GENERAL INFORMATION
TAM title: Cooperation between HEIs and the Economy
Type of Event: Seminar
Modality: Online
Country: Kosovo
Dates: 14 - 15 February 2024
Participants: 17 participants (HEIs, companies, supporting institutions, policymakers)
THEMES COVERED
- HEIs and regional development
- HEIs impact on the economy
- Modalities of cooperation between HEIs and the economy
- Priorities in policy regarding HEIs – economy cooperation
- Overview of best practices regarding HEIs – economy cooperation
KEY OUTCOMES
During the workshop participants:
Gained a deeper understanding of the importance of cooperation between Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and the economy in driving economic development and innovation.
Became familiar with best practices and successful cooperation models from around the world and gained insight into how similar initiatives can be implemented in Kosovo;
Identified key challenges and barriers to HEI-economy cooperation including regulatory constraints, funding limitations, and institutional barriers.
OVERVIEW
The virtual TAM seminar on "Cooperation of HEIs and the Economy" brought together staff from higher education institutions (HEIs) in Kosovo and industry representatives to explore ways to strengthen collaboration between academia and the economy. The event covered supportive policies, analytical approaches, and practical models of cooperation such as research partnerships and internships. Participants discussed the role of HEIs in driving economic growth through innovation and research, while workshops focused on setting priorities and sharing best practices. Involving early-career graduates in addressing real-world challenges was highlighted as a key strategy. The seminar proved highly relevant to participants’ professional needs, with strong alignment between the content and their daily responsibilities. Active engagement and positive feedback underscored the practical value of the insights shared, indicating the event successfully supported efforts to advance HEI-economy cooperation.
THE FOLLOW UP ACTIVITY
Title of the activity: Meetings with stakeholders from higher education institutions and with policy makers
Dates: 26 June 2024
Audience: 9 representatives of the University of Pristina - Kosovska Mitrovica
Description: The TAM Follow-Up Activity involved two key stakeholder meetings—on June 26, 2024, at the University of Mitrovica with higher education institutions (HEIs), and on July 4, 2024, with policy makers at MESTI. These sessions aimed to strengthen cooperation between HEIs and the economy. The discussions focused on aligning policy frameworks with institutional practices. HEI participants examined successful partnership models, research, innovation, and knowledge transfer mechanisms, while policy makers emphasized the need for legislative and administrative updates at the ministry level. The outcomes provided a set of actionable recommendations to advance collaboration, enhance workforce readiness, and build stronger innovation ecosystems.
ENHANCING IMPACT: PROPOSED NEXT STEPS
Integrate leadership principles into academic and administrative functions and provide targeted training in innovation, project management, and communication for both academic and industry professionals.
Align curricula with labour market needs through competence-based education, practical training, experiential learning, and entrepreneurship programs. Establish short-cycle study options and micro-credentials for flexible, job-relevant learning.
Implement sustainable equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) practices by expanding access for underrepresented groups, offering financial support, and promoting gender equality, cultural sensitivity, and minority rights within HEIs.
Build strategic partnerships with industry, engage experts in curriculum design, and promote joint initiatives such as internships, research projects, and entrepreneurial ventures to enhance workforce readiness and innovation transfer.
Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration among faculties and stakeholders, leverage ICT for flexible and inclusive learning, and promote international cooperation and the exchange of best practices with globally advanced HEIs.
Strengthen quality assurance systems and accreditation standards, ensure transparency through public reporting, and advocate for adaptive policies and legal frameworks that support sustainable HEI-industry collaboration and educational innovation.
RESOURCES AND BACKGROUND MATERIAL
- Barra, C. & Zotti, R. (2017).
Investigating the human capital development–growth nexus: Does the efficiency of universities matter? International Regional Science Review, 40(6), pp. 638–678. Available at: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0160017615626215 - Brennan, J., Cochrane, A., Lebeau, Y. & Williams, R. (2018).
Universities, economic development and regeneration. In: The University in Its Place. Dordrecht: Springer, pp. 75–96. Available at: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-94-024-1296-3_4 - Carroll, M. C. & Smith, B. W. (2006).
Estimating the economic impact of universities: The case of Bowling Green State University. The Industrial Geographer, 3(2), pp. 1–12. - Cox, S. & Taylor, J. (2006).
The impact of a business school on regional economic development: A case study. Local Economy, 21(2), pp. 117–135. Available at: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1080/02690940600608069 - Drucker, J. (2016).
Reconsidering the regional economic development impacts of higher education institutions in the United States. Regional Studies, 50(7), pp. 1185–1202. Available at: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00343404.2014.986083 - Drucker, J. & Goldstein, H. (2007).
Assessing the regional economic development impacts of universities: A review of current approaches. International Regional Science Review, 30(1), pp. 20–46 - Fotea, A. C. & Gutu, C. (2016).
Historical and theoretical framework of the relation between higher education institutions and the process of regional economic development. Entrepreneurial Business and Economics Review, 4(1), pp. 23–42. Available at: https://eber.uek.krakow.pl/index.php/eber/article/view/93 - Hermannsson, K., Lisenkova, K., McGregor, P. & Swales, J. (2010).
An HEI-disaggregated input–output table for Wales. Glasgow: University of Strathclyde. - Huggins, R. & Johnston, A. (2009).
The economic and innovation contribution of universities: A regional perspective. Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy, 27(6), pp. 1088–1106. Available at: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1068/c08125b
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