There has been some progress in the area of research. The National Strategy for Science and Innovation 2009-2015 was adopted and the Agency for Research, Technology and Innovation was established. The budget dedicated to research increased but its share of the total budget (0.22%) is still very low. There were improvements on indicators and criteria to fund national research programmes as well as on mobility of researchers. The government allocated a fund of excellence in 2008 to stimulate the research studies of PhD candidate students. In March 2009, 61 Albanian nationals studying and/or working abroad were recruited to work in universities as part of the Brain Gain Programme. As an associated country to the 7th EC Research Framework Programme, Albania increased its participation and was successful, among others, in research projects with European partners in the areas of transport, infrastructures, health and international co-operation.
However, administrative and research capacity remains weak. Poor definition of responsibilities and of funds allocation hinders implementation of the Law on Scientific Research that merged most scientific institutions with universities.
Overall, preparations in the area of education and research are moderately advanced.