At the Agricultural University of Tirana, an event was held for the research project “Research and assessment of the role of innovation in the performance of agritourism enterprises and agricultural farms.” The project is supported by the National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation (NASRI), in cooperation with the Agricultural University of Tirana (AUT) and the agritourism enterprise “Fustanella” Ltd. The event focused on examining and evaluating the role of innovation in the performance of agritourism enterprises and agricultural farms in our country.
Representatives from the Agricultural University of Tirana present at the event included the Rector of AUT, Prof. Dr. Fatbardh Sallaku, the Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Prof. Dr. Remzi Keco, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ilir Tomorri, who presented and highlighted the importance of research projects oriented toward the real needs of the sector, as well as the role of the Agricultural University of Tirana as a reference center for the development of knowledge, innovation, and policymaking in agriculture and agritourism.
The project was initiated with consideration of the challenges facing the development of the rural sector in our country.
The meeting brought together academics, researchers, and representatives of agritourism enterprises, serving as a platform for discussion on the importance of innovation in enhancing the competitiveness, productivity, and sustainability of the agricultural and agritourism sector. The data presented were based on an extensive study, with 672 questionnaires completed nationwide, distributed across regions and according to the demographic profiles of the respondents.
During the event, it was emphasized that innovation—manifested in various forms such as new management practices, digital technologies, service diversification, and new business models—has a direct impact on the economic and operational performance of farms and agritourism enterprises. Particular attention was also given to identifying the barriers that hinder the adoption of innovation, including lack of financing, limited managerial capacities, and the need for greater institutional support.
The rural sector is one of the most important sectors in our country in terms of its contribution to the gross domestic product, employment levels, and the well-being of the population living in rural areas. The country’s economic development and growth are closely linked to the sustainable development of the rural sector, including both the agricultural and agritourism sectors.
This project was designed and implemented taking into account the main challenges of rural development in the country, such as land fragmentation, small farm sizes, increasing productivity, access to financing, rural-to-urban migration, low use of digital technologies, and investment uncertainty. A key role in addressing these challenges is played by the adoption and implementation of innovation by agricultural farms and agritourism enterprises.
