The collaboration between the Agricultural University of Tirana and the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna (BOKU) has been presented as a successful model of institutional transformation in the international publication “Trigon Themen 01/26.” According to this publication, the AUT–BOKU 2030 project represents an advanced approach to organizational development and international academic cooperation.
The publication “Trigon Themen” is a professional periodical by the organization Trigon Entwicklungsberatung, focused on organizational development, leadership, and inter-institutional cooperation, presenting concrete case studies from business, the public sector, and universities across Europe.
According to the publication, the AUT–BOKU 2030 project aims to position the Agricultural University of Tirana as a modern life sciences university by 2030, through a profound transformation that encompasses governance, teaching, scientific research, and international cooperation.
This collaboration is developed in two main phases: initially through the internal reorganization of AUT, supported by BOKU’s expertise, and subsequently in a full partnership phase, where both institutions collaborate directly in teaching, scientific research, and doctoral programs.
Another important outcome of this process is the creation of a shared development vision, known as “AUT-Sun,” which connects the vision, mission, and competencies and serves as a reference point for the university’s strategic direction and internal communication.
Both project leaders emphasize the importance of trust and mindset. Prof. Dr. Hubert Hasenauer states: “Trust in BOKU and in ourselves is the most important factor for our success. It was crucial that we took the time to understand each other—and that intelligent people ask questions without judging.”
The Rector of AUT, Prof. Dr. Fatbardh Sallaku, emphasizes honesty and transparency:
“We consciously chose to communicate openly and responsibly.” He adds that similarities in academic orientation have facilitated mutual understanding.
In conclusion, “Trigon Themen 01/26” presents the AUT–BOKU 2030 project as a concrete example of how international cooperation, built on trust, a clear development architecture, and a shared culture of learning, can become a powerful instrument of transformation for higher education institutions.
Original publication link: https://www.trigon.at/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/TT-2026_01-Die-Kraft-unternehmensuebergreifender-Kooperation.pdf