From the 26th to 28th September, IBC-M and its partners under Erasmus + Capacity Building Project “Creating Theory to Practice Centers for Innovation and Employment”( CTPCIE) were visiting its Bulgarian partner, the University of National and World Economy (UNWE). Within the Agenda, partners visited  Sofia TechPark. Sofia Tech Park JSC was founded in early June 2012. It is owned by the Ministry of Economy and the State Consolidation Company. Between 2012 and 2015 the company developed scientific research infrastructure in support of the Bulgarian innovative business and created approximately 40,000m2 of new and renovated building space to accommodate applied research laboratories, a general incubator, innovative lecture, education, discussion forums, places to demonstrate new technology office space, car parking garage and pedestrian green spaces.

The visit was proceeded by a session about existing T2P models in UNWE. Institute for postgraduate studies (IPS), an example of possible T2P model for Kosovo was presented.  IPS has a special legal status and position within UNWE, where basic administrative supporting financing comes from the university and state provides support through specific programs/centers of competence and centers of excellence. The Institute functions on a self-sustained basis. IPS provides vocational training’s to post-graduates, vocational qualifications and life-long learning. It also provides training, consultancy, research and publishing to its customers. Since there is less demand for training’s, IPS is concentrated on projects and consultancy. Businesses have the opportunity to get tailored research within their industry or products.  Consultancy is provided through  the following Training Centers:

1. Economics and management center

2. Finance and accounting center

3. Quality management and international projects center

4. Vocational training center

5. Facultative education center

Other workshop included presentations of case study models used by UNWE. 3rd and final day of the workshop was dedicated to the tailored featuring of the T2P centers to be established in each Kosovo partner institution. The project will proceed with the workshop on case studies methodology identification, which will be disseminated within existing partnership as well as to external stakeholders.

It was an interesting experience and drew lots of conclusions on how the project will proceed further.

Partners presented are:

University of Pristina, Kosovo; University of “Haxhi Zeka” in Peja, Kosovo; University of  Applied Sciences in Ferizaj, Kosovo; College of Economics Pec-Leposavic, Kosovo;  University of Prizren „Ukshin Hoti“, Kosovo; Kosovo Chamber of Commerce;  University of National and World Economy, Bulgaria; North West Regional College, UK.