Author: Paola

As part of the Erasmus+ CBHE project Tech2Link – Bridging the Gap: Technology Transfer Hubs Connecting Western Balkans Universities, Business and Society, project partners from Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Poland gathered in Łódź for a collaborative study visit hosted by Lodz University of Technology (TUL).

This visit provided an invaluable opportunity to exchange knowledge and best practices in university-business collaboration, with a focus on technology transfer and research commercialization. A key highlight was the engaging presentation on distinguishing Commercialization vs. Research Services, which sparked meaningful discussion among partners on structuring IP frameworks and innovation support services within the planned TTHubs.
A special moment of the visit was the tour of the Institute of Automatic Control at TUL, where participants explored advanced research facilities and learned about ongoing projects in automation, robotics, and digital transformation.

 
We thank our hosts at TUL for their warm welcome and inspiring programme.

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We are pleased to announce the organization of the Kickoff Meeting for the Tech2Link project, an important initiative funded by Erasmus+ under the Capacity Building in Higher Education program.
This project aims to strengthen the links between universities and industry in the Western Balkans region through the establishment of Technology Transfer Hubs (TTHubs).

Date: December 2024
Venue: Western Balkans University
Purpose: The first meeting served to present the project’s objectives, discuss the work plan, and coordinate activities among partners.

Participants included:

• Universities from Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Poland

• Experts in technology transfer and academic entrepreneurship

This project seeks to enhance the capacities of universities in entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and collaboration with industry, contributing to regional innovation and economic development.

                                                                                        Stay tuned for updates on the project’s progress and upcoming initiatives!

Western Balkans University organized an informative session exclusively for students on “Technoparks: Catalysts for Entrepreneurship and the Startup Ecosystem” as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week. The session provided students with valuable insights into the role of technoparks in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and startup growth.

The session was moderated by Dr. Idaver Sherifi, Vice Rector of Western Balkans University, with keynote speakers Prof. Assoc. Dr. Albana Halili, Vice Rector of Western Balkans University, and Dr. Ermelinda Durmishi. A key highlight of the event was Prof. Albana Halili’s presentation of the Tech2Link project, which focuses on establishing technology transfer hubs within higher education institutions. This initiative, co-funded by the European Union, aims to bridge academia and industry, encourage collaboration, and contribute to a stronger regional innovation ecosystem. Western Balkans University is proud to be the coordinator of this groundbreaking project.

The student-focused discussion emphasized how universities play a crucial role in fostering entrepreneurship and technological advancement, equipping future professionals with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the evolving startup landscape.

Western Balkans University remains dedicated to empowering students through initiatives like Tech2Link, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, knowledge transfer, and the development of a thriving entrepreneurial culture.