PRIORITY SETTING TO STRUCTURE PARTICIPATION IN THE 7TH FRAMEWORK PROGRAM

BACKGROUND COUNTRY REPORTS *

Pristina, May 2013

*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSC 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.

WBC-INCO.NET, an FP7 funded project running from 2008 to 2013 with a total of 29 project partners, aims at the enhancement of the integration of Western Balkan Countries in the European Research Area (ERA). Its core objectives are to support the bi-regional dialogue on science and technology (S&T), to identify RTDI cooperation potentials and priorities for take-up in FP and other EU programmes, to enhance participation of WB researchers in EU projects, to analyse innovation needs and barriers in the WBC, to exchange information and best practices on innovation policies and to establish closer cooperation between research and innovation. WBC-INCO.NET is being coordinated by the Centre for Social Innovation, Austria.

Publisher: WBC-INCO.NET The report is a WBC-INCO.NET deliverable produced in the frame of the project's Work Package 2: Priority setting to structure participation in FP, Task 2.4: Consultation sessions. The project is co-funded by the European Community's Programme for International Cooperation under the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (2007- 2013). Neither the Community, nor WBC-INCO.NET project partners and Centre for Social Innovation, as a main publisher of this report, are responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.

Editors: Dukagjin Pupovci, Xhavit Rexhaj Design, Typesetting and Cover Illustration: Petrit Tahiri Date of publication: April 2013 Please cite this publication as: WBC-INCO.NET (2013): Priority Setting to Structure Participation in the 7th Framework Program, Background Country Reports – Kosovo. Available from: http://www.wbc-inco.net

WBC-INCO.NET coordinator: Elke Dall Western Balkan Countries INCO-NET Information Office of the Steering Platform on Research for Western Balkan Countries www.wbc-inco.net c/o Centre for Social Innovation Linke Wienzeile 246, A-1150 Vienna. Austria. ZVR: 757405110 Tel: 0043-1-49 50 442 62 Fax: 0043-1-49 50 442 40 [email protected], [email protected]

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Foreword…………………………………………………………………………………… 4

Health…………………………………………………………………………………….…. 7 Lul Raka

Transport……………………………………………………………………………………. 33 Shaban Buza, Ramadan Duraku

Environment………………………………………………………………………………. 73 Fetah Halili, Agim Gashi

Information and Communication Technology…………………………….. 109 Lule Ahmedi

Agro‐Food………………………………………………………………………………..… 149 Adem Demaj, Skender Kaçiu, Arben Mehmeti

Social Sciences and Humanities………………………………………………….. 193 Hasnije Ilazi, Vjollca Krasniqi

Energy………………………………………………………………………………………… 237 Naser Sahiti

3 Foreword Priority setting to structure participation in the 7th Framework Program is one of the key activities of the Project Coordination of Research Policies with the Western Balkan Countries (WBC‐INCO.NET). The Project is implemented in the period 2008‐ 2013 by the Centre for Social Innovation (ZSI) in partnership with 28 government agencies, academic institutions, non‐governmental organizations and private companies from the Western Balkan Countries (WBC), , and European Union * (EU). Kosova Education Centre (KEC) is the only partner from Kosovo . WBC‐INCO.NET’s core objectives are to support the bi‐regional dialogue between the EU, associated FP7 countries and the WBC and to enhance the participation of WBC researchers in European RTD projects by structural measures. The dialogue is substantiated with several analytical inputs. Top European and regional S&T analysis institutions participated in WBC‐INCO.NET to identify research areas of mutual benefit in an inclusive and comprehensive manner. The main objectives of the work‐package “Priority Setting” are to: • identify S&T priorities of mutual interest between member states and accession countries, and WBC in a consultation process following a defined methodology, • include opinions from civil society, industry, etc. in the priority setting. • adjust the priority setting to the needs and interests of the EC Cooperation Directorates and provide targeted input to the relevant initiatives and programmes run in these directorates. In course of the project implementation, seven regional thematic consultation sessions were organized. The sessions were based on background reports taking stock of the main R&D institutions, S&T systems, ongoing projects and national priorities of running programmes in the Western Balkan countries. Consultation sessions were held in the fields of • ICT (December 2008, ,) • Agro‐Food/KBBE (January 2009, Podgorica) • Health (May 2009, Tirana) • Transport (May 2009, Sarajevo and April 2011, Ljubljana) • Environment (, June 2009) • Social Sciences and Humanities (September 2011, Vienna) • Energy (April 2012, Maastricht). Three of these seminars were held back‐to‐back with European networking conferences and involved stakeholders from the main R&D institutions and running

* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSC 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence. 4 projects (Transport ‐ April 2011, Social Sciences and Humanities ‐ September 2011, and Energy ‐ April 2012). This book provides national background reports for Kosovo for the seven fields indicated above. The reports were written by Kosovo experts in different periods of time following the same format and discussed with all relevant stakeholders in the country. Kosovo experts also participated in thematic consultation sessions and discussed the priorities with colleagues from other WBC. The reports on ICT, Agro‐ Food, Health, Transport and Environment were used in the process of developing the National Research Program for Kosovo 2010‐2015, approved in 2010 by the Kosovo Assembly. In June 2012, WBC‐INCO.NET decided to support publication of the reports in a book, both in English and Albanian. For that purpose, the experts were asked to update their reports by including an additional (sixth) chapter which describes changes that took place in the thematic field in the meantime, its position in the National Research Program 2010‐2015 and alignment with regional priorities. It is expected that the updated reports will be used by Kosovo institutions, companies and researchers, and their partners in the Western Balkan Region and EU, to develop research project ideas. The reports have already had an initial impact on policy making, and we are confident that they will continue to inform policy making in the research and development sector in Kosovo. Similar reports for other thematic fields may be found very useful for that purpose. At this point we would like to express our gratitude to the researchers, who authored the reports in consultation with the experts from respective thematic fields and brought them for discussion in regional consultation events. Also, we would like to express our appreciation to WBC‐INCO.NET and the Project Manager, Ms. Elke Dall, for her unreserved and continuous support to our work.

Prishtina, December 2012 Editors

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NATIONAL BACKGROUND REPORT ON HEALTH RESEARCH FOR KOSOVO

Lul Raka, MD-PhD, Faculty of Medicine, University of Prishtina and National Institute for Public Health of Kosovo

with contribution from Dukagjin Pupovci, PhD, Full Professor at the University of Prishtina, Kosova Education Center

Pristina, May 2009

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Acknowledgements The author is indebted to the members of the Expert Team (Prof. Dr. Isuf Dedushaj, Ass. Prof. Dr. Avdyl Krasniqi, Asc. Prof. Dr. Rexhep Hoxha, Prof.Dr. Adil Raka, Dr.Sc. Burim Neziri and Dr. Xhevat Ukaj) for their valuable discussion and contribution to this report.

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List of abbreviations

DALY Disability Adjusted Life Year GDP Gross Domestic Product HIV/AIDS Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome MEST Ministry of Education, Science and Technology MoH Ministry of Health NCS National Council for Science NIPHK National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo NGO Non‐Governmental Organizations R&D Research and Development S&T Science and Technology SWOT Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats TB Tuberculosis UNDP Development Program UNFPA United Nations Population Fund UNICEF United Nations Children's Fund UCCK University Clinical Centre of Kosovo USAID The United States Agency for International Development WHO World Health Organization WB World Bank WUS World University Service

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Executive Summary Research resources for addressing health problems of developing countries remain disproportionately low compared with the tremendous disease burdens borne by these countries. Kosovo, as the least developed economy in , is not an exception to this rule. The scarce research resources will produce results that will be translated later into policies and action. The main objective of interventions is to use, improve, protect and restore healthcare in Kosovo.

This national background report on health research was prepared in April 2009 within the framework of the Western Balkan Countries INCO‐NET project (WBC‐ INCO.net), which aims to contribute to integration of the Western Balkan countries (WBC) in the European Research Area (ERA). The initiative is supported by the European Commission under the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7).

The report provides a brief overview of the health research environment in Kosovo. It includes key facts and figures concerning policy framework, as well as short overview of main drivers of health research, research infrastructure and main health sector trends in Kosovo.

The aim of this report is to describe and assess the state and performance of health research in Kosovo. This report is a country‐specific synthesis based on the available statistical information from Kosovo Statistical Office and from consultations with health experts, academic research actors, stakeholders and other relevant agents in Kosovo with the main goal to identify key issues of the situation in health research in Kosovo. The SWOT analysis was applied to look into the environment threats and opportunities and relate them to the identified and analysed weaknesses and strengths in the health research sub‐sector. The final Strategic Research Agenda identified a set of eight health research priorities for Kosovo, driven by the National Health Strategy, developed by the Ministry of Health. The Health Strategic Research Agenda aims to contribute to the shaping of future EU‐Western Balkan research co‐operation, through relevant European Commission research policies and funding programmes in a way that will meet the interests and actual needs of the regional health research area.

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Introduction On February 17, 2008 Kosovo Assembly declared independence which has been recognized by 91 UN member states. With the youngest population in Europe and an unemployment rate of more than 40% many challenges lie ahead of Kosovo. The World Bank (WB) Poverty Assessment Report indicates that 45% of Kosovo’s population lives below the poverty line with another 18% vulnerable to poverty. On the other hand, 15% of the population is extremely poor, defined as individuals who face difficulties to meet their nutritional needs.

Educational and health outcomes are low, while exposure to health risks is widespread. Moreover, Kosovo continues to face challenges common to all underdeveloped and countries in transition: huge backlog of investment needs and limited government resources, fractured societal relations, and weak security.

Health care in Kosovo underwent important reforms in the last decade facing immense difficulties and obstacles, of which the most important are lack of political commitment and scarce resources.

1. Purpose of the national background report and methodology/ summary of the consultation process This National report is compiled within the framework of WBC‐INCO.net project and its main goal is to provide an overview of the current situation in the health sector in Kosovo regarding main health indicators and research policies. The report is based mainly on quantitative data gathered from different sources. The report also includes a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis of the health research capacities. The consultation process in Kosovo took place during April 2009 and included several face to face and phone interviews conducted during the data collection phase. The consultation process involved the following stakeholders:

• National research and development policy‐makers: Ministry of Health (MoH) and Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) • Research actors: Kosovo Academy of Sciences and Arts, University of Prishtina (Faculty of Medicine), National Institute of Public Health of Kosova (NIPHK), University Clinical Centre of Kosovo (UCCK) • Private sector academic institutions: Faculty of Medical Sciences “Rezonanca” • International, governmental and nongovernmental, organizations involved in health care and health research in Kosovo (World Health Organization, United

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Nations Children’s Fund, United Nations Development Program, United Nations Population Fund, United States Agency for International Development, World University Service‐Austria, etc.) • Health industry stakeholders: pharmaceutical companies • Local Non‐Governmental Organizations (NGOs) from different medical sub‐ sectors (general medicine and specialized medical profiles) The national background report on health research identified a set of eight health research priorities for Kosovo, which are presented further below.

