University of Montenegro at the Berlin Process Conference: University partnership in the region is a partnership for Europe
The Rector of the University of Montenegro, Prof. Dr. Vladimir Božović, participated in the annual Science Conference within the Berlin Process. The conference, titled "Partnership for Excellence – Partnership for Europe," brought together key representatives of institutions from the Western Balkans involved in science, education, research, and innovation.
This year, Albania hosted the Berlin Process summit, established in 2014 as a platform for regional cooperation among Western Balkan countries at the level of high officials, with the goal of advancing the region in line with European values. Since 2015, the Berlin Process has included a dedicated chapter on science, education, research, innovation, and technology transfer, coordinated by the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina. The conference in Albania marks the seventh annual Berlin Process conference on this topic.
"The conference provided a solid foundation for exchanging ideas and establishing connections essential for enhancing shared academic, research, and innovative potential. The conclusions from this discussion are expected to shape the future direction of regional universities and joint efforts towards European integration. Given the successes achieved by the University of Montenegro, particularly the strides made through memberships in European university networks like ULISEUS, it can be said that the University of Montenegro has firmly established its position in the European higher education space," stated Rector Božović.
During the conference in Tirana, representatives of institutions in the Western Balkans, engaged in science, education, research, and innovation, discussed three key themes. The first was the assessment of progress in higher education, research, and innovation communities in the Balkans and Southeast Europe towards integration into the European Union. The second theme was the creation of excellence in the Balkans through smart instruments and associations, while the third focused on the development of tailored mobility schemes for students, researchers, and professionals, including (re)connecting academic diaspora with their countries of origin.
The conclusions and recommendations from the conference will be part of the agenda at the upcoming 9th Summit of Western Balkan Leaders, scheduled for October 16, 2023, in Tirana.