Albania’s higher education system is under increasing pressure to prepare graduates not only with disciplinary knowledge, but also with the entrepreneurial, digital, and innovation-oriented competences required by a rapidly changing economy. In this context, diaspora expertise can play an important role in helping universities refresh curricula, introduce new pedagogical approaches, and strengthen connections with industry. GERMIN has highlighted this model through recent stories of diaspora-resident academic collaboration in Albania. 

A teaching and innovation collaboration led by Prof. Valentina Ndou, as diaspora academic, and implemented together with Prof. Blerta Dragusha at the University of Shkoder “Luigj Gurakuqi,” represents a concrete example of this approach in action. During the 2025–2026 academic year, the collaboration focused on the Corporate Finance course offered in the Master of Science in Finance and the Master of Science in Accounting, with the aim of making the course more practice-oriented, innovation-driven, and responsive to the challenges of digital transformation in the financial sector. 

The revised course was designed not simply to transmit financial knowledge, but to expose students to a broader set of competences connected to entrepreneurship, design thinking, innovation management, and the application of Artificial Intelligence in finance. The updated syllabus integrated themes such as entrepreneurial competencies, business planning, Business Model Canvas, and design thinking in finance, with the broader objective of guiding students toward a deeper understanding of how innovation can be financed, structured, and scaled. 

One of the main issues this collaboration sought to address was the persistent gap between classroom learning and the real needs of the financial sector. To respond to this challenge, the course introduced a project-based and challenge-based learning model. In November, an Open Innovation Challenge in the Finance Sector brought together students and representatives of local banks, creating a space where academic learning could directly engage with real-world industry problems. According to the course documentation, the initiative asked student teams to develop innovative and financially sustainable business solutions to concrete enterprise challenges, supported by academic supervisors and company mentors. 

This was not a purely theoretical exercise. Students were exposed to practical problems related to digital transformation, operational efficiency, customer engagement, financial inclusion, and the adoption of emerging technologies in banking. The guiding materials prepared for the course framed these opportunities very clearly, highlighting areas such as fraud detection, alternative credit scoring, financial education, compliance, remittances, SME cash-flow management, and AI-supported financial inclusion in Albania and the Western Balkans. 

A further milestone of the collaboration was the Final Presentation and Pitch Workshop, held on 13 February 2026, which marked the culmination of the students’ project-based learning journey. Students were organised into 11 teams and developed project ideas centred on the use of AI in the finance sector. Their proposals ranged from AI solutions for operational efficiency in banks, to chatbots for customer service, to more inclusive financial services for older adults, people with disabilities, and underserved groups. The use of the Business Model Canvas gave students a structured way to articulate value propositions, customer segments, key resources, costs, and revenue logic. 

Projects were evaluated by a distinguished jury composed of representatives from academia, industry, and innovation ecosystems:

• Gazmend Selmani – tech, finance, and real estate entrepreneur 
• Valentina Ndou – University of Salento 
• Egzon Sadiku – Project Manager, GERMIN Kosovo 
• Denada Bushi Hafizi – Director, BKT Shkoder Branch 
• Enkelejda Nabolli – Raiffeisen Bank representative 

The collaboration also introduced an important pedagogical shift. Rather than limiting learning to lectures, it emphasized teamwork, mentoring, pitching, dialogue with practitioners, and problem-solving around local and regional challenges. Student response to this model appears to have been strongly positive. The engagement report notes enthusiasm for the new pedagogical approach, especially the experiential and project-based component, which enabled students to identify problems in their environment and transform them into structured, evidence-based proposals. Students also valued teamwork and the opportunity to present before external experts, even though this represented a significant challenge. 

Beyond teaching, the collaboration also generated broader academic and institutional value. Joint activities included research collaboration and the co-development of a major Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education proposal, submitted with an international consortium. The proposal aims to strengthen research and innovation capacities in Western Balkan higher education institutions, addressing structural issues such as low research visibility, weak knowledge transfer, and fragmented cooperation between universities, industry, and public institutions. This shows that diaspora engagement can extend beyond individual courses and contribute to wider institutional development. 