The biggest problems were the lack of a centralized data collection system and a high degree of fragmentation of the research data.

2. The Health S&T System in Kosovo Ten years after the war, Kosovo has not managed to set up a fully‐fledged scientific research system yet. National economy remains too weak to support research and development, as it is not able to absorb the products of research and benefit from them. Research activities remain sporadic and marginal, based mainly on individual initiatives in the university sector and with almost no support from the Government, which continues to focus its support on the teaching component of higher education. Public expenditures for research and innovation in Kosovo remain at a level of 0.1% of the GDP, resulting in minimum conditions for any scientific and research work. This funding is mostly used to cover recurrent costs of the existing research institutions2. Parallel to the lack of financial support and capacities for research in Kosovo, there is also not enough interest among institutions to use opportunities available for the development of science and technology, such as 7th Framework Program, by the European Commission.

2.1. Kosovo health policy framework The policy framework is set up by Kosovo Assembly and Government, which adopt and implement legislative acts. There are two Committees of the Kosovo Assembly that regulate the legal framework in areas of health and research:

2 Pupovci D., Kosovo National Research and Technology Program 2010‐2015 ‐ Foresight exercise. Draft.

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1. Committee for Health, Work and Social Welfare, responsible for monitoring the implementation of health related legislation and policies by the , and 2. Committee for Education, Science, Technology, Culture, Youth and Sports, which reviews legislation and policies related to all levels of education, as well as to the field of science and technology. Medical research activities in Kosovo are regulated by several laws and policy documents, including: a. The Law on Scientific Research Activity3 b. Health Law, 4 and c. Strategy for Development of Higher Education in Kosovo (2005‐2015)5. a. The Law on Scientific Research Activity

The most important document regulating the area of research in Kosovo is the Law on Scientific Research Activity, which defines establishment, activity, organization, governance and termination of public legal persons in the field of scientific‐ research activities; status of the National Council for Science (NCS); and other issues related to scientific‐research activities in Kosovo.”

Scientific research according to this Law, includes basic, applied and development research. For the purpose of creating the necessary conditions and for providing the needed funds, the Law foresees that up to 0.7% of the GDP shall be allocated through the Kosovo Consolidated Budget for the purpose of research.

In July 2007 Kosovo Assembly elected the Kosovo National Council for Science (NCS) consisting of 15 members. The decision of the Assembly was implemented only in October 2008 when the first meeting of the Council took place. In this meeting, the Council made public its plan to develop a five‐year National Research Program for Kosovo.

3 Assembly of Kosovo. The Law on scientific research activities . http://www.assembly‐ kosovo.org/common/docs/ligjet/2004_42_en.pdf 4 Assembly of Kosovo. Kosovo Health Law‐ http://www.assembly‐ kosovo.org/common/docs/ligjet/2004_4_en.pdf 5 Strategy for development of higher education in Kosovo (2005‐2015). Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, Prishtina 2004. www.see‐educoop.net/education_in/pdf/str‐develop‐high‐educ‐kos‐enl‐ t02.pdf. 13 Health b. Kosovo Health Law Kosovo Health Law was approved in 2004, with the aim of establishing legal grounds for the regulation, advancement and the improvement of the provision of health care for the citizens of Kosovo. The Law on Health Care treats scientific research activities in several articles. Article 31 states that “institutions in tertiary care level are responsible for organization of university educational process, scientific‐research works and postgraduate studies.” Research in the health care sector is covered also by the Law on Public Health. c. Strategy for Development of Higher Education in Kosovo (2005‐2015)

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology set up structures to support research activities in Kosovo: the Department of Science, the Centre for Innovations and Transfer of Technology, and the Centre for International Co‐ operation in the field of Higher Education, Science and Technology.

The Strategy for Development of Higher Education in Kosovo (2005‐2015) prepared by MEST addresses also the issue of research to the extent it is linked to higher education. One of the six objectives defined in this document is to improve the capacity for scientific research. Based on strategy the following measures are recommended to achieve this objective: design new policies, amend existing legislation regulating the research and scientific activity, build institutional and human capacity, develop and approve standards for research and scientific work, identify the needed funds and provide appropriate incentives for research work. So far, no policy was adopted or specific measures taken to improve research cooperation and integration into the European Research Area.

2.1.1 The overall health policy framework National Healthcare System is governed by the Ministry of Health. There are two categories of medical service available in Kosovo: public and private. The public health system is financed by the Kosovo Consolidated Budget, and accounts for 9.2% of the Government expenditures. The annual per capita government expenditure in health care is only 35 € (the lowest in Europe). With the current rate of economic development, the Kosovo Consolidated Budget is not likely to grow rapidly in the near future. No health insurance system has been established yet, which represents a key obstacle to any efforts for the improvement of the health care sector at all levels. Although in April 2006 the Kosovo Assembly discussed the health insurance law, it was returned to the 14 Health

Government due to limited availability of human, organizational, and institutional capacity to implement and manage an insurance fund. Financial implications of the benefits associated with the health insurance scheme raised additional concerns. During the second part of the last century, Kosovo had an “all‐inclusive” healthcare system based on equity and social justice. After the war, the transition from the old to more modern concepts of health care management presented a challenge to both healthcare staff and the population. Currently, the health care system in Kosovo consists of primary health care centers located in each municipality, secondary health care facilities at the regional level (hospitals), and tertiary health care centres – University Clinical Centre of Kosovo and other specialized institutions.

Besides public sector, the private sector in health care has grown in the recent years and is predominantly focused on diagnosis and treatment. Counselling or preventive medicine is virtually non‐existent in the private health sector, in contrast to the public sector.

Health indicators remain among the most unfavourable in the region. Health statistics for adequate analysis, planning, and decision‐making, are still being developed, whereas a lot remains to be desired in this area. Unfortunately, there are no comprehensive and consistent data to quantify the burden of disease in Kosovo with new metric system – disability adjusted life year (DALY), introduced by the Harvard School of Public Health in collaboration with the World Bank and WHO.6 Communicable diseases in Kosovo remain the largest ongoing health care problem. Kosovo has one of the highest perinatal mortality (23 per 1.000 live births) and maternal deaths (7 per 100.000 live births) in Europe. It is of great concern that 40% of hospital mortality is among infants. Only 65% of Kosovars consume safe drinking water. The annual incidence of Tuberculosis is 53.4 per 100,000 inhabitants. Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever, tularaemia and viral meningitis are endemic diseases in Kosovo. The number of physicians per 1000 inhabitants is only 0.94. The use of hospital capacity is at an average rate of 62.9%, whereas average hospital treatment is 5.8 days. Life expectancy at birth is the lowest in the region, with an average of 69 years of expected life7. The majority of deaths (53%)

6 Ezzati M, Lopez A, Vander Hoorn S, Rodgers A, Murray CJL, Comparative Risk Assessment Collaborative Group. Selected major risk factors and global regional burden of disease. Lancet 2002; 360(9343):1347‐ 1360 7 Health statistic 2007, Kosovo Government, Ministry of Public Services, Statistical Office of Kosovo, Prishtina 2008. 15 Health among population are from non‐communicable diseases (cardiovascular diseases, cancers), followed by neonatal deaths (28%) and deaths from communicable diseases (12%). From a statistical point of view, it is important to note that in Kosovo there has not been any population census since 19818. Environmental risks to public health are still very high, including pollution of air and water; food contamination; tobacco, alcohol, lead exposure/poisoning, due to insufficient preventive policies and measures at executive level.

2.1.2 Elements of health research policy making Kosovo Government budgetary allocation for scientific research and technological development in 2008 was less than 0.1% of GDP. However, even this amount is not purely dedicated to research, but includes salaries, goods and services, and public utilities for research institutions under the authority of MEST. There are several national strategies created by the Ministry of Health of Kosovo, but they are not research strategies and there is no department or another body responsible for scientific research in this ministry.

The Ministry of Health does not fund research projects but has several programmes related to or involving health research (such as for TB, HIV/AIDS, Infection Control, immunization, Mental Health, etc).

Ministry of Health adopted its “Strategy of Health Care in Kosovo 2005‐2015”, in line with the Millennium Development Goals9. Main national health care development and policy goals identified by the Kosovo Government for the period 2005‐2015 are the following:

• healthy start in life; • improving the health of young people; • improving mental health; • developing human resources for health; • reducing communicable and non‐communicable diseases; • institutional reforms and • improvement of management in health care.

Currently there are several other draft‐strategies concerning specific issues in the health sector pending the approval of the Ministry of Health.

8 Population Census was carried out in April 2011 and the final results are expected in December 2012 9 United Nations. United Nations Millennium Declaration. 2000, available at: http://www.un.org/millennium/declaration/ares552e.htm. 16 Health

2.2. Overview of medical scientific research activities in Kosovo

This document presents a brief overview of research projects in the health sector, major research topics and the current infrastructure for health research. Health research activities in Kosovo are conducted mainly as personal initiatives of researchers at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Prishtina, respectively in UCCK and NIPH. These research activities, with very few exceptions, are not supported by any research grant or funds from the government, university or industry. So far, there has been a lack of genuine interest on the part of institutions to make use of external opportunities for the development of research, such as 7th Framework Program by the European Commission.

2.2.1 Health research projects There is presently no research project in the health care funded through the MEST, or the the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo.

During the last decade Kosovo scientists published 108 articles in international medical journals indexed in PubMed (a literature database of life sciences and biomedical topics), with increasing trends over the last five years. As can be seen in Chart 1 below, more than half of the publications belong to the clinical research area (56.5%), biomedical publications account for 16.7%, whereas laboratory and epidemiological research participated with 17.6 and 9.2%, respectively.

Chart 1. Categories of medical research publications in PubMed 2000‐2009

70 61 60 50 40 30 18 19 20 10 10 0 Clinical Biomedical Laboratory Epidemiological

Another aspect of health research activities is reflected in doctoral dissertations of the last decade. From January 2000 till June 2007 overall 49 doctoral theses were defended at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Prishtina ‐ fields of study are shown on Chart 2. Here too, most doctoral dissertation research was carried

17 Health out in the field of clinical research (65.3%). The publication output at the degree level is not satisfactory, with only 8.1% of Ph.D. theses resulting in articles published in journals indexed in PubMed, indicating poor renewal capability of the health research community.

