We are happy to have supported the development of the e-platform for Smart Specialization Strategy (S3) for the Government of Kosova, accessible at the following link: https://smartkosova.rks-gov.net/

The development of a platform for the S3 results from the close cooperation between the Strategic Planning Office (SPO) of the Prime Minister Office of Government of Kosova and our project. The S3 e-platform is designed to serve as an information and consultation tool for all stakeholders and beneficiaries that are involved in the process.

SPO officials and HERAS Plus representatives discussed and defined the S3’s relevance for Higher Education, Research, and Innovation during several consultative meetings. The development process of the S3 e-platform consisted of four milestone events and countless coordination meetings.

In the coming period, HERAS Plus and SPO officials will work together in designing joint activities that will support the implementation of the S3, including a study visit in another country to learn from their best practices.

On 7 July 2021, the Smart Specialization Strategy (S3) e-platform which will facilitate awareness-raising about the smart specializations and growth potentials, consultations, and stakeholder involvement in the Smart Specialization Strategy Development, and Implementation, was launched during the Promotional Event of S3. The consultation platform for the Smart Specialization Strategy process, will be embedded in the website of the Prime Ministry of the Republic of Kosovo

The promotional event was organized by the Strategic Planning Office (SPO) of the Office of the Prime Minister in cooperation with HERAS Plus project and was attended by honorable panelists: Ms. Rozeta Hajdari, Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade, and Mr. Dukagjin Pupovci, Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation.

Ms. Fitore Fazliu, Thematic Coordinator for Research and Innovation, HERAS Plus, presented the developmental process, the main features of the e-platform and elaborated that that the e-platform was envisioned to be: a reflection of the ongoing process of S3 development; a repository of key policy documents, reports, other related publications to Research and Development; a communication in a blended format of ten users from respective departments/units and the general public; and a foundation for further advancement of features as functions (as the S3 process progresses).

Furthermore, the Strategic Planning Office presented the interim report on quantitative mapping of the economic potential of Kosovo, inform participations about the role and benefits of Higher Education Institutions regarding matters of education, research, innovation, and economic development.

HERAS Plus Project is thankful to the Strategic Planning Office for the great communication and cooperation in general, especially during the development of the e-platform and delivery of the event.