What makes this experience particularly relevant is that it responds to a real and pressing issue in Albanian higher education: the need to connect teaching with innovation ecosystems and labour-market realities. In this case, diaspora expertise did not remain external or symbolic. It was translated into syllabus revision, co-teaching, mentoring, industry engagement, and the creation of learning experiences that encouraged students to think entrepreneurially and apply financial knowledge to real-world challenges. 

This experience demonstrates how diaspora expertise can move beyond knowledge transfer and become a driver of systemic change. By combining updated content, innovative pedagogy, and strong stakeholder engagement, the collaboration created a replicable model for enhancing higher education in Albania.

It highlights that the future of education lies not only in what students learn, but in how they learn, through interaction, experimentation, and real-world application in close connection with the innovation ecosystem.

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The conference will bring together diaspora professionals, innovators, entrepreneurs, academics, institutions, and partners to exchange ideas, build connections, and explore new ways to turn global Albanian expertise into local impact. As the closing conference of the Diaspora4Innovation project, it will also reflect on achievements, lessons learned, and future opportunities for continued collaboration.

Join us for two days of discussions, networking, and new opportunities that support innovation, education, entrepreneurship, and collaboration across borders.

On behalf of the European Union, Germany, and Sweden, EU4Innovation is supporting GERMIN to facilitate the circulation of Albania’s global knowledge locally.

Register here

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A teaching fellowship was proposed by Associate Professor Dorina Pojani from the diaspora (The University of Queensland, Australia) and implemented in collaboration with a resident academic (Dr Irina Branko, Polytechnic University of Tirana, Albania) over the course of one year. A combination of in-person visits and online activities took place in 2025–2026. The fellowship focused on refreshing a landscape planning course led by the resident lecturer. Normally, the course is delivered through a combination of theoretical lectures and studio-based work. Historically, the planning program at PUT has placed a strong emphasis on design rather than theory or policy. In this fellowship, the key innovation was a series of guest lectures by domestic and international practitioners from the public, private, non-profit, and international assistance sectors. These lectures, complemented by visits to the lecturers’ workplaces, introduced students to a range of career opportunities for planning graduates beyond the more typical employment in design studios.

Student feedback on this initiative was very positive. In an anonymous survey completed by more than half of the students (20 out of 37), the course—and particularly the new elements—received an average score of 4.75 out of 5. Beyond the quantitative results, qualitative feedback gathered through a focus group attended by 15 students was especially illuminating. Students clearly expressed a desire for more than technical training. They sought greater exposure to real-world practice, including experiences outside the capital city in coastal and mountainous regions; insight into non-traditional career pathways; and stronger links between urban planning, architecture, and communities. Students highlighted the importance of learning about non-design aspects of professional practice, including coordination with institutions, financial management, budgeting, and project governance—areas they felt were largely absent from their formal training but central to real-world work. They also valued the interdisciplinary nature of several guest organisations. Importantly, students welcomed the territorial breadth of the course, which deepened their understanding of landscape, tourism, and regional challenges, and strengthened their appreciation of planning at multiple scales.

Below is a summary of the factors that, in Pojani’s and Branko’s experience, contributed to the success of this program.

Funding. While the fellowship is competitively awarded, it is low-cost. This is a positive feature, as it enables broader participation. The administrative burden is also limited, with short application forms and minimal reporting requirements. With planning being a social science discipline, course expenses were relatively low.

Presence. Pojani’s physical presence in Albania was essential for the fellowship to succeed, as teaching activities are generally less effective online than through in-person engagement. Being present allowed the diaspora scholar to guide activities and provide mentorship, in line with Albania’s relational culture. During her visit, Pojani also undertook additional activities, such as media appearances and workshops, which also helped Branko expand professional networks. This networking support aligned closely with one of the program’s key objectives.

Collaboration. While the team members were acquainted prior to participating in the program, they had not collaborated professionally before. Nevertheless, the program was successful, driven by a strong motivation to work together. Much of the success can be attributed to Branko being well liked and to the positive rapport that already existed between her and the students. This created a welcoming environment into which Pojani could be effectively integrated. GERMIN and EU4Innovation have actively supported ongoing connections through formal and informal networking opportunities, including a study visit in Venice and a workshop in Tirana.

