At a conference organized by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the initial findings and next steps for Kosova’s Innovation Fund were presented. The Rector of the University of Prishtina, Arben Hajrullahu, emphasized the need for this fund to strengthen the connection between the economy, entrepreneurship, and the employment of youth and students.

In the discussion panel titled “Unpacking the Innovation Fund Journey,” Rector Hajrullahu stated that higher education institutions must adapt their academic programs to meet job market demands and embrace new technologies.

According to Hajrullahu, the University should forge strategic partnerships with the private sector and foster innovation among students and entrepreneurs as a prerequisite for sustainable development.

The panel, moderated by Kujtim Dobruna from ECIKS, included Rector Hajrullahu along with Dr. Sabine Mayer from the Strategy Department of the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), Brigit Tauber, head of the General Programs Department at FFG, and Anita Kovacic, Chair of the Management Board at Raiffeisen Bank in Kosova.

Other speakers included Zef Dedaj, Acting Director General at KIESA, and Yllza Memeti, Acting Head of the Innovation Division at the Ministry of Education.

Prior to the discussions, Austrian Ambassador to Kosova, Georg Schnetzer; Minister Rozeta Hajdari; and CARE International Regional Director, Sumka Bucan, addressed the audience with opening remarks.

The conference was supported by the Austrian project "Enabling Income Generation for the Poor" (EnInGeP), aimed at sustainable private sector development to create jobs and generate income for vulnerable populations in Kosova.

The "EnInGeP" project is funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and implemented by CARE International and the innovative consulting firm ECIKS.