The EIT has deepened engagement across the Western Balkans, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, aligning with EU enlargement priorities and regional development programmes supported under the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA III). The EIT also supported the creation of a Regional Innovation Centre in Albania (EIT RawMaterials), whichfocuses on gender-inclusive skills development and industry-relevant STEM21 training.

The raw material sector has been identified as part of the priority sectors under the Government of Albania’s Smart Specialisation Strategy. The Regional Innovation Centre, based in Elbasan, acts as a hub to catalyse innovation, education and business creation in the raw materials for Albania and the wider region. This partnership marks the first of its kind between EIT RawMaterials and a Western Balkan government, laying the groundwork for future collaborative initiatives in the region.

Check the full report to learn more.

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