Mr. Shyqiri Bytyqi stated that Kosovan universities need to develop further towards the field of science, research, and innovation. He said that in recent years, there have been changes and developments in both public universities and private colleges, but there is still a need to deepen the research part of the universities and to enhance the cooperation among main stakeholders in order to establish closer relations between the higher education sector, the labour market and industry. Mr. Bytyqi said that MEST is willing to cooperate on whichever part, so that educational institutions in Kosovo have the opportunity to secure their own income by becoming entrepreneurs.

His Excellency, Ambassador Gernot Pfandler said that the HERAS project is among the largest projects in the field of education in Kosovo and he personally appreciates the work done by the consortium and the project team. He stated that the knowledge between academia and the business enterprise sector shall be intensified in order to facilitate the increase of the economic impact of universities into the labour market (so called 3rd mission of universities). Mr. Pfandler invited all stakeholders and beneficiaries to get actively involved into this subject matter.

During the event, Mr. Aqim Emurli, project leader of HERAS, and the key note speakers Mr. Helmut Gassler from ZSI (Austria), Ms. Myzafere Limani from the Science Council of Kosovo and Mr. Fis Malesori from VentureUP, spoke about the innovation and knowledge transfer by tackling the issue from different aspects. The plenary session of the event was an opportunity for all participants to take an active part in the discussions. HERAS will follow-up closely with MEST and together design the next activities that are expected to be implemented in the coming period.

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