Cross-REIS Partners gather in Tirana to foster discussions on green transition
Tirana, Albania | February 12-14, 2024 – Co-PLAN, in collaboration with Polis University and with the support of DSA, hosted the Cross-REIS partners in Tirana for a three-day event dedicated to institutional exchange, research collaboration, and sustainable development. The event brought together researchers, practitioners, and experts from across Europe to foster discussions on green transition, responsible research & innovation, regenerative agriculture, and sustainable urban development.
Through a series of presentations, workshops, field visits, and brainstorming sessions, participants exchanged experiences and laid the foundation for future research partnerships and joint initiatives within the Cross-REIS consortium and beyond.
Strengthening Research & Innovation Networks
The gathering began with an overview of Co-PLAN’s work in green transition, ecosystem service assessment, and its engagement with civil society and quadruple helix actors. Experts including Dr. Fiona Imami, Dr. Kejt Dhrami, Enkela Poro, Ogerta Gjiknuri (Co-PLAN), and Assoc. Prof. Merita Toska (Polis University) shared insights on key research projects at Co-PLAN. Participants had the opportunity to explore the innovation laboratories and research approaches implemented at Polis University, aimed at addressing societal challenges through a bottom-up perspective. Dr. Elona Karafili (Vice Rector, Polis University) guided the tour of the Innovation Factory, providing insights into ongoing projects. The discussion was followed by Claudia Romelli (Poliedra, Politecnico di Milano), who provided insights into synergies across innovation actions, particularly in the URDATA project.
The day concluded with a guided tour of Tirana, exploring the city’s regenerative and green investments aligned with the 2030 Green Agenda.
Exploring Regenerative Practices in Belsh
The second day took participants beyond Tirana to Belsh Municipality, a designated Green Destination at the forefront of sustainable local development. Vice Mayor of Belsh Romina Hysa welcomed participants and outlined the municipality’s strategies for fostering economic growth through sustainable investments and environmental protection.
A visit to the Agricultural Plant Genetic Resources (APGR) Center, provided insights into innovative organic farming. Dr. Fetah Elezi, Director of APGR, led the participants through a tour of the community seed bank and regenerative practices in autochthonous seed production. Additional insights were shared by Prof. Drini Imami (DSA), who discussed agribusiness strategies and sustainable food systems.
The visit also included a stop at The Black Horse Initiative, an innovative farming and olive oil production hub led by Denis Agolli, which integrates traditional and modern farming techniques. The day concluded with an agritourism experience, emphasizing its role in boosting rural economies and promoting sustainable tourism.
Driving Future Research & Innovation
The final day in Tirana centered on scientific research, innovation ecosystems, and strategic partnerships. Experts from DSA shared research achievements in agribusiness and introduced the concept of a Rural Living Lab dedicated to olive production, with Prof. Drini Imami leading discussions on sustainable agricultural innovation and consumer behavior toward organic farming.
A dedicated workshop on intellectual capital measurement in higher education institutions provided methodologies for assessing and enhancing research capabilities in widening countries. Prof. Claudia van der Laag and Prof. John Östh (OsloMET) led the discussions alongside Milica Jovanović Vujatović (FEUN), who presented the draft framework developed by FEUN.
The event concluded with a brainstorming session on fostering strategic partnerships to boost innovation within Cross-REIS. Facilitated by Prof. Carlo Sessa and Tiago Zibecchi (EMEA), discussions focused on developing collaborative research proposals and joint actions to drive impact-driven research and policy development.
The three days of Cross-REIS reinforced the power of collaboration in advancing regenerative economy innovation and sustainable development.