Agriculture
University of Tirana
Press Release
June 25, 2023
International Conference
TT4FOOD-TTO4FUTURE
Strengthening Technology Transfer Offices, a new model of international public-private cooperation for young people empowerment and increased businesses competitiveness
Tirana, June 27, 2023, 10:00 am -1:00 pm
HOTEL MONDIAL, TIRANA
Albania, as a partner country, aims to improve the quality of its Higher Education system to be able to respond more effectively to the needs and demands of the labour market by strengthening technology transfer and cooperation with businesses.
The four Albanian universities, in addition to their research and teaching activities, have joined the Third Mission development process, which will bring them up to the standards of European universities.
In particular, dedicated services have been set up to create spin-offs and start-ups, to recognise and enhance patenting and to strengthen cooperation between university and research organisations and private companies.
The project has made it possible to train TTOs’ university staff (more than 60 people trained) and to test the services by involving more than 100 students and more than 25 companies.
They are the most concrete response to promote enhancement and resilience of young talent through a new and qualified university system in Albania. The strategic value of the project is also demonstrated by the numerous collaborations established between universities/research institutes, the involvement of other universities and companies in the agribusiness and digital sectors, and the participation of young aspiring entrepreneurs. This extensive collaboration has led to the creation of a network involving seven universities, CIHEAM Bari, and two digital business districts with the aim of sharing future development activities to strengthen international cooperation.
The meeting will be held on 27 June 2023 in Tirana, Hotel Mondial, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, and it will be attended by Her Excellency Frida Krifca, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Her Excellency Evis Kushi, Minister of Education, Sports and Youth of Albania, His Excellency Fabrizio Bucci, Ambassador of Italy to Albania, TbC Stefania VIZZACCARO, Representative of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation in the Western Balkans, (TbC) - Ada RAMAJ, National Erasmus Office.
The TTO4FOOD project results and future prospects, will be presented by
Maria De Angelis and Annamaria Demarinis Loiotile (UNIBA) and Damiano PETRUZZELLA - CIHEAM Bari
A round table will follow with the Rectors of the Universities of Albania, Cyprus and Italy and the representatives of the two digital business districts, who will finally sign a cooperation agreement.
The panelists will include Stefano Bronzini, Rector of the University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Fatbardh Sallaku, Rector of the Agricultural University of Tirana, Roland Zisi, Rector of the University of 'Ismail Qemali' Vlorë, Kseanela Sotirofski, Rector of the University of 'Aleksander Moisiu' Durrës, Dhimitri Bello, Rector of the University 'Fan S. Noli' Korça, Artan Hoxha, Rector of the University of Tirana, a Representative from Cyprus ‘University of Technology’, Andrea Maliqari, Polytechnic University of Tirana, Salvatore Latronico, ‘Puglia’s IT Productive District’, Angelo Corallo, District of High Technology (Dhitech).
Teodoro Miano, Secretary General of CIHEAM will moderate the discussion and deliver the conclusions.
The TTO4FOOD project is partnered by the University of
Bari 'Aldo Moro', the University of Technology (CUT) Cyprus, CIHEAM Bari, the Agricultural
University of Tirana, the University 'Aleksandër Moisiu' of Durrës, the University
'Ismail Qemali' of Vlorë, the University 'Fan S. Noli' of Korça and Sinagri srl
(university spin-off).