Western Balkans Agenda on Innovation, Research, Education, Culture, Youth and Sport
The European Union and and Western Balkans leaders launched the ‘Western Balkans Agenda on Innovation, Research, Education, Culture, Youth and Sport’ (WB Innovation Agenda) on 6 October 2021.
The WB Innovation Agenda is a comprehensive, long-term cooperation strategy of the European Union and the Western Balkans. The Agenda is an integral part of the Brdo Declaration.
The strategy will promote scientific excellence and innovation culture, reform of the region’s education systems, create further opportunities for the youth, and help prevent brain drain.
The WB Innovation Agenda pillars
The Innovation Agenda builds on three main pillars linked to the expected deliverables:
Political Agenda
Towards a sustainable future by stimulating an economy that supports the recovery and helps to create jobs
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- Reflecting the strategic importance of the region and supporting its integration process through an increased EU engagement;
- Nurturing knowledge-based societies and evidence-informed policy making;
- Supporting the association to all the Union programmes covering Research, Innovation, Education, Culture, Youth and Sport;
- Supporting the implementation of systemic changes and reforms.
Thematic Agenda
Towards closer alignment with the EU strategic priorities
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- Transforming the national research and innovation eco-systems;
- Counteracting climate change and supporting the digital transformation;
- Promoting the implementation of the EU Green Deal in the Western Balkans.
Regional Agenda
Towards a closer regional economic integration through planned investments in human capital development and digital transformation
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- Enhancing the quality of education and training;
- Boosting human capital development;
- Reducing the gender and digital divide;
- Improving mobility and connectivity;
- Fostering cultural and regional cooperation.
The WB Innovation Agenda is closely linked with the implementation of the Common Regional Market Action Plan.