Chart 2. Doctoral dissertation research fields of study: January 2000 ‐ June 2007

35 32 30 25 20 15 10 10 6 5 1 0 Clinical Preclinical Public Dental research research health research research

2.2.2 Key competencies in Health research field Current research capacity in the specific fields of science, the broad spectrum of diseases and pathogens, as well as emerging and recurrent diseases in Kosovo pose a significant potential for research in the health sector. However, there is insufficient transfer of available research results into practical interventions in the field. The key drivers for health research come from the public sector. Collaboration in health research between research institutions and commercial companies is extremely low. The contribution of the private sector to the health research is negligible, but at the same time there is potential for increased cooperation in the near future. Kosovo has a health system that has undergone numerous reforms in all levels. Despite a limited overall research capacity, the analysis suggests that the country’s key competencies are in the following areas:

• Infectious diseases • Public health

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• Dentistry • Cardiology • Surgery (clinical and experimental) • Pharmaceutical industry • Infection control

2.2.3 Health research infrastructure Scientific research activities in Kosovo, including the field of medicine, are carried out in many institutions. Research institutions in the S&T field of health in Kosovo are:

• University of Prishtina, Faculty of Medicine • University Clinical Centre of Kosovo • National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo • Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo • Centre for Development of Family Medicine in Kosovo • University Clinical Stomatological Centre of Kosovo • Faculty of Medical Sciences “Rezonanca” • International organizations The key institutions performing research in health are the Medical Faculty and University Clinical Centre of Kosovo. Annex I provides a full list of health research institutions in Kosovo with their contact details.

The University of Prishtina was founded in 1970 and is one of the two public universities in Kosovo. It has 17 faculties with approximately 35, 000 students. Starting with the academic year 2001/2002, the University of Prishtina adopted the two‐tier system of studies as prescribed by the Bologna Declaration. International cooperation is one of the main priorities of the University of Prishtina and is focused on intensive participation in various programs. The University of Prishtina has signed 80 cooperation agreements with other universities all over the World. Teaching and research represent the main activities of the University, as foreseen in its mission article 5 of the Prishtina University statute. However, there is little evidence of organized scientific activity at the University and of any significant links between research and teaching component. Medical education in Kosovo began when the Faculty of Medicine was established. The Faculty engages 281 full‐time teachers and assistants and 33 part‐time teachers and assistants.

Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo was founded in 1975. Today it is the highest institution involved in research in the fields of sciences and arts in Kosovo. It is organized in four departments: Language and Literature, Social Sciences,

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Natural Sciences, and Arts. Currently there is no representative of health sector among the Academy membership. Another state body that defines and acts within the health policy framework and research is the National Institute of Public Health (NIPH). The NIPH is a multidisciplinary scientific and educational facility in charge of developing the health strategy in the fields of epidemiology, health education and promotion, disease prevention, laboratory diagnosis and health information.

Kosovo University and Clinical Centre (UCCK) is the only referral tertiary care centre in Kosovo with 2, 100 beds and approximately 60, 000 admissions per year. It is the main research institution in the field of clinical research. Important support in health research in Kosovo was provided by the international governmental and non‐governmental institutions led by the World Health Organization. Other international organizations supporting the health care sector, including scientific research are: UNICEF, USAID, WUS, UNFPA, DFID etc. (see Appendix II). There is almost no research conducted by healthcare industry and enterprises in Kosovo. Pharmaceutical companies are the main sponsors of scientific events, but a system of research grants or schemes have not been established as yet.

The NGO Sector (Non‐Governmental Organizations) comprises several associations providing input for health policies. This is channelled through collaborative projects sponsored by international donors in the field of mother and child health, HIV/AIDS and TB. NGOs regularly organize various forums, roundtables, and debates addressing diverse issues from the research perspective (Kosova Association of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians, Surgeons, Chemotherapy, Labyrinth, Pharmacy etc.).

2.3. Key drivers of health research

2.3.1 Main Health sector trends in Kosovo

The health sector in Kosovo is dominated by the national public health care system, but there is also a fast growing private health care sector.

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Table 1. Budget of the Ministry of Health, 2009

Amount (million Euro) 1 Wages and salaries (7302 employers) 19,975,409 2 Goods and services 30,877,003 3 Public utilities 3,187,073 4 Subsidies and transfers 500,000 5 Reserve 0 6 Total 54,539,485

In 2008 the health sector employed more than 13, 000 staff.

The overall objective of health policy in Kosovo is to create an efficient system that operates with the scarce resources available. Also, there is a need for new human capacity in the research sector that will upgrade the current picture of health care and health research.

2.3.2 Main socio‐economic challenges in Kosovo As a result of difficulties over the last two decades and in particular of the conflict period, Kosovo is faced with numerous economic and developmental challenges. Underlying economic growth potential in Kosovo is roughly 3.0 – 4.0 per cent a year. Unemployment is in the range of 35 to 40 per cent. Currently around 29,000 young people enter the labour market every year. Even if the economy could move to a permanent growth rate of 6 per cent, over the period of ten to fifteen years, unemployment would only be reduced by 50 %. At the same time, it is estimated by the World Bank that as much as 45 per cent of the population may well live in a broadly defined state of poverty. Thus it is clear that even if economic growth is increased markedly and sustained through the mid to longer term, there will remain a constant underlying social challenge that will need to be addressed. In a way, this situation also imposes the ‘baseline’ policy priorities of the Government. Kosovo’s baseline position also contains a number of strengths. It has a young population, and significant natural resources. The social structure is characterized by the existence of networks both formal and informal that provide safety nets for the poor and the unemployed. The foundations for a liberal market economy and modern system of accountability are in place and international partners are supporting many dimensions of the development process. 21 Health

3. Integration of Kosovo in the European Health research At present, Kosovo has no elaborate plans for the development of the health R&D sector in the country or for integration of the country in the European Research Area. The Government is still discussing with the European Commission the terms for participation in the FP7 Program and for setting up mechanisms needed for efficient cooperation10.

Researchers’ mobility is expected to increase as the country gradually gets more access to EU funded mobility programmes dedicated to higher education and research.

4. SWOT analysis 4.1. Strengths • The government has set up a legal framework in science and higher education • Broad experience of infectious diseases burden • Medical research capabilities of young scientists, who graduated or specialized in western universities and research centres • Health policy favourable for children and women • Active participation and collaboration in regional and international health initiatives

4.2. Weaknesses • Inadequate budget allocation for Research and Development • Low priority placed on health research by Government • Insufficient dissemination and communication of research findings with key stakeholders and decision makers • Poor collaboration in health research between public and private sector and between government and industry • Research is not linked to real needs of the community • Lack of research project management skills • Lack of skills for writing proposals for EU‐funded research programmes • Overload of research staff with education and routine professional duties

10 Kosovo (UNSC 1244/99) progress report. Enlargement strategy and main challenges 2008‐2009. European Commision, Brussels, 2008 22 Health

• Limited collaboration with non‐medical disciplines involved in research (social sciences)

4.3. Opportunities • Ongoing health care system reforms • Organization of doctoral studies based on relevant European experience • Increased mobility of research staff • Availability of Information and communication technology (Kosovo Telemedicine Center) • Presence of international organizations actively involved in health care sector • International collaboration • National disease burden (endemic diseases) • Potential to enhance collaboration and strengthen capacities with neighbouring countries to optimize use of limited resources.

4.4. Threats • Economic threats (global financial crisis) • Rising costs of health care • Brain drain • New, emerging and re‐emerging diseases • Low level of research culture • Limited opportunities for developing research skills in the curricula of health training programs • Outcomes of inadequate health‐care system (corruption, improper working conditions, work overload and low salaries)

5. Health research priorities for Kosovo So far, research in the health area has been driven by the interests of the main research performers in their own academic field of expertise. For purposes of this background report, health research priorities for Kosovo are driven by Health Strategy, prepared by the Ministry of Health. Moreover, health research priorities were formulated in terms of three main dimensions:

1. magnitude of diseases and conditions 2. determinants and risk factors 3. policies and cross‐cutting issues affecting health and health research (policies, poverty and health, gender and health and research capacity strengthening).

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After detailed analysis and guidance11, the following health research priorities were identified: • Mother and child health: to reduce neonatal, infant and maternal mortality • Substance abuse among young people: to protect young people from the negative effects of tobacco, alcohol, drugs, unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases • Mental health: to reduce mental health problems, injuries and violence in a manner that respects the autonomy and rights of persons suffering from those problems • Infectious diseases: to reduce communicable diseases through health promotion, regulation, surveillance, control and community involvement o Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fevers, o tuberculosis, o sexually transmitted infections, o diarrheal diseases, o acute respiratory infections, o health‐care associated infections & antimicrobial resistance, o vaccine‐preventable diseases

• Non‐infectious diseases‐ to reduce the main factor of mortality among population; o cardiovascular diseases, o oncology, o diabetes, o injuries/violence, o oral health,

• Inequity and inefficiency in the delivery of health services ‐ to strengthen all levels of Kosovo’s health system by developing human resources that support the health care reform; o health information, o health costs and financing, o health policy; • Environmental and occupational health: to improve life conditions and safety at work. • Research capacity strengthening: to upgrade scientific capabilities in health area.

11 Supporting National Health Research Systems in low and middle income countries, Council on Health Research for Development (COHRED), 2007. 24 Health

5.1. Health research priorities on the basis of the country’s readiness Based on existing infrastructure, human resources and recent performance, the top fields in the Kosovo health research sector include: - Biochemistry - Cardiovascular Diseases - Clinical Neurology - Infection control - Infectious diseases - Pharmacology and Pharmacy - Surgery (clinical and experimental)

Various topics within these disciplines may be supported as research priorities for the country. Among these, issues of prevention and diagnosis of malignant diseases, zoonoses, tuberculosis, and patient safety have been identified as more relevant themes to pursue research and development.

5.2 Health Research priorities on the basis of future potential

More health research areas are foreseen in case of availability of support and capacity building programmes. Specific areas addressed within this priority are:

• Research on infectious diseases • Molecular diagnostics and genetic engineering • Bioterrorism (in particular agents causing endemic diseases in country: Crime‐Congo Haemorrhagic Fevers, Brucellosis and Tularaemia).

