COWEB – Collaborative Online Workspaces for the Western Balkans

The COWEB Project (Collaborative Online Workspaces for the Western Balkans) is an Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) initiative supporting the digital transformation and internationalisation of higher education institutions across the Western Balkans. As the project concludes at the end of February 2026, it highlights the potential of Virtual Collaborative Learning (VCL) as a sustainable model for cross-border academic cooperation.

Background and objectives

Developed in response to challenges intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, COWEB addressed structural needs related to digitalisation and innovative pedagogy. The project focused on:

• modernising teaching and learning through VCL;
• integrating virtual and blended learning into study programmes;
• strengthening digital skills of students, academic staff, and administrative personnel;
• aligning learning outcomes with labour-market-relevant competencies;
• supporting institutional strategies for digital transformation.

Key results

Over three years of implementation, COWEB delivered concrete outcomes, including:

• 400+ students and 55 academic staff from nine countries involved in VCL activities;
• 30+ tutors and e-tutors supporting collaborative digital learning;
• 28 courses and modules integrating Virtual Collaborative Learning practices;
• thousands of online interactions, teamwork sessions, and shared learning resources;
• engagement of more than 12 universities across Europe and the Western Balkans.

Regional relevance

COWEB linked higher education with regional development initiatives, notably TransDinarica, which promotes sustainable tourism and slow mobility in the Dinaric region. Within a challenge-based VCL activity, international student teams developed digital and sustainable tourism solutions. The project “Echoes of Dinarica” was awarded first place in the IVCL Project Work Contest 2025, demonstrating tangible regional impact.

Knowledge output

A core result of the project is the open-access publication:

• Dermol, V., Demaj, E., Nuka, D., & Altmann, M. (Eds.). (2025). Higher Education Contemporary Learning Landscape: Virtual Collaborative Learning. Open-access edited volume. ISBN 978-83-65020-54-3. Available at: https://toknowpress.net/ISBN/978-83-65020-54-3.pdf

The volume documents innovative pedagogical models, virtual and blended mobility initiatives, university–industry collaboration, and emerging tools such as AI-based e-tutoring and metaverse learning environments.

Looking ahead

Beyond measurable outputs, COWEB fostered long-term collaboration among students, educators, and institutions. As the project concludes, its networks and practices provide a strong foundation for future initiatives in digital education, international cooperation, and sustainable innovation in the Western Balkans.

Find further information, please visit the project website