In the following, we would like to give you an insight into the work POLICY ANSWERS has done in Albania to further develop various skills in the economy.

Strategic commitment and workshop series on GEP development

From February to May 2023, three trainings were successfully implemented in relation to the development of Gender Equality Plans (GEP). The trainers´s training programme included face-to-face and online training and bilateral monitoring. The feedback received was very positive. At the end of the first 18 months of POLICY ANSWERS, eight organisations passed through a one-to one mentoring process created their GEP.

Info events with training and capacity building in proposal writing and partner search

The action foresees a series of information sharing, awareness raising and capacity building activities. The first info event on the MSCA programme (focus COFUND and Staff Exchange) was held on 24 November 2022 in Tirana with 32 participants. Two events were held respectively on 3-4 July and on 6-7 July 2023 with a focus on Albanian municipalities. The evaluation of the events showed very positive feedback from the participants. They were satisfied with the knowledge gained and highlighted information about practical issues they were not aware of.

Support to promote EU funding opportunities for companies

Approximately ten Albanian companies have been identified that would potentially benefit from international R&I funding grants. On the other hand, open calls were identified in which Albanian actors are eligible. Our consultant identified quite a few companies with high potential. The companies were being mentored to find relevant international funding opportunities and, for example, prepare for the EUREKA call for the WB.

Supporting WB Agenda requirement on S3 implementation

The Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (EDP) was successfully supported and completed in 2022 with eight events organised, starting from 3 November 2022. Capacities in relation to the EDP were strengthened and events organised for eight sectors including: mountain tourism, maritime tourism, healthcare, agritourism, renewable energy, alternative energy, livestock and forestry. The national launch event was held on 12 April 2023.

Promotion of innovation opportunities related to the blue economy

The first workshop for blue economy stakeholders was implemented on 20 April 2023 and the second one was held on 24 May with additional promotion towards companies. The feedback from the participants was very positive. You can read our event summary here.