6. Post‐Report Situation

6.1. Update on the situation

6.1.1. Policy actions The National Research Council developed “The National Research Programme (NRP) of the Republic of Kosovo”, which was approved by the Kosovo Assembly in July 2010 for a period of five years. The main goals of the programme are to identify research priorities, to invest in research infrastructure and to enhance international collaborative research projects. Program has identified six priority fields of research for funding: 1. Natural Resources, Energy and Environment

25 Health

2. Agricultural Production and Food Safety3. Medical Research4. Social and Economic Studies5. Linguistic, Cultural and Historic Studies6. Cross‐ Horizontal Research in Information and Communication Technologies

Following the approval of the Programme by the Assembly, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) established the Scientific Council as the body responsible for implementing the Programme. In the period 2010‐2012 three rounds of calls for research funding were published on one or more of the following five categories:

1. Special Research Grant ‐ to cover and fund research proposals from priority fields 2. Brain Gain Grant ‐ with the objective to attract Kosovo researchers living abroad to conduct research, teaching and mentoring in public institutions of Kosovo 3. Publication Funds ‐ to support the publication of scientific results and the translation of representative scientific publications from other languages into Albanian or 4. Short‐Term Mobility Grants ‐ to enable Kosovo scientists to gain research experience at universities and research institutions abroad for a period of up to two months 5. Awards ‐ a annual prize to award (i) the best Kosovo researcher of the year and (ii) the junior researcher of the year

Kosovo is included in the list of International Cooperation Partner Countries (ICPCs) of the 7th Framework Programme (FP7). Participation in this Programme has slightly improved capacity and performance in terms of submissions, but had only a limited success in the number of awarded grants ‐ projects. Kosovo has organised several information sessions on FP7 and nominated FP7 contact points; a focal point for health research has not been appointed yet. In the meantime, scientific and academic staff participated in an Annual National Conferences for Science and Technology that was organized by MEST. The allocation of the budget by MEST for research activities during the last three years was 1.28 million euros. The annual allocations for the period 2010 ‐ 2012 ranged between 400.000 € and 480.000 €.

During 2010/11 the following activities were funded by MEST by research components: • nine research proposals, of which only one was in the field of medicine; • 15 short term mobility grants, six of which six are in the medical field; 26 Health

• publication grants – 20 books of in 500 copies each, one medical journal and three research papers and – a prepaid fee for library “ISI Web of knowledge”. During 2012 a total of 12 short‐term mobility grants were awarded, whereas the call is still open for other components of the program.

6.1.2. The EU contribution to Research Capacity Development in Kosovo The European Union Office to Kosovo supported development of research capacity in Kosovo through a grant of 1 million euro. The aim of this program was to support research activity and to build the capacity of Universities and research institutes in Kosovo in priority research sectors. The call was closed in January 2012, and in July four proposals were awarded. One of the awarded proposals belonged to the field of medical research This proposal was submitted by the National Institute for Public Health of Kosovo titled “Capacity building to implement state of the art surveillance systems for antibiotic consumption and resistance in Kosovo” in partnership with the University of Antwerp, Belgium. This EU intervention addressed one of the weaknesses identified in the background report regarding the lack of skills for writing proposals for EU‐funded research programmes. There is still room for improvement in the field of research collaboration between public and private sectors and collaboration between medical and nonmedical disciplines involved in research.

6.1.3. Legislative initiatives ‐ development of the legal and strategic framework The law for research activity is being reviewed and drafted. Important steps have been undertaken in the field of health care reforms, with emphasis in introduction of the health insurance system.

6.1.4. Development of international cooperation On 2009 the Pre‐Accession Assistance Agreement was signed between the Government of Kosovo and the EU, making pre‐accession the driving force for modernising the public sector – including the health sector. The Ministry of Health (MoH) has undertaken the first formal steps in this regard by establishing its Office for European Integration. ECDC signed in February 2012 a new Contribution Agreement with the European Commission/DG Enlargement (CA No.2011/282‐291) titled “Preparatory measures for the participation of EU Candidate Countries and Potential Candidates in the work of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)”.

27 Health

6.1.5. Statistical data ‐ major changes The consolidated budget for health care was increased in 2012 to approximately 88 million euros showing increased interest of the Government to the health sector. The annual incidence of Tuberculosis decreased from 53.4 per 100.000 inhabitants to 42/100.000 during the last year. Perinatal mortality decreased between 2010 and 2012 from 23 to 19.3 per 1.000 live births, however, still keeping Kosovo at the bottom of European countries. The number of scientific publications in international journals by the academic staff has increased significantly.

6.2. Health in the National Research Program (NRP) 2010‐2015

According to NRP “Kosovo is commits to support medical research activities for diagnostic, therapeutic and educational purposes. This includes provision of efficient medical services, determining of specific etiologic factors and prevention, diagnosis and rational therapy of diseases; reducing the prevalence and incidence of diseases with socio‐economic importance; reducing health risk factors for the country and region; determining of proper health policies compatible with international standards, etc. Supporting medical research is also a prerequisite for accreditation of institutions of higher medical education.” (taken from NRP) NRP also emphasized that effective measures, policies, and interventions in the field of medical research should be in accordance with the EU standards. Inter‐ disciplinary partnerships involving Basic science, Clinical research, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, as well as multi‐professional partnerships should be developed. NRP categorized following priority topics in the field of medical research: • Development of basic medical research (genetics, immunology and pharmacotherapeutics), • Development of clinical research (cardiovascular and oncological diseases), • Development of research in the field of public health (prevention and control of infectious diseases, mental health, mother and child health, and substance addiction) Health research priorities for Kosovo presented in the National Background Report for Health Research were driven by the Health Strategy, developed by the Ministry of Health (see section 5 of the report). Almost all research priorities presented in the report were included in the NRP. First four priorities of the report (mother and child health, substance abuse among young people , mental health and infectious diseases) were enrolled within the 3rd

28 Health

field of medical research at the NRP entitled as development of research in the field of public health. This priority fits to the prevention and control of infectious diseases, mental health, mother and child health, and substance addiction. Non‐infectious diseases were covered within the second priority (Development of clinical research with particular attention at cardiovascular and oncological diseases). Another priority of the NRP was development of basic medical research. Due to limited resources and infrastructure this topic was identified at the report as a health research priority depending on availability of funds and capacity (genetics and immunology).

Two other priorities from the report (Inequity and inefficiency in the delivery of health services and environmental and occupational health) were not presented as specific topics within the framework of NRP.

6.3. Alignment with regional priorities The consultation session for setting regional research priorities of the Western Balkan countries (WBC) in the field of health took place in Tirana, during May 12‐13, 2009. During the discussions it was stated that WBC have a different level of participation in EU Framework Programs with some countries reaching higher levels of participation, while others just making first steps in this field. Common issues identified during the meeting were lack of infrastructure and human capacities in case of clinical trials, and the need for training professionals in translational research. Therefore it was suggested to explore other possibilities within FP7, for example “Capacities” and “Marie Curie” specific programmes. Regional research priorities were shown to be in accordance with the FP7 priorities. Oncology, cardiovascular diseases and infectious diseases were three common priorities identified by all WBC. Other identified priorities to majority of WBC were public health (except and Montenegro) and mental health (except FYROM and Montenegro). Other priorities identified by some of WBC countries were genetic research (Croatia, FYROM, Serbia), pharmacological studies (FYROM and Serbia) and Biotechnology (Croatia). IT ‐network was among the second tier of priorities for Albania, Croatia, FYROM and Montenegro. In conclusions the participants of the meeting in Tirana concurred on the following recommendations for generic activities:

• Improvement of clinical trials 29 Health

• Emerging food and waterborne diseases and zoo noses • Develop cancer registers within the region • Harmonize the guidelines for early detection of stroke • Antibiotic resistance • Intervention mapping for reduction, change in behaviour • Give new life to the existing networks (e.g. on infectious diseases) • Update the list of existing networks • Use NCPs (policy, capacity building, networking, resource pool of contacts) • Coordination of activities • Use existing databases with researcher profiles, harmonize databases • Create topic based groups of experts • Common institute in public health

30 Health

Annex I. List of Health R&D institutions

Name Postal address Web‐site University of Prishtina, Rrethi i spitalit, p.n. 10000 http://web.uni‐pr.edu 1. Faculy of Medicine Prishtina, Kosovo University Clinical Rrethi i spitalit, p.n. 10000 http://www.mshgov‐ks.org 2. Centre of Kosovo Prishtina, Kosovo National Institute of Rrethi i spitalit, p.n. 10000 http://niph‐kosova.org 3. Public Health of Kosovo Prishtina, Kosovo Kosovo Academy of Rr. Emin Duraku, nr. 1 http://www.ashak.org 4. Sciences and Arts 10000 Prishtinë, Kosovë Centre for Development Rrethi i spitalit, p.n. 10000 http://www.cdfmk.org 5. of Family Medicine in Prishtina, Kosovo Kosovo University Clinical Rrethi i spitalit, p.n. 10000 http://qksuk.org/qksuk/ 6. Stomatological Centre of Prishtina, Kosovo Kosovo Faculty of Medical Veternik, Prishtina www.rezonanca.com 7. Sciences “Rezonanca”

Annex II. Projects funded by international organizations in Kosovo

Title Authors/institutions Year MoH/WHO/ UNFPA / Perinatal situation in Kosovo 2000‐2007 2006 UNICEF Alliance for healthy babies in Kosovo USAID/AIHA 2004 Summary of: Substance use and the young people of WHO/UNICEF 2001 Kosovo Exploratory research on the extent of gender‐based violence in Kosovo and its impact on women’s UNFPA, KWN 2008 reproductive health Demographic, social, and reproductive situation in UNFPA, CIDA, SOK 2003 Kosovo Pregnancy and family planning in Kosovo – A qualitative UNFPA, PRC, Index 2006 study Kosovo

31 Health

Research into violence against children in schools in UNIEF, MEST 2005 Kosovo Trafficking in children in Kosovo UNICEF 2004 WFP/UNHCR food assessment in minority areas of DRN 2001 Kosovo Summary of: Substance use and the young people of WHO 2001 Kosovo Promoting effective perinatal care in Kosovo – Evaluation WHO, UNICEF 2002 report 2000‐2001 Second Millennium Development Goals Report for UNDP 2007 Kosovo Psychosocial and trauma response in war‐torn IOM 2000 societies/THE CASE OF KOSOVO The Extent of Gender‐Based Violence in Kosovo and Its Kosovo Women 2008 Impact on Women’s Reproductive Health Network Population Research Centre‐University of Pregnancy and Family Planning in Kosovo 2006 Groningen and INDEX Kosova Evaluation Report of Project "Strengthened quality of Swiss Red Cross ‐ Reproductive Health services through improved Kosovo 2006 provider's competence" Sexual and Reproductive "Knowledge, Attitude, CARE International Behaviour and Practices" research report for youth Kosovo 2005 target groups Kosovo Behavioural and Biological Surveillance Study on USAID HIV/AIDS UNICEF Kosovo Perinatal situation in Kosovo for years 2000‐2004 2005

Knowledge, attitudes, practices, and behaviour study on 2008 HIV/AIDS with young people in Kosovo Expanding Tuberculosis Prevention and Global Fund 2007 Treatment Activities in Kosovo Strengthening HIV prevention in Kosovo Global Fund 2008

32 Transport

NATIONAL BACKGROUND REPORT ON TRANSPORT RESEARCH FOR KOSOVO

Shaban Buza, PhD, Associate Professor, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Prishtina

Ramadan Duraku MSc, Lecturer, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Prishtina

Pristina, May 2009

Transport

Acknowledgements The authors of this report are grateful to Mr. Qamil Feka, Mr. Martin Halilaj and Mr. Fejzulla Mustafa from the Ministry of Transport and Communication of Kosovo, as well as to Dr. Dukagjin Pupovci from the Kosova Education Centre (KEC) for their precious support and valuable input.

