This interactive roundtable intended to support the EU Western Balkans Strategy, and especially the Action Plan in Support of the transformation of the Western Balkans under supporting socio-economic development. Themes for the debate ranged from regional cooperation and mobility of researchers in view of integration into a true European Research Area as recently mentioned by new President-elect of European Commission, Ms. Ursula von der Leyen. Further key discussion points included the increasing and attracting of human resources and capacity building in the R&I system, as well as the inclusion of Open Science in WB policies and of Centres of Excellence, flagship initiatives (like SEEIIST) and research infrastructures into strategies. Finally, the roundtable allowed for discussions on the most effective way to use the widening approach in the upcoming Framework Programme and instruments such as S3 strategies, and in their initial actions to improve infrastructure and R&I capacity.

Find below the presentations given and more information about the speakers.

Agenda

Learn more about the speakers here.