The overall conclusions in the area of science and research state merely:

There is progress to report as regards the capacity to implement the acquis in the area of science and research. Administrative capacity relating to participation in the 7th EU Research Framework Programme improved, although national research capacity remains low.

The analytical report provides more details in the specific chapters that are of interest in WBC-INCO.NET:

4.25. Chapter 25: Science and research

In the area oft research policy, the Business Innovation and Technology Transfer Strategy for the period 2011-16 was approved with the aim of increasing the capacities of Albanian SMEs to develop, use, adapt and commercialise technology which contributes to the Innovation Union. The Agency for Research, Technology and Innovation (ARTI), established in 2010, is now operational. The level of investment in research is still very low (estimated at 0.2% of GDP in 2010). With regard to Albania's participation in the 7th EU research framework programme (FP7), ARTI has increased its capacities and also raised awareness and shared information on participation in research programmes with the EU and other international partners. ARTI has organised training sessions, workshops and FP7 information days, and e-communication channels have also been used for dissemination purposes. Administrative capacity has been improved by the appointment of National Contact Points (NCPs) and representatives in most FP7 management committees. The NCPs have taken part in several network events and training sessions organised by the European Commission.

The number of submissions has increased, but the number of successful FP7 projects funded is still low. Albania should continue its efforts in implementing the Memorandum on Association to the FP7 and in closely monitoring its participation. Further efforts are required in particular with respect to human capital building (Marie Curie Actions), involvement of SMEs in research and innovation, and scientific excellence in general.

ARTI became a member of the Central and South-Eastern Europe Network for Research Innovation and Business that aims to encourage and facilitate cooperation among private and public institutions focusing on research and development within and outside the EU. ARTI also became a member of the European Association of Research Managers and Administrators (EARMT). As part of the European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC), Albania is establishing the LIFE-WATCH national centre.

As regards integration into the European Research Area (ERA), the implementation of the National Strategy on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) 2009–2015 has been rather slow. The establishment of centres of excellence is still under consideration and only very limited action has been taken to improve mobility of scientists. The database of scientists working in the country has been updated, but the database of Albanian scientists working abroad still needs to be set up. Albania has nominated its observer delegates to all the ERA governance bodies, but is not attending on a regular basis due to lack of administrative capacity. The amount of investment in research is difficult to monitor due to the lack of reliable statistics on science and technology.

Conclusion
Overall, Albania has done a great deal to increase research cooperation with the EU and other stakeholders, but has not taken sufficient measures to strengthen the research capacity at national level. With the establishment of ARTI, the necessary administrative capacity to participate in FP7 has been improved. Concerted efforts are required in order to facilitate Albania's integration into the European Research Area by, amongst others, increasing public and private sector investment in research and strengthening human capital. A start should be made on preparations to contribute to the Innovation Union.

Chapter 20: Enterprise and industrial policy

There has been progress as regards enterprise and industrial policy principles. Implementation of the Small Business Act advanced. The National Licensing Centre extended its services network to nine cities. Procedures related to doing business were further simplified in the fields of public procurement and taxation. Work on regulatory reform continued, with the establishment of a regulatory impact assessment system (RIA Light) which was considered more appropriate to the circumstances of the country. A Business Innovation and Technology Strategy for the period 2011-2016 was approved in February 2011. The strategy provides for the establishment of a Business Relay and Innovation Centre (BRIC) as part of the Albanian Investment and Development Agency (AIDA). BRIC will serve as the main mediator and facilitator to promote innovation and technology development in business and to liaise with the Technology and Innovation Agency, the National Agency of Information Society, universities and centres of excellence.
Both BRIC and AIDA became operational in June 2011. There has been no progress as regards transposition of the directive on late payment. In the field of enterprise and industrial policy instruments, progress was made as regards access to finance for SMEs through a credit support scheme financed by the Italian government, the European Fund for Southeast Europe and the setting up of the Credit Guarantee Scheme for SMEs. An agreement was signed in April 2011 with a group of six second-tier banks to facilitate the access by businesses to the € 2.5 million Credit Guarantee Scheme.
Albania participates in the European Network of Female Entrepreneurship Ambassadors initiative financed under the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme.
As regards sector policies, the Council of Ministers and the Minister of Economy approved new secondary legislation on mining. A new mining strategy was adopted in July 2011.

Conclusion

There was some progress on simplifying the regulatory framework for business and on facilitating access to finance for SMEs. Institutions have been established to facilitate innovation and technological development. Preparations are moderately advanced.

Source: http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/pdf/key_documents/2011/package/al_conclusions_en.pdf

http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/pdf/key_documents/2011/package/al_rapport_2011_en.pdf