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List of abbreviations

AADT Annual Average Daily Traffic CARO Civilian Aviation Regulatory Authority for Kosovo CEMT European Conference of Transport Ministers (part of OECD) CSP Comprehensive Proposal for the Kosovo Status Settlement CER European Railway Community DoRI Department of Road Infrastructure EAR European Agency for Reconstruction EC European Commission ECA Europe and Central Asia, Administrative Region of the World Bank ECAA European Civil Aviation Area ECAC European Civil Aviation Conference EBRD European Bank for Reconstruction and Development EU European Union FME Faculty of Mechanical Engineering GDP Gross Domestic Product HLG High Level Group IBRD International Bank for Reconstruction and Development ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization IFI International Financial Institutions IRU International Road Union KCB Kosovo Consolidated Budget KCC Kosovo Chamber of Commerce KDSP Kosovo Strategic and Development Plan KR KTA Kosovo Trust Agency MAP Multi Annual Plan MESP Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning MFE Ministry of Finance and Economy MoU Memorandum of Understanding MTC Ministry of Transport and Communications MTFE Medium Term Framework of Expenditure PIA Prishtina International PISG Provisional Institutions of Self‐Government PPP Public‐Private Partnership REBIS Regional Study of Balkans Infrastructure RDK Road Directorate of Kosovo SAP Stabilization and Association Process SEE South‐East Europe SEETO South‐East Europe Transport Observatory SOK Statistical Office of Kosovo SRSG Special Representative of Secretary General TEN‐T Trans‐European Transport Network TPU Transport Planning Unit 35 Transport

UNMIK United Nations Mission in Kosovo UNSC United Nations Security Council WB World Bank

36 Transport

Executive Summary This Report, drafted for Transport Sector in Kosovo, is primarily intended to provide an overview on developments taking place in the past in transport Sector in Kosovo, which is composed of Road, Railway and Air sub‐sectors. Besides, it provides a description of projects and studies carried out mainly by foreign experts in the post‐war period in Kosovo (see the attached Annex with the list of projects and studies).

The Report contains also data on institutional, socio‐economic and financial organization of the past and expected investments in the transport sector (detailed data presented in tables below).

Besides, it provides an overview of the research carried out in the field , as well as opportunities for cooperation with South East Europe (SEE) and EU countries.

Integration of Kosovo in the European Transport Research Area is mentioned only briefly due to the lack of any significant participation of Kosovo experts in research activities during the last decade. Thus, local experts participated in conferences and symposiums of development character rather than in those addressing research issues at the regional or the wider international level. Their participation is rarely characterised by active participation, presentations of key note speeches. It should also be noted that some participants were officials representing Kosovo institutions responsible for transport. They participated in event dealing with development projects and initiatives such as South‐East Europe Transport Observatory (SEETO), the International Railway Community (CIT), European Railway Community (CER) and meetings to implement the European Civil Aviation Area Agreement (ECAA). Results of a SWOT analysis on research taking place in the transport sector specifying strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats are also presented in the report., together with the research priorities for Kosovo in transport sector and priorities to develop reseach in the coming period.

Introduction Kosovo is situated in South‐East Europe (SEE) holding a central position and covering an area of 10,887 km2 (figure 1).

The Transport Sector holds an important place in the economic development of Kosovo and is composed of three sub‐sectors: Road, Railway and Air Transport. Kosovo has a road network of 8,522 km, classified as public roads, which is mainly 37 Transport single road lane, a railway system of 333 km stretching North‐South and East‐West of Prishtina as well as two , an International Airport of Prishtina (PIA) and Airport for military purposes. Transport Infrastructure in Kosovo is in a poor condition with insufficient road maintenance, rehabilitation and development. It is estimated that over 95% of transport in Kosovo is concentrated in the road transport or is related to road transport at the beginning or end of the trip. Railway infrastructure, movement market and general services are of low quality. In the field of Trans‐European Transport Network, Kosovo reached some progress and it participates in the development of Core Transport Network and in South‐East Europe Transport Observatory (SEETO).

Figure 1: Map of Kosovo with main roads

1. Purpose of the national background report and methodology/ summary of the consultation process The purpose of this Report is to provide an overview about the state of research activities in the field of transport in Kosovo. This Report contains also some data on socio‐economic and development trends relevant to the transport sector. As mentioned above, Transport Sector in Kosovo is composed of Road, Railway and Air transport sub‐sector, which will be elaborated in more details in this Report. 38 Transport

Besides, a SWOT analysis of transport research capacities is presented, follow by an identification of research priorities in Kosovo. This Report aims to contribute to participation of Kosovo in the regional cooperation with Western Balkan and EU countries in the field of transport research to address issues of importance to the Region. Transport in important for economic development since good transport network facilitates expansion of domestic and international markets; reduced transport prices positively affect transport costs, finally attracting foreign investments and increasing employment.

Challenges in this sector are specific and research can play an important role by addressing them in concrete research initiatives.

2. The Transport S&T System in Kosovo

2.1 The Kosovo Transport policy framework

Background

The legal system in Kosovo is a combination of legislation adopted by the Kosovo authorities, regulations and administrative directions of the United Nations Interim Administration in Kosovo (UNMIK), and Yugoslav laws in place before 22 March 1989. In March 2007, the UNSG forwarded the Comprehensive Proposal for the Kosovo Status Settlement (CSP) prepared by his special envoy, Martti Ahtisaari, to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Following the failure of the UNSC to reach agreement on CSP, on 17 February 2008, the Assembly of Kosovo declared Kosovo an independent and sovereign state. To date, Kosovo's independence has been recognized by a total of 58 countries, of which 22 are EU Member States. On 9 April 2008, the Assembly adopted the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo, which entered into force on 15 June of the same year. The constitution is based on the CSP and envisages a significant role of the European Union in Kosovo. It also provides for the international civilian representative as ultimate supervisory authority as set out in the CSP. Apart from this, Kosovo is moving from a post conflict to a developing society facing various challenges on this course. A considerable effort for reconstruction immediately after the conflict of 1999 resulted in revival of economic activity and significant improvement of physical infrastructure. Nevertheless, soon after (around 2005) donor contribution dropped and resulting in weakened financial situation and economic development.

39 Transport

The World Bank (WB) Poverty Assessment Report12 indicates that 45% of the Kosovo’s population lives below the poverty line with another 18% who are vulnerable to poverty. On the other hand, 15% of the population is extremely poor ‐ defined as individuals who have difficulty to meet their basic nutritional needs. The unemployment rate is extremely high – 40% ‐ with up to 29,000 job seekers entering the labour market every year.

2.1.1. The overall Transport policy framework

Institutional Organization: Transport Sector takes very important place in economic development of Kosovo. An efficient cross border transport network appears to be of crucial importance for a landlocked country as Kosovo. Such a network would bring considerable economic benefits including growing of local and international markets and decrease of transport costs. This would in return contribute to decrease the general production costs, attraction of foreign investments and creation of more jobs.

Efforts to develop transport policies started in 2003 through the “Program for development of transport policy in Kosovo” of MTC to be followed by another MTC document titled “The Draft Kosovo Transport Policy and Plan” in 2005. One of the main priorities mentioned in that document was to support development of links with the European Transport Network and in this regard to ensure development of priority road network linking to areas of potential economic development.

This will be possible by developing routes 6 and 7 linking Kosovo to SEE road network and to road corridors X and VIII of Trans‐European Network described in figure 2. They also link some main towns and economic centres within Kosovo.

12 World Bank. Kosovo ‐ Poverty Assessment (October 2007), http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/ECAEXT/KOSOVOEXTN/

40 Transport

Figure 2.Core Network roads in SEE and connection with Corridors X and VIII.

One of the key issues in the last two decades is that elements of road transport infrastructure in Kosovo were damaged very much due to lack of maintenance and lack of new investments. Road Network remains a key priority for the Government from the point of view of public infrastructure. Thus, for construction of new and maintenance of existing roads considerable budget is allocated. Definition of priority roads and construction of motorways is in full compliance with the EU strategy for regional transport in SEE. Taking into account the difficult situation of transport infrastructure (roads and railways) transport policies of Kosovo will need to comply the relevant EU (multi‐ modal transport) policy to assist in development of infrastructure which enables interface of national with regional and Trans‐European networks.

The draft document from 2005 titled “Draft Kosovo Transport Policy and Plan”13 suggests that within next several years traffic in Kosovo will multiply due to increased number of private cars and augmented needs to travel, and as a result, the current road infrastructure will not be able to meet the increasing traffic volumes in Kosovo. The Draft Kosovo Transport Policy and Plan sets policies and programs to meet this challenge and cope with best European experiences so that it takes stronger position and commitment by all participants to share responsibilities in achieving

13 “The Draft Kosovo Transport Policy and Plan ”, Barry Houghton ,2005 . 41 Transport

this goal in mid‐term. In the mentioned paper14 it is proposed that plan for transport should include a systematic approach including concrete objectives, policies and program of projects to be evaluated and renewed as given below in figure 3.

