81308423-Support for applications by Albanian Higher Education Institutions to Horizon Europe

The EU4Innovation (EU4I) is a Multi-Donor Action jointly co-financed by the European Union (EU), the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and implemented by GIZ and SIDA from January 2023 to June 2026 (42 months). The Action supports the Government of Albania (GoA) in achieving key objectives in the field of economic development, namely, to accelerate the transformation into a more innovation-driven and knowledge-based economy, unlocking its human capital, entrepreneurial as well and research potential and thereby increasing its competitiveness.

The participation of the private sector in these programs continues to remain low. To tackle that, the international consultant is expected to ensure the participation of all QH stakeholders in applying to the EU FPs. Albania has made progress in applying for EU funds by reaching 16,59 Mio. of Net EU Euro contributions in the Horizon programs (European Commission, 2024). Still, there is a low number of proposals submitted by the Albanian ISOs and a low success rate of applications despite the fact there are more significant opportunities for Albanian ISO to benefit from the EU"s framework programs in research and innovation. The total success rate of Albanian institutions applying for these funds is 10,57% , which is lower than the average of other countries (12,65%). In addition, Albania has no participation in European Innovation Council projects, has no participation as Principle Investigator in the Horizon Europe program and has no representation of Seal of Excellence.

Most Albanian ISOs mainly apply as partners rather than lead organisations in the Horizon 2020 and HE calls, recognising the limited capacities of ISOs to draft a competitive proposal and effectively manage project implementation. According to the European Commission (2023) data, there is no Principal Investigator (PI) role from in Albania"s HEIs yet - "A PI typically leads the research project, designs the study, secures funding, supervises the execution of the research plan, and is responsible for reporting the findings to the funding body."

Therefore, the EU4I project intends to increase the participation of Albanian ISOs towards these programs and upscale their role leaning towards leading roles in consortiums. Emphasis will be given to increasing participation in HE