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OriginAL’s mission is to bring the Albanian youth on a free two-week trip to their homeland countries every year that will: 

• Deepen Albanian identity understanding and belonging
• Foster lifelong friendships and cross-border networks
• Inspire leadership and future engagement with the homeland

For 2026, applicants can select their preferred participation period, making it easier to join the program at a time that fits their schedule.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must:

• Be of Albanian heritage
• Be between 18 and 24 years old
• Express interest in culture, history, community, and learning

How to Apply

To learn more about the program and submit your application, click the link below.

APPLY HERE!

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Through Diaspora4Innovation, GERMIN and EU4Innovation create space for meaningful academic exchange between diaspora scholars and resident faculty in Albania. The Meet the Scholar Series documents these collaborations and shows how shared teaching experiences translate into stronger universities, more relevant curricula, and empowered students.

One such collaboration brought together Dr Adelajda Matuka, diaspora scholar from the University of Bologna, and Dr Edmira Cakrani, from the European University of Tirana in Albania. Together, they co-designed and co-taught the course Applied Economics with R Studio at the European University of Tirana, introducing students to modern, applied approaches in economics education.

From the early planning stages, the collaboration focused on aligning international academic practices with the realities of Albanian higher education. The scholars worked closely to structure the syllabus, define learning outcomes, and design assessments that encouraged active participation and problem solving.

The course integrated applied quantitative analysis, programming, and economic reasoning through the use of R Studio. Students analyzed, modeled, and visualized real world datasets, linking empirical results to economic and policy questions relevant to Albania and beyond. Rather than relying on abstract theory, the course emphasized learning by doing.

Classroom delivery centered on live coding sessions, guided exercises, and step by step examples. Students worked directly with data and learned how to interpret findings in a policy context. This approach helped them build confidence in computational thinking and understand how applied economics supports evidence based decision making.

Student response played a key role in shaping the experience. Curiosity, collaboration, and a willingness to experiment defined the classroom dynamic. Many students expressed pride in completing their first data analysis projects, seeing their skills grow in real time.

What made this collaboration stand out for the diaspora scholar was the opportunity to engage in an academic environment that felt both evolving and familiar, as someone who had once studied in the Albanian education system. The partnership with the European University of Tirana and with Prof. Edmira Cakrani created a meaningful bridge between past academic roots and current international experience. Beyond teaching, the collaboration also extended into research. The joint research article developed through this partnership is now near completion, with the aim of submitting it to a top ranking academic journal. The scholars also presented their work at the READ International Scientific Conference 2025, where around 300 research papers from researchers worldwide were shared. This experience strengthened not only academic cooperation but also personal commitment to contributing to higher education in Albania.

For the resident scholar, the collaboration introduced new pedagogical approaches, digital tools, and applied teaching methods. Exposure to international academic practices inspired curriculum innovation beyond this single course and encouraged broader integration of technology driven learning.

Both scholars see strong potential in continuing this model of collaboration. Future plans include co teaching, joint research, curriculum development workshops, and stronger links between Albanian universities and international academic networks. These partnerships help bridge gaps between diaspora and resident scholars while preparing students for competitive job markets in Albania and abroad.

The Meet the Scholar Series captures what Diaspora4Innovation makes possible when engagement moves beyond short visits and into sustained academic partnership. It shows how shared responsibility, adaptability, and mutual learning can strengthen higher education and build lasting connections between global knowledge and local institutions.

On behalf of the European Union, Germany, and Sweden, EU4INNOVATION is supporting GERMIN to facilitate the circulation of Albania’s global knowledge locally.

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The event was opened by Arieta Dragusha, Communication Officer at GERMIN, who highlighted the role of women in politics, with a special focus on the local level, where representatives are closer to citizens and their daily needs. She emphasized that women’s participation in local decision-making translates into more responsive policies and practical solutions for communities.

Era Ahmeti, Project Coordinator at GERMIN, presented the main achievements of the project, which aimed to promote greater political participation and representation of women in Kosovo. The project was implemented in seven municipalities and involved a total of 54 women, either serving as municipal assembly members or having been candidates for local assemblies. Seven mentors from the diaspora and seven experts participated throughout the project. The initiative included three training sessions and seven community initiatives addressing concrete local needs.