Current status of transport system 1

7 Available 2 Objectives resources

3 Policies

4 Projects Mechanism of Expected 5 evaluation change 8 Actions

External 10 Present events 9 changes

11 Monitoring

Figure.3 Organic Process of Transport Plan and Policy for Kosovo15

MTC has decided to define a timetable for their implementation within the framework of development of economic and strategic policies as well as Spatial Planning for Kosovo. Starting from 2006, the Draft Kosovo Transport Policy and Plan recommends gradual development of a multi modal transport strategy and evaluation mechanisms of multi modal transport within MTC. In May 2007 “Technical Support for MTC to continue development of Multi Modal Transport

14 “The Draft Kosovo Transport Policy and Plan”, Executive Summary”, page 5. Barry Houghton (2005 ) 15 The same place.

42 Transport

Strategy and Action Plan" was launched. Also the Strategy for Multi Modal Transport” was defined. Over 95% of transport in Kosovo is concentrated on road transport16 or is related to road movement at beginning or at the end of travel. This is why there is a need to implement “Blocks of constructions” or a legal basis according to road transport and other modes will operate taking into account application of best EU .

Policies for development of road infrastructure17 envisage the following in the medium and long term: implementation of a program for improvement of road network; initiation of major projects for core road networks such as construction of motorway “Durrës‐Vërmicë‐Prishtinë‐Merdare‐Nish”, construction of new roads; improvement of road maintenance and road safety; development of a road network which integrates Kosovo to the Region and Europe, and so on.

A feasibility study and evaluation about the impact to environment for route R6 which links Nish with Prishtina and Albania and route R7 which links Montenegro with Prishtina and Skopje was finalized in 2007. These roads are in compliance with priorities of SEETO and are presented as priorities also in the Mid‐Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for Kosovo 2009‐2011.

The Government intends to finance route R6 and R7 to be supported by donors and/ or public private partnerships (PPP). However, in the field of transport networks, implementation of priority projects identified in multi annual plans and in annual reviews there is a permanent need to cooperate with SEETO in order to build further progress in defining regional priorities and to coordinate investments. As regards routes R6 and R7 there is a need to harmonize political approach with results of the feasibility study. Moreover, Kosovo needs to develop legal framework and institutional administration capacities for major investments by PPP. In order to achieve reasonable planning of transport infrastructure Kosovo needs to strengthen planning and use of land. Law on expropriation is in procedure to be adopted and implemented. Construction of road bypasses in Prishtina is also a priority of Government and a feasibility study for this is ongoing. A World Bank Report recommends a scenario for financing road maintenance and rehabilitation for period 2007‐2015 and further strengthening of institutional

16 “Technical Support for MTC to continue development of Multimodal Transport Strategy and Action Plan”, egis bceom international &COWI, 2009. 17 MTC, Departament of Road Infrastructure . 43 Transport management of road assets. Inadequate attention is being paid to road maintenance. Preparations in this field are at initial stages.

2.1.2. Elements of Transport research policy making The overall intention of research policies in the field of transport in Kosovo is “to contribute to economic development through establishment of an efficient system of low cost and integrated multi modal transport (roads, railways and air transport) which is not harmful for the environment”.

Kosovo does not have a research strategy in order to identify research priorities for sectors in the long term period. Policies to allocate budget to support research are limited.

In other words it needs to be emphasized that the field of action of local experts will be increased significantly in coming years with their participation in research projects in the field of transport.

2.2. Overview of Transport research activities

2.2.1 Transport research projects

During the last two decades there were no funds available from either from local or international institutions to contribute to development of human resources to engage in research in the field of transport. All research projects are funded by international institutions whereas contracts are awarded to foreign and well‐ established companies. In the future, Kosovo Consolidated Budget (KCB) is expected to allocate special funds also for research projects in the field of transport to enable local experts to provide their contribution. Another expected source of funding is from international cooperation that research institutions from Kosovo have established with institutions from other countries in the Region and EU. Research projects implemented in lately by foreign experts in transport sub‐sectors are given in Annex I:

2.2.2. Key competences in transport research fields

Key initiatives in the field of research in general belong to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of Kosovo. Ministry allocates a budget for various research activities, including transport. It is well known that research

44 Transport projects in transport depend on KCB as well as on limited funds allocated by private companies. Recent data show that percentage of funds allocated by KCB and companies for research is very low (not to say zero) compared to the funds allocated by the Government for other sectors.

2.2.3. Transport research Infrastructure A brief overview is given below of the most relevant institutions (political, administrative, higher education, public / private research institutions) dealing with research in the field of transport in Kosovo:

1. Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (FME) Kosovo has a poorly developed system of research in the field of transport, and minor research activity takes place only in the field of road transport. The development of this discipline started only in late nineties within the University of Prishtina, at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering which offers BS and MS programs in the field of road transport. The Traffic Laboratory of the FME is equipped with insufficient technical equipment used to measure some technical parameters in the field of road traffic safety. In total there are 12 staff members working in the department of traffic in the FME, six of them holding PhD degrees.

2. Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC)

Since 2007 Transport Planning Unit functions within the MTC. This Unit has insufficient staff of four persons employed under MTC. Initial capacity building support for this Unit is provided through an EC funded project “Technical Support for MTC to continue Development of Multimodal Transport Strategy and Action Plan” which ran from May 2007 through March 2009. Effects of this project are oriented in: 1. Strengthening of planning capacities in Multi Modal Transport of MTC, and 2. Drafting overall strategy and policy for development of transport sector in Kosovo until 2025, including Priority Action Plan on road infrastructure, road transport, urban and railway transport addressing at the same time gender, minorities and environmental issues. TPU objectives are to advice MTC by collecting and processing data and to issue recommendations in planning infrastructure and transport regulation. This means it should be a focal point for knowledge on transport infrastructure, services, means/ inventory and regulation. Normal duties include development and 45 Transport update of medium and long term investment plans, whereas on long run, the TPU is expected to contribute to developing vision of transport system in Kosovo, and also to monitor the implementation.

3. Public/ Private Companies There is no evidence of research performed in transport field by public and private companies in Kosovo.

In the field of education and training there is an activity to train managers of transport of passengers and goods of road transport with Kosovo Chamber of Commerce (KCC). Training started in 2007 and is ongoing whereas this activity is expected to be extended also to other transport sectors, with a possibility in the near future to deal develop also research activities. KCC has recently been accredited by the International Road Transport Union (IRU) in Geneva, which is a good step in its course to strengthen capacities in the field of transport research in general for its sectors.

There is an Association of private transport operators within KCC and private road transport operators for passengers and freights members in this organization.

The entire list of research institutions in Kosovo, including their addresses and locations is attached as an Annex II to this Report.

2.3. Key drivers of Transport sector research

2.3.1 Main Transport sector trends in Kosovo, Transport Infrastructure in Kosovo in recent years is damaged due to lack of proper maintenance and lack of investments. Following is a more detailed description of main trends of transport in Kosovo after the war period of 1999 until now. Transport Sector in Kosovo as stated before consists of three sub‐sectors: road, railways and air transport. a) Road Transport Road transport consists of transport of passengers (domestic and international) and transport of goods, also including road transport of dangerous goods. Bus terminals and freight terminals are also part of the road transport infrastructure.

46 Transport a1) Domestic Road Transport of Passengers

In total there are 39218 transport operators licenced for road transport of passengers operating in public transport of passengers both to local and international destinations. The number of daily departures to local inter‐urban destinations is 162119, with an average of 16 000 passengers. Table 1 provides comparative data on public and private road transport in Kosovo, public transport including licensed operators regardless of type of vehicles used except taxis, which are considered as part of private transport category. Calculation of prices is based on assumption that the cost of public transport is 0.0520 € per passenger per km and cost of operation for all other private travelling is equal with 0.101721 € per passenger per km as calculated for transport of passengers by cars. It is important to state that entire public and private transport in Kosovo is developed on commercial basis apart from some transport lines for ethnic minorities subsidized by KCB.

Table1: Calculation of passengers’ traffic and prices22

Traffic of passengers, Km daily of Daily hours for Daily transport daily average traffic passenger passenger cost (Euro) Public Traffic 2,505,716 78,167 125,286 Private traffic 22,042,775 491,130 2,241,750 Total of traffic 24,548,491 569,297 2,367,036 Share of public transport based on 10 % 14 % 5 % total.

Evaluation of private transport is summarized in table 2 below. Modelling of road network includes all main and regional roads. Regional roads include paved, unpaved and other roads. Local roads and those urban are modelled roughly. Modelling is realized with the “emme2” software. Length of all local roads in Kosovo is much bigger than the length of local road completed for modelling of requirements. Traffic of passengers’ is also calculated

18 MTC‐Department of Road Transport, 2008. 19 MTC‐Department of Road Transport, 2008. 20 Institutional Support to MTC, Department of Road Transport “Interurban Road Transpor of Passengers‐ general study of to pilot corridors, Report 2 ,August 2005, KAMPSAX . 21 The same place. 22 Institutional Support to MTC, Department of Road Transport “Interurban Road Transpor of Passengers‐ general study of to pilot corridors, KAMPSAX ( 2005), 47 Transport

approximately and estimation of number of passengers based on this model could be underestimating.

Table 2: Summary of private passengers’ traffic in Kosovo23

Type of road Road Hours of Km of Average Average length passengers passengers speed, traffic, (km) daily daily (km/h) (km of passengers per roads km) Main road 1,181 156,396 8,809,348 56 14,918 Regional roads 1,776 146,214 7,285,647 50 8,205 Regional 377 15,324 605,984 40 3,215 unpaved roads Other roads also those 1,203 173,196 5,341,796 31 8,881 urban Total of all 4,537 491,130 22,042,775 45 9,717 roads

There is a road transport association of road transport of passengers with headquarter in Prishtina which is recently functioning under KCC. Most of transport operators are members of this association organized through regional units in entire Kosovo territory. Within road transport of passengers there are 2224 bus terminals functioning and supplied with licence by MTC according to related categories defined as A, B, C or D. Most of them operate as socially owned enterprises apart from two which are privatized. In the future is intended those terminals change status without changing its destination.

a2) International road transport of passengers Apart from operating in domestic market, a considerable number of 6325 transport operators operate in international transport of passengers between Kosovo and other SEE and EU countries.

