This Conference, divided into two sessions, aimed to present the existing gaps, as well as the necessary measures to strengthen cooperation between universities and industry in Kosovo. It also aimed to identify concrete ways and steps to create a favorable environment for wider involvement of companies in academia, as well as the development of strategies to increase student employment in companies, as well as the role of the University in the development of business innovation.

The topic of the first session was: University-Industry Cooperation, as well as the role of the University for employers and future employees, where as panelists were: Prof. Dr. Agron Bajraktari, Rector of UShAF, Prof. Dr. Marjan Dema, Rector of the University of Prishtina, Prof. Dr. Alexander Petutschnigg, from the University of Applied Sciences in Salzburg, Prof. Dr. Myzafer Shala, Minister of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Mrs. Efka Heder, ALLED 2 Project Leader, and Arlind Islami from Alumni (graduate students).

Whereas, in the second session the topic was: University as a platform for innovation development, where panelists were: Mr. Michael Ebner from the University of Applied Sciences in Salzburg, Prof. Dr. Bujar Pira from UShAF, Mr. Sadri Gashi from Cadi Cleaning, z. Flamur Salihu from the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center in Ferizaj, Mr. Arianit Kastrati from Oxa Group and Xhyljeta Xhymshiti from the UShAF Student Parliament.

Prof. Dr. In his introductory speech, Agron Bajraktari greeted all those present. “During our journey towards the development of the University, we received the greatest help from the University of Applied Sciences in Salzburg, from whom we received the best experiences. This cooperation would not be possible without the support of the Austrian Government, which contributed to the first steps of the establishment of our University “, said the Rector.

Rector Bajraktari, among other things, mentioned the great cooperation and support from Kosovar businesses, a cooperation which according to him greatly influenced the university to do its best for the youth who want to study at this University and with whose help we will influence positively on the economic development of the country. He also highlighted the opportunities offered to students and academic and administrative staff through mobility as part of the Erasmus + program projects.

Meanwhile, Alexander Petutschnigg from the University of Applied Sciences in Salzburg, among other things, said that he has been cooperating with UShAF for many years and being a partner for a long time, the achievements of this University are noticeable. He also said that industries are not looking for scientific solutions but are looking for practical solutions, which explains the fact that UShAF plays an important role in the labor market.

After the Conference, the participants visited the company ANB Baliu, with which UShAF has a Cooperation Agreement for practical work of students.

The Conference was attended by: Rectors of Kosovo Public Universities, representatives of municipalities of the Ferizaj region, representatives of non-governmental organizations, representatives of various projects with which UShAF cooperates, business representatives, representatives of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology , academic and administrative staff, as well as UShAF students.