U-SIA
U-SIA – University in the service of Society in Albania
Funding Programme
ERASMUS + 2020
Project Number
618997-EPP-1-2020-1-AL-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP
Duration
24 months
Overall Budget
861,570.00 EUR
Countries
Albania, Germany, Italy, Serbia
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U-SIA
Co-production of knowledge and research that matters” / U-SIA (University in the service of Society in Albania: Joint production of knowledge and research that matters “/ U-SIA) with number reference 618997-EPP-1-2020-1-AL-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP, is funded by the European Community through the ERASMUS + Capacity Building of High Education Project” program.
The project aims to promote cooperation and the effective and sustainable role of the university for society in Albania, with an impact on the development and process of European Integration of the country. This project aims to significantly improve the perception and quality of scientific research at the university level, in all countries where partners operate, making scientific research and the contribution of young scientists as useful as possible for society, industry and economic development of the country. This is a national priority for Albania and especially for the development of the Higher Education sector within society in general.
Objectives of the project
- To enhance the capacities of universities in Albania to co-produce knowledge and research with impact through establishment of knowledge transfer and innovation brokerage unit (USIA).
- To introduce and expand co-production of knowledge that is academically insightful and practically actionable in Albanian context through establishment of network of partners in Quadruple Helix model (QH).
Expected Results and Outcomes
- The HEIs are approached through an institutional and systemic manner: this is done primarily in WP2 with the design and set up of the USIA: knowledge transfer and innovation brokerage unit in Albanian HEIs.
- The design is based on the gap analysis identified in the project proposal, but most importantly and up to date and comprehensive assessment is conducting in WP1 in order to inform the conceptualisation of USIA per each HEIs and customising it to their needs.
- USIA staff (project manager, innovators, research manager) as one of the sub-target groups will be trained through exchange of experience in EU and programme country partners and peer to peer support in Albania.
- Establishment of program: University to Business Programme “Second a Researcher”.
- Establishment of the programme Policy Challenge Fund
- The established Quadruple Helix Network
Project Activities
- Design assessment exercise + work division amongst partners;
- Publishing the assessment report + best practice
- Design & Development of knowledge transfer and Inputs:
- Innovation brokerage unit in Albanian HEIs (USIA)
- Establish USIA and their regulatory and operationalisation framework in 5 HEIs or strengthen existing ones.
- Design and Development of Models for co-production of knowledge & research with impact through exchange of experience
- Producing guidelines and best practices for Albanian HEIs
- Organisation of Training of staff through exchange of experience and peer to 25 mobility of students
- Establish a network of Knowledge and Research with Impact in Quadruple Helix Model
- Development of the online platform
- Develop a calendar of initiatives for QH Network
- Develop model of cooperation in Quadruple helix and train staff (one workshop in Rome and 3 in Albania)
- Piloting University to Business Cooperation through “Second a Researcher” Programme
Project Partners
- The Mediterranean University, Albania
- Universiteti Luigj Gurakuqi Shkodra, Albania
- University “Aleksander Moisiu” Durres, Albania
- Vocational College of Tirana, Albania
- Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Albania
- Center for Comparative and International Studies, Albania
- Center for Science and Innovation Development, Albania
- National Agency for Science Research and Innovation, Albania
- University of Belgrade, Serbia
- German University Accreditation Agency, Germany
- University “Gulielmo Marconi” in Rome, Italy