23 The same place. 24 MTC‐Department of Road Transport,2008. 25 MTC‐Department of Road Transport, 2008. 48 Transport

A significant number of SEE and EU countries has recognized permits issued by Kosovo to local operators and this system functions on sound basis being followed by exchange of permissions with those countries (upon requests of transport operators both local and international) based on reciprocity. However, there are also states that have not exchanged permits with Kosovo authorities, which inevitably and negatively affects the international transportation of passengers. a3) Road transport of goods

There are 20026 licenced operators for transport of goods of which 120 are “self‐ operating” transport operators.

Other transport operators are licenced for “payment or rent” whereas most of them are small owners and are transporters of building materials in which is also included construction and road maintenance. It is considered that their use is not considerable.

It is also estimated there are over 2,000 operating transport vehicles over 3,5 tons of weight which are not registered as transport operators. Transport vehicle s operating in international transport and in transporting goods to Kosovo or from Kosovo are mainly located in neighbouring countries, while a number of them operate in cooperation with Kosovo operators.

There is no constraint in “access to zones” as it is with EU countries. Commercial goods could be easily purchased in open market and with minimum control by MTC and the licence could be gained easily.

Apart from usual transport of goods there is also transport of dangerous goods. It should be noted that transport of this kind of goods is done by sub‐sectors of transport by roads, railway and air transport. Most of this transport is done by road. Licencing of operators performing this transport has started and so far there are 5527 operators licenced. Training and supplying drivers with ADR certificate has started in cooperation with KCC, whereas 52028 drivers are trained and supplied with ADR certificate. Currently there is no entity authorized by MTC to perform supply of ADR certificate on technical status of vehicle, whereas local transport operators have to obtain them outside the country.

There is no association of road transport in Kosovo representing the industry of transport of goods. An association called TIR was registered but it is mainly inactive.

26 MTC‐Department of Road Transport, 2008. 27 MTC‐Department of Road Transport, 2008. 28 Chamber Commerce of Kosovo(CCK), April 2009. 49 Transport

Terminals of goods are also part of road transport of goods which are licenced by MTC. There are currently 7 of the mainly located at the Kosovo border crossings. a4) Road infrastructure Most of Kosovo roads are constructed or reconstructed in the 1960s. The total length of road network is 8,522 km. In general MTC is responsible for 1951 km, where 647 km are main roads and 1,304 km are regional roads. There are 6,571 km of roads under responsibility of municipalities, where 571 km are urban roads and about 6000 km are local roads. Unpaved roads account for 90 % of local roads but there are no systematic data on their status. Most of the main and regional roads are two lane roads even though the width of lanes on both sides often is not in compliance with international standards.

Table.329: The length of road network of Kosovo in accordance with categories

Type of road Length (km) % of total Main and regional roads Main roads 647 7.6 Regional roads 1,304 15.3 Total (MTC) 1,951 22.9 Local roads Urban roads 571 6.7 Rural roads 6,000 70.4 Total (Municipalities) 6,571 77.1 Grant total 8,522 100.0

Main network30 includes the following roads: Road M2, starts from the North with Serbia, passes through Prishtina and reaches South border with Macedonia. In its south end it links Prishtina with European corridor X. Road M25 coming from Nish until east west border with Serbia, passes through Prishtina and reaching the border with Albania.

29 MTC‐Deparment of Road Infrastructure, Road Directorate 2007. 30 MTC Deparment of Road Infrastructure, Road Directorate,2006.

50 Transport

This road is becoming more and more important for its south part linking Kosovo with Albania where road construction of Rrëshen – Blinisht – Kukës is ongoing. Road M9, from east border with Serbia through Prishtina to until the border with Montenegro. This road has its national importance because it links two most important cities of Kosovo. Part of it towards Montenegro is currently under improvement and this will improve the connection to Montenegro.

Other additional main roads are M9.1, M22.3, M25.2 and M25.3 which compose branches of main links. Main network is well organized with Prishtina in the centre linking all regions with its centre.

Regional network includes two types of links: a) Regional roads which play a role in completing the map of road network and serve as to the main and regional roads or which link most important settlements on the regional basis, and b) Regional roads which have limited national importance and even linking small settlements, whereas the main network part of this network is not fully completed. In general they are left unpaved. Kosovo road network is presented in figure 4.

51 Transport

Figure 4. Kosovo road network

As a result of sustainable programs in capital investments undertaken since 199931, primary network (main roads and regional ones with more than 3,000 vehicles daily) estimated to carry 60% of all travels by car shows that 88 % of main network and 74 % of regional network is in good conditions. Table 4 provides more complete information on the conditions of the Road Network. Recent estimates show that 33% of local paved roads needs reconstruction and rehabilitation and 97% of feeder roads are unpaved and require repairs. Many roads need urgent improvements

31 World Bank Document (2006): “Kosovo, Public Expenditure and Institutional Review”. Volume II. 52 Transport

Table 432. Summary of roads status in Kosovo

Main Regional Local paved Local unpaved roads roads roads roads Good 88% 74% 67% 3% Satisfactory 12% 26% 27% 0% Not in good 0% 0% 6% 97% status Total 100% 100% 100% 100%

From the perspective of spatial distribution, Kosovo has quite good road infrastructure, but lags behind other countries in the Region with regard to road conditions, traffic safety and requirements for high speed roads (high level of service) and motorways. Table 5 below compares certain parameters of road infrastructure in Kosovo with other countries in the Region and in Europe.

Table 533 Comparison of the density of road infrastructure in SEE (1997‐2003)

Countries (km/1000 km2) (km/1000 persons) Estonia 1,320 41.2 Hungary 1,733 15.7 Check Republic 1,646 12.5 Slovenia 1,007 10.2 Croatia 506 6.4 Bosnia and Herzegovina 427 5.6 Serbia & Montenegro 494 4.8 Macedonia 342 4.3 Kosovo 783 4.2 Albania 657 3.5 High incomes: OECD 1,340 17.3 Middle high incomes 1,076 9.2 Europe and central Asia 580 8.6

32Roughton International: “Study on payment by road users” financed by the World Bank,2004. 33 Data base WDI and IEF according to the Report of the World Bank (2006): Kosovo‐ public expenditures and institucional review. volume II. 53 Transport a5) Road Safety Road safety represents a significant economic and public health problem. Number of accidents in Kosovo for the period 2002‐2007 is presented in table 6.

Table 634 Road accidents in Kosovo 2002 ‐2007.

Year 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Fatalities 132 130 170 155 181 110 Injured persons 1,983 2,194 2,697 5,761 4,673 5,235 Total of accidents 9,386 5,416 6,564 13,917 9,852 14,505

In the period 2003 ‐ 2005 there were, in average, 8,633 accidents (with an average of 152 fatalities) every year. Nevertheless, rapid increase in the number of accidents from 2004 to 2005 and the coming years is not proportional and difficult to understand. This trend was expected to increase with increase of number of personal cars. The rate of fatalities in 10 000 vehicles (index 9,5) is over 9 times bigger than in the safest EU countries, and one of the worst in the region. Moreover the number of accidents in Kosovo is possible to be underestimated reflecting generic under‐reporting problems. The economic cost of road traffic accidents has been estimated to amount to nearly 1.2 per cent of GDP35. a6) Increase of demand

Continuation in increase of demand in road network. Reliable data on the exact number of registered vehicles is not readily available. According to the Statistical Office of Kosovo, the number of registered vehicles in 2002 was 215,504.36 Most recent estimates have been suggesting that the fleet in 2005 comprised some 272,500 vehicles.37 This has been estimated to include 231,000 passengers’ cars, which represents a rate of car ownership of 105 passenger cars per 1,000 persons. This compares to an average motorization index of 418 passengers cars per 1,000 persons in the EU 25 countries,38 and a rate of 550 passenger cars per 1,000 persons in the most motorized EU countries. Increases in income and employment are likely to lead to a

34 Ministry of Interior Affairs (MPB)‐ Service (KPS). 35 ”Development of Sustainable Transport System for Kosovo”, page 3,2008, 36 Kosovo PEIR, Statistical Office of Kosovo, 2006. 37 Consultant’s calculations based on base data from Customs and the registration Centre of Kosovo, ECORYS, 2007. 38 European Union Road Federation, European Road Statistics, 2007. 54 Transport

significant boost of transport demand as a result of increased vehicle ownership and usage. The level and volume of traffic is growing at a significant rate with the highest levels in primary road network around Prishtina. On routes 6 and 7 annual average daily traffic (AADT) levels in 2006 range from 1,900 (on the road sections nearer to the border points) up to congestion levels of 27,200 vehicles (on the road sections near the Prishtina, where roads have reached their maximum utilization and heavy congestion is occurring).39 The overall AADT on the main road network in Kosovo over the period 2001 to 2006 using available data is 8255 vehicles per day (vpd). The overall AADT on the regional road network for the same period has been estimated at 4257 vpd.40 Traffic volumes on the local road network are at much lower levels. Recent work has estimated that these flows range from less than 100 vpd on many unpaved roads up to 2000 vpd on local roads leading to higher road utilization in the network or urbanized area.

Ownership of vehicles in Kosovo is expected to increase for 3‐6 per cent annually41, with passengers’ vehicles dominating as compared to commercial vehicles. For the main and regional road network, using a base traffic set in 2006 of an AADT of 10,538 and 4,44842 respectively, in the moderate growth scenario43, the AADT by the year 2020 will be about 19,500 on the main road network and 8200 on the regional road network respectively. For the sections where traffic will be the heaviest (i.e. around Prishtina), traffic forecasts made on the assumption that two Routes (6 and 7) are completed by 2012 yield traffic flows in the range of about 25,000 to 50,000 vehicles per day by the year 2022.44

b) Railway Transport Institutional Organization: Kosovo Railways (KR) is a company managing railway infrastructure in Kosovo and operates services for passengers and goods on commercial basis. Railway network: Railway Network of Kosovo45 is extended in Kosovo territory with the length of 333 km, which is used for public transport and

39 Feasibility Study and Environmental Assessment for two main road axes in Kosovo, 2006 (COWI). 40 ECORYS,2007. 41 Quotes ranges for car growth of between 3.5 % and 5.25 %, and for trucks of 2.2 % to 3.3 %,2003 REBIS, while ECORYS estimates range of 4‐6 % annual growth , 2007. 42 Highest observed AADT on regional road network use because of insufficient data in 2006. 43 Using linear annual growth rate of 4.5 % for all vehicles. 44 Calculation assumes an 80 %:20% split between passengers cars and commercial vehicles with a pcu unit equivalent of 1 and 2 respectively. 45 MTC, Department of Civil Aviation and Railway Transport and Kosovo Railways.