During the conference, the implemented initiatives were presented by Hyrije Uka Hoxha from Vushtrri, Sanie Kuqi Rexhepaj from Suhareka, and Besiana Syla from Lipjan, providing practical examples of women’s impact in politics and local community initiatives.

The discussion rounds highlighted key challenges, including insufficient cooperation among women from different political parties, while Suhareka was recognized as a positive example of cross-party collaboration. Participants also addressed the lack of public debate about the fact that 38 municipalities in Kosovë are led by men, online harassment of women in politics (mostly perpetrated by men), low media representation, and the burden of unpaid work that continues to fall primarily on women.

Concrete recommendations emerged from the discussions, including the continuation of professional training for women, especially in public procurement, strengthening cooperation with organizations like GERMIN, which were deemed highly necessary and productive, and initiating actions at the central level. Participants proposed more systematic work to enhance the role of female assembly members, changes in voting procedures in municipal assemblies, allowing citizens to vote up to three candidates instead of one, and the need for monitoring and transparency regarding the Democratization Fund.

The conference was held on International Migrants Day, reaffirming the diaspora’s role as an important partner in supporting women in politics and strengthening local democracy.

The event concluded with the clear message that women do not seek privileges in decision-making; they seek the positions they deserve because democracy only has meaning when decisions are made by all. This conference marked the conclusion of the “Women in Politics” project, funded by the National Endowment for Democracy and implemented by GERMIN in seven municipalities across Kosova.

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Building on its strong regional legacy, Diaspora Flet now rises to the international stage, connecting diaspora organizations, institutions, and development partners from both home and host countries. The conference serves as a space for collaboration, dialogue, and knowledge exchange, strengthening the diaspora’s role in economic, social, and cultural development.

Supported by GIZ – MEG Program, the 2025 edition focuses on how diaspora networks drive integration, innovation, and sustainable development across borders. It highlights the Albanian diaspora, together with other participating communities, as a bridge of cooperation between societies, cultures, and economies.

Over three days, participants will engage in keynote speeches, thematic panels, international exchanges, cultural performances, and networking events, culminating in a strategic session dedicated to Albanian diaspora organizations.

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The exchange of experiences and the acquisition of new knowledge from some of the most advanced models in Europe and beyond is one of the core objectives of the project “Diaspora4Innovation.”

The goal of knowledge exchange was at the heart of the study visit to Venice, carried out by a group of 12 academics from both Albania and the diaspora, along with representatives from GERMIN, EU4Innovation, and the media. The visit included the innovation hub H-FARM, a platform and campus built around developing innovative enterprises and innovation ecosystems, aiming to create impactful change and empower new generations to lead with purpose, all supported by artificial intelligence (AI). The group also visited Future Farming, a technology transfer center developed in partnership between Zero and H-FARM.

The first day of the study visit took place at QTT Future Farming, one of Europe’s most advanced technological infrastructures, developed through strong public-private partnerships between businesses and research institutions. The company Zero, which holds a 49% share in Future Farming, is a leading European player in vertical agriculture, offering modular, AI-driven solutions for agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and eco-rehabilitation.

The academics learned about the methods and models applied at Future Farming, focusing on the use of technology in agriculture through the “Nature Co-design” paradigm, which studies how life forms in nature to replicate it in ways that produce new solutions for business and social needs through scientific research, laboratories, and technology.

The next visit took place at H-FARM, a space where education, entrepreneurship, and technology come together. The academics toured the modern campus, a space designed to foster creativity, new ideas, and student well-being. They visited the startup center, explored its programs for startup development, and learned about H-FARM College’s educational approach, which emphasizes its international learning offer.

The academics who took part in the visit highlighted how valuable this experience will be for implementing similar practices in Albanian universities in the near future. They also emphasized the importance of such study visits for expanding cooperation between academics based in Albania and those from the diaspora who have achieved great success at leading universities across Europe and the world.

Assoc. Prof. Valentina Ndou, who conceptualized and facilitated the visit, stated:
“Some of the initiatives we saw in Venice are already known to our academics. Many of them have already started applying these concepts in their university courses. However, in Albania, it is still difficult to fully implement such initiatives because the infrastructure is lacking, and broader collaboration is needed, both at the university and inter-ministerial levels, as well as with the business sector.”

