[Theme in Focus] 2016 - Progress made in Science, Research and Innovation in WB | Towards 2017
The European Commission adopted on November 9, 2016 its annual Enlargement Package. It assesses where the countries of the Western Balkans and Turkey stand in implementing key political and economic reforms, and what needs to be done to address the remaining challenges. Related to Science, Research and Innovation there is a good level of preparation in Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia, while in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo the preparations are at an early stage in the area of science and research however some progress was made also in 2016. Some of the main recommendations provided by the authors and which are valid for all countries from the region are - similar to recommendations for 2016 - to increse investment in research and work on capacity building measures. Please find below the summary of recommendations for Western Balkans related to Science and Research as suggested by EU Progress Reports, while for the the full reports please check the links below the article.
Albania
Preparations are at an early stage in the area of science and research. Some progress has been made over the last year. In the coming year, the country should in particular:
- adopt a comprehensive strategy on research and innovation;
- build capacity and increase investment in research in line with European Research Area priorities.
On research and innovation policy, the 2015-2020 national strategy on science, technology and innovation has yet to be adopted. Investments in research and measures to strengthen research and innovation capacity at national level need to be stepped up.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
The preparations on education and research and innovation policy are at an early stage. There was some progress in these sectors. Bosnia and Herzegovina actively participated in different cultural programmes as well as research networks and activities.
In the coming year, Bosnia and Herzegovina should in particular:
- strengthen the capacity of state-level education agencies to develop EU standards and increase the level of quality assurance in education;
- establish an effective coordination mechanism in the Federation entity to improve cooperation between bodies responsible for quality assurance across the country;
- step up efforts to strengthen its research and innovation capacity.
Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
There is a good level of preparation in the area of science and research. Some progress, although limited, was made on research activities, while support for innovation in companies was further developed. In the following year, the country should:
- continue increasing the level of investment in research, in particular in the private sector
- promote participation in the EU’s Horizon 2020 research programme;
- adopt a 2016-2020 programme for higher education and scientific research and take actions to strengthen research capacity in line with the European Research Area priorities.
Kosovo*
Preparations in education and research are at an early stage. During the reporting period, there has been no progress in the area of education and some progress in the area of research. The quality of education still needs to be considerably improved.
As last year’s recommendations have not been addressed, in the coming year Kosovo* should, again, in particular:
- improve the quality of education at all levels and improve access to quality education for marginalised groups, especially children with disabilities and Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian children;
- ensure the autonomy and independent operation of higher education institutions and adopt a new law for higher education based on international standards;
- strengthen research and innovation capacity through the reform of higher education institutions and increased investment in research, both in the public and private sectors.
Montenegro
There is a good level of preparation in this chapter and some progress was made in the past year. In the coming year, Montenegro should in particular:
- focus efforts on increasing participation in the EU’s Horizon 2020 Programme;
- continue to streamline efforts to increase investment in research, in particular through stimulating investment by the private sector.
Serbia
Serbia has a good level of preparation in the area of science and research. Some progress was made with the adoption of the strategy for scientific and technological development. In the coming period, Serbia should in particular:
- adopt the action plan to implement the strategy, and the science and research infrastructure road-map;
- foster cooperation between industry and academia and increase the level of investment in research.
A selection of topic related events, news, calls, documents, organisations, links etc. is available here.
- Newsletter
English
2016
- Western Balkans
- Cross-thematic/Interdisciplinary
Entry created by Ines Marinkovic on February 9, 2017
Modified on February 9, 2017
