The establishment of the Agency was approved by the Albanian government in August 2009 soon after the launch of the cross-cutting Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation.

ARTI operates as a coordinating structure for national, bilateral and international programmes and projects and cooperates with different institutions in the field of R&D. Its mission is to evaluate, finance, monitor and manage programmes and projects in the fields of science, technology and innovation in Albania. ARTI contributes to the establishment of infrastructure and instruments, which implement S&T policies by playing a leading role in the creation of a science and technology culture. Among others, the Agency also aims to fund projects of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) and the renewal of technological equipment of SMEs.

The Agency for Research, Technology and Innovation organises its work based on seven main programmes:

1. National R&D programmes
National Programmes for Research and Development (NPRD) are implemented in accordance with the national priority areas, specifically social sciences and Albanology, Information Technology Systems, Biodiversity and Environment, Agriculture / Food and Biotechnology, Health, Water and Energy, and Materials. National programmes are implemented through projects that achieve the objectives of the programme and are based on the cooperation of one or more institutions or groups of experts.

2. Bilateral and Multilateral Scientific and Technological Cooperation Programme
Scientific and technological bilateral cooperation agreements with other countries are an expression of shared common interests in specific areas. Albania has signed bilateral agreements with Italy, Greece, the FYR of Macedonia and Slovenia.
As of January 1, 2008 Albania holds the status of an Associated Country in FP7. ARTI will act as a national coordinating structure for the EU Framework Programme.

3. Research Infrastructure Programme
The Research Infrastructure Programme aims to improve and facilitate equipment available in public research institutes and universities, in order to enable the development of research projects according to international standards.

4. Centers of Excellence Programme
This programme aims to create five centres of excellences including a minimum of 20 researchers (leading researchers, postgraduate researchers and PhD candidates) from at least two research institutes involved in national and international cooperation.

5. Programme for Technology Transfer and Innovation
This programme aims to promote technology and innovation and the establishment of a society open and conducive to innovation. It shall stimulate the active participation of the private sector in scientific research in collaboration with universities through the provision of grants.

6. Programme for Young Researchers
This programme aims to increase the number of experts that complete Master and PhD programmes in science and engineering fields, giving priority to those who conduct research or postgraduate studies and projects in Albania.

7. Brain Gain Programme
The Brain Gain Programme supports the Albanian government in creating laws and institutional structures that enable talented scholars to return to Albania. This programme helps universities and public administration to employ qualified individuals, who have graduated abroad. Those talents are selected in a transparent competition.