Valbona Koçi, Advisor at EU4Innovation, described the study visit as an opportunity to bring diaspora academics closer to those working in Albania.
“Our goal is for diaspora academics to bring their knowledge back to Albania, not necessarily by returning physically. Knowledge is mobile, and in this way, it becomes even more valuable for our country, where the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem is rapidly growing,” she emphasized.

Lirim Krasniqi, Co-Director of GERMIN, the organization implementing the Diaspora4Innovation project in partnership with GIZ, described diaspora academics as a valuable national asset.
“Thanks to them, Albania is getting closer to the innovative developments taking place across Europe and beyond, helping to strengthen capacities and raise our standards. So far, we have had the engagement of 10 diaspora academics in 8 Albanian universities, across 12 faculties and departments. For over a year, they have been involved in numerous activities, including designing syllabuses, lecturing, joint research projects, and study visits such as this one to Future Farming and H-FARM, which link innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems with education. We are proud to see this project producing remarkable results,” he concluded.

The Diaspora4Innovation project, supported by EU4Innovation and funded by the European Union, the German Government, and the Swedish Government, demonstrates how institutions can play a key role in connecting academia in Albania, the diaspora, and policymaking. It ensures that Albanian universities are not isolated but integrated into Europe’s innovation trends.

All the initiatives carried out under this project show that learning knows no boundaries. Knowledge may grow abroad, but innovation always finds its way home, positioning Albania as an important contributor to the regional and European innovation ecosystem.

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For decades, Albanians living abroad have helped the economies of Kosova, Albania, and the region through remittances. But the diaspora story does not end there. Beyond financial support, the knowledge, professional experience, and international networks of our diaspora are invaluable assets that they put in service of their homelands’ development. When this asset returns to the country of origin, it generates long-term impact, strengthening local capacities and driving political, economic, and social development.

What is the Engaging of Diaspora Professionals Program and how does it work?
The Engaging Diaspora Professionals program, run by GERMIN, brings experts from the diaspora for short-term engagements, from 3 weeks to 6 months, with institutions, civil society organizations, businesses, and universities in Kosova and Albania. The goal is for professionals to exchange and share knowledge, skills, information, and experiences with institutions, organizations, and companies in their homelands, filling the gaps that often exist within them.

Over more than 10 years of activity:

• GERMIN has built a database of tens of thousands of Albanian professional profiles worldwide.
• Over 1,000 professionals from 17 countries have registered on the program’s online platform.
• More than 150 professionals have been engaged in the past 5 years, most traveling to Kosova and Albania at various times, while others have contributed remotely.
• The total engagement so far includes 314 work weeks and 445 hours of online mentoring.

Through the digital platform diasporaprofessionals.germin.org, every diaspora professional can:

• Register and identify projects that match their expertise.
• Connect with institutions, CSOs, and companies that need professional assistance.
• Exchange experiences with other diaspora professionals and build bridges of cooperation with their country of origin.

From Idea to Impact: Success Stories from the EDP Program
The EDP program is not just a list of statistics. It is a collection of human stories showing the tangible impact of knowledge returning home.

1. From Germany to Podujeva – Neritan Hoxha, a Full Stack developer in Germany, contributed to his hometown by creating an application for the Municipality of Podujeva. This tool provides detailed data on the municipality’s schools and villages, helping teachers and education staff plan resources and address students’ needs.
2. From London to Tirana – Arta Statovci, an Artificial Intelligence and Strategy expert, mentored the startup Commercey / Bot Medics Care, guiding it from a traditional model to an AI-driven business. Through strategic advice and practical use of digital tools, she helped the company increase investment, expand into new markets, and position itself on the global health sector stage.
3. From Switzerland to Kamenica – Orhan Sylejmani, a mechanical engineer, analyzed the state of urban and public transport in Kamenica and provided concrete recommendations for improvement, helping the city offer more efficient services for citizens.
4. From Austria to Prishtina – Fevzi Kafexhiu, a materials scientist, worked with Termokos, analyzing data from existing projects and providing recommendations for greater efficiency and sustainability in energy management.
5. From Greece to Prishtina – Dea Lulaj, a medical sciences professional with experience in Sweden, collaborated with the National Association of Autism in Kosove (ANAK). She brought practices from the Swedish system, offering recommendations for medical services, diagnostic tools, education, and family support for children with autism.
6. From Germany to Prishtina – Besa Maraj, a climate and energy consultant, worked with the Municipality of Prishtina in drafting the energy efficiency regulation. With her expertise, she helped develop measures for energy savings, environmental protection, and more sustainable city policies.
7. From Switzerland to Prishtina – Adhurim Haxhimusa, an energy expert and professor at the University of Switzerland, collaborated with BONEVET Prishtina to develop a training program on renewable energy. He delivered an inspiring speech to youth, emphasizing the importance of energy transition and collective responsibility for environmental protection.

