DIGIGREEN2GETHER

Transforming Higher Education in Western Balkans through Circular and Digital Innovation

Aligning of curricula with contemporary needs in sustainability and digital innovation (DIGI) is a challenge for HEIs and especially for those established in Kosovo & Albania. Despite emerging efforts towards a Circular Economy (CE), these countries lack comprehensive educational programs, industry partnerships, and policy frameworks to support CE transitions. The DIGIGREEN2GETHER project addresses these gaps by capitalizing international expertise on HEIs modernization, digitalization and collaboration. The project aims to empower Western Balkans’ HEIs to act as leaders in CE and DIGI by Curriculum Modernization, Capacity Building, Industry Collaboration, Internationalization & Mobility. To achieve its goals, the partnership will work together for the integration of CE and digital innovation into Kosovo’s and Albania’s HEIs’ curricula and operations. Research on current and anticipated CE skills will involve local and national stakeholders, to up-date existing courses and develop new ones. A train-the-trainers program will upskill faculty, while freely accessible training materials and an e-platform will support professionals. Through piloting academic and professional programs, including MOOCs, curricula will be validated before their full implementation. Students and academic staff from Kosovo & Albania will visit the EU HEIs and gain firsthand experience on CE GPs, DIGI, and sustainable education. Moreover, International Relations Offices will be strengthened through training on strategies for international partnerships and students and staff mobility. MoUs between HEIs and market actors will foster long-term collaboration, ensuring sustainability, while project results will be widely promoted through online platforms and national conferences. Thus, DIGIGREEN2GETHER will create CE ecosystems that will drive systemic change, ensuring a skilled workforce and fostering a resilient CE in Kosovo & Albania, in alignment with the EU Green Deal priorities.