In today’s ever-changing world, it’s important to prepare the next generation with the skills needed to overcome challenges and take advantage of opportunities. Albania is experiencing a significant gap in the skills of its workforce, particularly in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. Therefore, to address this issue, GERMIN, in partnership with the EU4Innovation, has introduced the Diaspora for Entrepreneurship Education initiative. This project aims to utilize the knowledge and experience of the Albanian scientific diaspora to improve university courses by integrating entrepreneurship and innovation into various study programs.

Why This Matters?

By integrating these concepts into higher education, we aim to nurture creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, ultimately boosting employability among Albanian students. The initiative will initially engage 10 diaspora scholars in co-creating and co-teaching courses, mentoring students and faculty, leading workshops, supporting start-ups, and participating in joint research projects.

We invite Albanian diaspora scholars, researchers, and lecturers from OECD countries to participate in this transformative project. Your involvement will include:

• Co-designing and instructing entrepreneurship courses
• Mentoring and capacity-building for faculty and students
• Leading workshops and supporting start-ups
• Engaging in collaborative research and academic exchange

Commitment and Impact

The selected scholars will commit to visiting Albania from October 2024 to March 2026, with up to three visits. The program is designed for meaningful collaboration, with a maximum allocation of €10,000 per scholar covering travel and accommodation. Scholars will play a vital role in shaping the future of Albanian education and fostering a generation of innovators.

How to Apply

Interested scholars should submit their applications by September 20, 2024, via the Engaging Diaspora Professionals (EDP) platform. The application process is simple, and we encourage you to complete your profile and upload the necessary documents step-by-step. Detailed instructions and the Terms of Reference (ToR) can be found on our platform.

Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to Albania’s educational and entrepreneurial landscape! If you have any questions, contact us at [email protected].

Stay Connected: Follow GERMIN on LinkedIn and other social media platforms to stay informed about two upcoming virtual information sessions and other updates that will help you with your application.