These stories show that the diaspora does not only contribute financially but also brings ideas that turn into concrete projects, mentorships that empower local professionals, and connections that last.

Why does this matter on Diaspora Day?
On this special day, we remember that the diaspora is not far away. It is present in every project, every application developed for a municipality, and every economic strategy shaped with expertise brought from abroad.

GERMIN’s EDP program is a model of how we can channel this potential, turning the diaspora’s love and commitment into tangible development for the country. Beyond remittances, the diaspora’s knowledge, experience, and professional networks are the wealth that is building new bridges for the future of Kosova and Albania.

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It all kicked off in Prishtina, where the energy was contagious and the anticipation high. On the campus of RIT Kosovo, participants were welcomed by familiar faces who believe in this mission — from Ms. Liza Gashi of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, to Mr. Lavon Bajrami of RIT, and Mr. Xhelal Derguti of GIZ. GERMIN’s Co-Directors, Sihana Bejtullahu and Lirim Krasniqi, set the tone with a reminder: this is more than a trip, it’s a chance to rediscover who you are.

From the first team-building games at Innovation Centre Kosovo to laughter-filled rope-pulling competitions in Gërmia Park, bonds started to form quickly. “I didn’t think I could feel so close to people I met just yesterday,” said one participant. But that’s OriginAL. It creates instant belonging.

The journey took a deeper turn in Prekaz, where the story of the Jashari family came alive through Sala Jashari’s powerful words. Silence fell as participants laid flowers at the memorial, each one reflecting on sacrifice, strength, and what it means to be free.

In Gjakovë and Krushë e Madhe, they met women who rebuilt their village from the ashes of war through a powerful agricultural cooperative. In Pejë, they stepped into the House of Judo, where Kosova’s champions are made. “It made me proud in a way I’ve never felt before,” someone shared.

Then came Prizren — colorful, historic, and unforgettable. Walking through cobbled streets, climbing the fortress, visiting the League of Prizren museum, and hearing from Veton Nurkollari of Dokufest, participants saw how tradition and innovation coexist.

Week two brought new energy as the journey continued into Albania. In Shkodër, participants walked through the Museum of Memory, where stories of political persecution during communism offered space for reflection and important conversations about freedom and justice. In Durrës, they explored the city’s ancient Roman Amphitheater, stood by the Venetian Tower, and stepped inside the Turkish Hammam, experiencing layers of history that still shape Albania today. The day ended with music, dancing, and a seaside cultural dinner.

In Vlorë, the group boarded a boat and sailed along the Ionian coast, visiting Haxhi Ali’s Cave and the Karaburun Peninsula, where Albania’s natural beauty unfolded in full. From the water to the mountains, the next stop was Berat, where participants climbed through the white-walled neighborhoods of the castle and heard stories passed down through generations. A traditional lunch rounded out a day rich in history and hospitality.

In Krujë, they followed the footsteps of Albania’s national hero, Skënderbeu, through the castle grounds and into the museum that honors his legacy of resistance and unity. The journey ended in Tirana, where the group explored the capital’s energy, joined a creative workshop with BetaPlan, and shared one last celebration during Albanian Night. Laughter, music, and farewells filled the air as the participants looked back on two weeks that shaped their view of home and each other.

Two weeks. Two countries. One unforgettable experience. OriginAL 2025 wasn’t just about where they went, it was about who they became — together.

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