Launch of the 1st Level International Master in Albania: Open Innovation and Youth Entrepreneurship in the Mediterranean Green Sector

Tirana, Albania, 12 June 2024

The University of Agriculture in Tirana (Albania) hosted the launch event of the 1st Level International Master in "Open Innovation and Youth Entrepreneurship in the Mediterranean Green Sector" on 12 June 2024. This new academic programme is a significant investment in the skills of young people, to drive the process of building innovation ecosystems and support a greener and more competitive transition of local economic systems in Albania.

It is a first step in training future innovation managers who will champion new approaches and methodologies in building innovation ecosystems through the involvement of public institutions and business support organisations.

Ms. Frida Krifca, President of CIHEAM and Mr. Arjan Ymeri, Director of the Albanian Start-up Agency

The initiative is promoted by an international partnership between the University of Agriculture of Tirana, LUM University "Giuseppe Degennaro" of Bari, the CIHEAM and the CIHEAM Bari, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, with the support of Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania under the auspices of the Apulia Region, the Albanian Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Mr Antonello Garzoni, Rector of LUM University; Mr Fatnardh Sallku, Rector of the Agricultural University of Tirana, Mr Teodoro Miano, Secretary General of CIHEAM, Mr Maurizio Raeli, Director of CIHEAM Bari, Mr Alessandro D'Oria, Director of Bank Intesa San Paolo

THE OBJECTIVES OF THIS MASTERS

The aim of the Master is to train a new generation of innovation managers, facilitate the establishment of start-ups, and encourage private companies to participate in the green transition process towards innovative business models. In addition, the initiative aims to involve students from the Balkan countries, thereby strengthening the geopolitical and social value of the initiative.

The programme also seeks to provide attractive employment opportunities for young people from Albania and the Balkans serving their territories and local economies. Furthermore, it offers a double degree valid in Albania and Italy/EU, thanks to the collaboration between the University of Agriculture in Tirana and the LUM University in Italy.

SIGNATURE OF COOPERATION AGREEMENT

A cooperation agreement for the implementation of the 1 st Level International Master in "Open Innovation and Youth Entrepreneurship in the Mediterranean Green Sector" was signed in the sidelines of the meeting between the University of Agriculture of Tirana, LUM University, the CIHEAM Bari and the CIHEAM General Secretariat.

The Master's programme and the training of innovation managers are the starting point for the development of an innovation ecosystem in Albania aimed at the green transition. This model aims at strengthening and qualifying incubators, promoting activities to empower local start-ups and collaborating with businesses, in synergy with the Startup Albania Agency, with which the CIHEAM Bari has formalised a cooperation agreement.