SCiDEV leads the thematic Working Group (TWG): “Advancing Inclusive Regional Mobility and Catalyzing Mobility-Driven Innovation and Knowledge Transfer in Western Balkans”, part of 2023 Tirana Civil Society and Think Tank Forum.
This thematic working group will focus on exploring the potential of inclusive regional mobility in fostering regional cooperation and the creation of shared values among the WB6 countries and with the EU, as well as in catalyzing innovation through knowledge exchange, research and development collaborations, entrepreneurial networks, technology transfers, and by fostering a shared innovation ecosystem, in order to enhance the region’s competitiveness and promote its sustainable development. Inclusive regional mobility encompasses initiatives to promote people-to-people interactions, academic exchanges, cultural events, and collaboration between universities, research institutions, and innovation infrastructures. Inclusive regional mobility seeks to ensure that the benefits of mobility are accessible to all, contribute to reducing socioeconomic disparities, and promote social cohesion and shared values within the region and with the EU.
A specific component is the mobility-driven innovation and knowledge transfer that involves initiatives that leverage the movement of researchers, entrepreneurs, professionals, students, and experts within and beyond the region. It aims to promote the exchange of ideas, foster research and development (R&D) collaborations, facilitate technology transfers, and stimulate entrepreneurial activities. By leveraging mobility as a catalyst for innovation and knowledge exchange, the WB6 can tap into the collective expertise, resources, and experiences available within and outside the region (including diaspora), accelerating their progress and integration into the European and global knowledge economy.
SCiDEV will organise four consultation meetings with stakeholders from WB6 and the EU, one final public hybrid event, publish a position paper with recommendations for the Leaders’ Summit of the Berlin Process and conduct advocacy visits in Sarajevo, Munich, Berlin, and Brussels. SCiDEV will host two panels at the CSF 2023 on 14-15 October 2023 in Tirana.
About Tirana Civil Society and Think Tank Forum 2023
The Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans (OSFWB), mandated by the Government of Albania as the current holder of the Presidency of the Berlin Process, and in collaboration with the Hellenic Foundation for European & Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP) and with the Cooperation and Development Institute (CDI), will organize this year’s Civil Society & Think Tank Forum (CSF). This event is part of the Annual Berlin Process Summit, and will take place on October 14-15th, 2023 in Tirana, Albania.
The 2023 Tirana CSF is a significant initiative that aims to create a platform for constructive and inclusive dialogue among civil society representatives, think-tankers, experts, and Governments from the Western Balkans and EU member states. By sharing best practices and developing policy recommendations, the CSF aims to foster regional cooperation, boost EU-related reforms, and support the accession process of the countries in the Western Balkans.
More information here
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