU support. Enrik Keco of the Albanian-American Development Foundation presented successful diaspora engagement programs such as READ and BRIDGE. Dr. Igli Hakrama introduced Digital Valley Albania (DiVA), a European hub supporting the digital transformation of SMEs. Aleksandar Stamboliev shared North Macedonia’s work with the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). Nevila Xhindi, from the Center for Comparative and International Studies (CCIS), announced Albania’s first COST Action Chair under the European Cooperation in Science and Technology.

Building Regional Facilities and Governance for Innovation

A second panel focused on governance and institutional frameworks. Warning of stalled reforms and outdated legislation, Lucian Brujan from the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina proposed the creation of a Western Balkans Facility for Skills, Research and Innovation.

Elke Dall, from the EU funded Policy Answers project presented findings from the Western Balkans Mobility Scheme (WBMS), urging expansion and simplification to ensure greater inclusivity. Gazela Pudar Draško, Director at Institute for Philosophy and Social Theory, University of Belgrade, emphasized regional cooperation, transparent governance and institutional independence. All speakers agreed that R&I must be embedded within broader national development strategies and supported by credible public funding commitments.

Closing the event, SCiDEV’s Orkidea Xhaferaj underscored the need to move from “vision to action,” emphasizing evidence-based advocacy, structural reforms, and meaningful investments.

About Ignita

Ignita is a civil society-led platform supported by the OSF-WB, which brings together traditionally siloed actors to shape the region’s convergence with EU policy cycles and align regional priorities with European dynamics. The platform promotes forward-looking advocacy by fostering cross-sectoral collaboration and strengthening regional cooperation through joint campaigns and policy recommendations.