55 Transport for transport of industrial material. A railway links most important centres of Kosovo apart from Gjakova and . Railway lines are directly linked with Macedonia and Serbia and through them with other countries. Railway network in Kosovo is composed of standard single tracks not electrified passing through hilly terrain with lots of bridges and tunnels. Railway network has two main directions North‐South and East‐West. Only 40 % of network is actually functional. Actually, only the main route North South with a total of 141 km or 42 % of total network provides services for passengers and goods. The map of KR is presented in figure 5.

Figure 5: Map of Railways Network in Kosovo. In the railway sector freight transport by volume has recently increased to 345,000 tons in 2006, and 588,000 tons in 2007. Around 80 % of the total KR freight traffic is imports (mainly petroleum from FYR Macedonia, but also building materials and other general cargo) with exports amounting for the remainder. Whilst passenger traffic volumes on the railway network have also recovered a little, the sustainability of the improvement seems questionable. Passengers’ number has increased from approximately 400,000 in 2006 to 417,000 to 2007, but at cost of a significant increase in subsidy. The main passenger service since 2001 has been Freedom of Movement Train (FomT)46, a service providing an essential link

46 FoMT provides safe transport between the Serb and Roma enclaves in Kosovo 56 Transport between dispersed communities. Passenger services have also been reintroduced to Skopje and Pejë, but heavy subsidy is required to keep these services running, as passenger volumes and revenues are insufficient. The intense and increasing competition with the road based modes, and the modest size of the country, suggests that passenger volumes are unlikely to return to anywhere near the pre‐ war levels. Volume and change in Freight and passengers Traffic on Kosovo Railways for period 2001‐2007 are presents in figure 6.

Figure 6.Volume and change in Freight and Passenger Traffic on Kosovo Railways 2001‐2007.

In general railway network is not in good condition. Railway’s rolling stock is old, apart from locomotives and passengers wagon donated by donors. The entire fleet amounts to nine locomotives, four sets of Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs), and ten passenger carriages, and 70 freight wagons. Limited resources are currently being expanded on maintenance and investments on the railway network, in large part due to sustained financial losses arising from low traffic levels on the network. However, the opening strategic regional networks or the development of new extractive industries, and the need to move heavy bulk freight, are expected to bring about increased demands for investments in railway infrastructure. c) Air transport

Kosovo has an international airport of civil aviation47, which is Prishtina International Airport (PIA). PIA is licenced by the international civil aviation

47 MTC – Department of Civil Aviation and Railway Transport 57 Transport organization (ICAO). The airport currently has a runway of 2500 meters in length by 45 meters in width. The terminal building for passengers has a ground area of 3500 m2, while the airplane platform covers a ground area of 24,700 m2, which can receive 5 medium sized airplanes at the same time. A holding company was established as a Joint Stock Company in June 2005, entirely owned by the Kosovo Trust Agency (KTA), which took over the old liabilities, together with the assets and operating liabilities, of former publicly owned airport. While in the future Gjakova is meant to become also an international airport of civil aviation. PIA serves for civilian and military purposes, while is used by Italian Military Aviation after some adaptations were made to it. There are 12 aviation fields in Kosovo territory for agricultural purposes which are property of AgroKosova and one Sport Airport of Kosovo Aeronautical Federation located in of Podujeva.

Kosovo has signed onto the agreement that established the European Common Aviation Area (ECAA). Implementation of the first phase of this agreement is currently underway. The Civil Aviation Regulatory Office for Kosovo (CARO) has drafted an Administrative Direction on insurance requirements for air carriers and aircraft operators. CARO has also submitted to UNMIK for approval an Aviation Security Training Program and an Aviation Security Quality Control Program for Kosovo. Both documents are in line with the Acquis Communautaire and with the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) Document 30. The PIA Completed investments amount to some Euro 15.2 million, including the surfacing of the runway and the extension of the apron, the installation of a perimeter fence, airfield electrics to permit 24 hour operation, and improvements to terminal. d) Public expenditures in transport sector d1) Analysis of trend of expenditures

Data related to public expenditures in the transport sector 48 show that expenditures change during 2000 until 2005 taking into account financing by donors with expenditures completed by KCB. High level of expenditures in transport

48 Medium Term Framework Expenditures 2008‐2010, Volume II: Strategy of sectorial expenditures” MFE (2007)“ 58 Transport

sector reached amount 55 million € (2, 2 of GDP) in 2001, mainly by donors. In 2002 and 2003 due to reduced donor funding, KCB started to take leading role and expenditures were stabilized in the amount 35‐40 million euros per year (about 1.5% of GDP).

Table.7: Public expenditures in transport sector for the period 2000‐ 2005 in Kosovo49

€ million Agency 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2000‐05 Average Total (2000‐ 05) DDG 0.00 8.30 2.50 4.50 0.50 0.00 15.80 2.63 Donors 37.20 40.20 18.50 7.70 1.50 0.00 105.10 17.52 PISG 0.20 1.50 3.10 5.00 7.70 3.70 21.20 3.53 (municipalities) PISG (MTC) 0.00 0.00 10.60 20.10 48.90 32.20 111.80 18.63 UNMIK 5.50 4.40 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 9.90 1.65 Total 42.9 54.4 34.7 37.3 58.6 35.9 263.8 44.0 UNMIK+PISG 5.70 5.90 13.70 25.10 56.60 35.90 142.90 23.82 % e GDP Agency 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2000‐05 Average Total (2000‐ 05) DDG 0.0% 0.3% 0.1% 0.2% 0.0% 0.0% 0.1% 0.1% Donors 2.1% 1.7% 0.7% 0.3% 0.1% 0.0% 0.7% 0.7% PISG 0.0% 0.1% 0.1% 0.2% 0.3% 0.2% 0.1% 0.1% (municipalities) PISG (MTC) 0.0% 0.0% 0.4% 0.8% 1.9% 1.3% 0.8% 0.8% UNMIK 0.3% 0.2% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.1% 0.1% Total 2.5% 2.2% 1.4% 1.5% 2.3% 1.5% 1.9% 1.9% UNMIK+PISG 0.3% 0.2% 0.6% 1.0% 2.2% 1.5% 1.0% 1.0%

49 “Medium Term Framework Expenditures 2008‐2010, Volume II) note: 2000‐2002 (actual), 2003‐2004 (actual aparat from final budget for railways) and 2005 (tentative). MFE

59 Transport d2) Funding of Transport Sector 2008‐2011

Mid‐term objective of Government in this sector is to improve transport infrastructure, in particular roads in the long term, to improve other transport modes and to assure integration of Kosovo to international transport networks. Moreover, this sector has been identified as a high priority sector of the Government. Road sub‐sector: Capital investments are required to fund road infrastructure in the lack of investments in new roads due to the list of rehabilitation projects uncompleted. Functioning of railway transport in particular for transport of goods is of essential importance in order to cope with expected demand of industry and economy. The level of subvention is determined by WB sector experts based on expected demand for railway services. Table 8 presents budget projections for transport sector to be provided by the state budget for the MTEF period 2009‐ 2011.

Table 8. Financial proposal for transport sector (in millions of €) 50

Economic Budget of Total categories 2008 200 2010 2011 2009‐ Operative 11.6 13.5 15.0 16.5 45.0 Capital 99.8 70.0 82.0 139.3 291.3 Total 111.4 83.5 97.0 155.8 336.3 Sources of MTEF 111.4 83.5 97.0 155.8 336.3 Priority 0.0 40.0 40.0 Other potential 0.0 17.4 68.1 11.3 96.8 donor financing Total 111.4 140. 165.1 167.1 473.1

Railway sub‐sector: There is a high demand for funding of railway sector. A study on transport system in Kosovo identifies needs for investments in the railway sector in the medium term of 19.5 million euro. The Government supports funding of Kosovo Railways for improvements and maintenance of existing infrastructure. Maintenance of infrastructure is considered as mandatory in order to attract private sector in the railway transport. Therefore, the intention is to enable inclusion of private sector in providing railway transport lines and to finance the future purchase and maintenance of locomotives and wagons to possibly meet the

50 Kosovo Medium Term Expenditure 2009‐2011 , MFE, 2008. 60 Transport increased demand for railway transport, in particular of freight transport. Funding for railway transport is to be done through KTA. In table 9 is shown a proposal for funding railway sector in accordance with MTEF 2009‐2011.

Table 9: Financing proposal for the railway sub‐sector, expressed in million €

Economic Budget Total categories 2008 2009 2010 2011 2009‐ 11

Operative 0.3 0.5 0.5 0.5 1.5 Capital 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 15.0 Total 3.3 4.5 5.5 6.5 16.5 Financial Sources MTEF 3.3 4.5 5.5 6.5 16.5

Priority 2.0 1.5 1.0 4.5 f Total 6.5 7.0 7.5 21.0

Air transport sub‐sector: Investments in the PIA are financed from the airport revenues and will continue this way. At the same time, the process leading to the concession of the airport is developing and is expected to be finalized during the year 2009. The government objective is to create a market oriented and competitive international airport that provides easy air access to Kosovo and abroad. This will improve the operational and financial performance of the airport and increase its capacity. As a result, air‐travel cost to and from Kosovo will fall and volume of travel will increase, which will contribute to the overall government goal of economic growth.

2.3.2. Main socio‐economic challenges in Kosovo Economic/ Social Environment Due to the many difficulties over the last two decades and in particular through the post conflict period, Kosovo faces many economic developmental challenges. Underlying economic growth potential in Kosovo is roughly 3.0 – 4.0 per cent per annum. Unemployment is of the order of 35 – 40 per cent. Currently some 29,000 young people are entering the labour market every year. Even if the economy could move to a permanent growth rate of say 6.0 per cent, in ten to fifteen years’ time, 61 Transport

unemployment will only have halved. This simple observation defines the real economic development challenge for Kosovo. At the same time, it is estimated by the World Bank (WB) that perhaps as much as 45 per cent of the population may well live in a broadly defined state of poverty. Thus it is clear that even if economic growth is increased markedly and sustained through the longer term, there will be an underlying and continuing social challenge that must be addressed. In a very real sense, this is what can be called a ‘baseline’ policy priority.

Kosovo’s initial position contains a number of strengths. It has a young population, and significant natural resources. The social structure is characterized by the existence of networks both formal and informal that provide safety nets for the poor and the unemployed. The foundations for a liberal market economy and modern system of accountability are in place and international partners are supporting many dimensions of the developmental process. The main economic indicators and macroeconomic indicators for the period 2004‐2007 are presented in tables 10 and 11. Table 10: Main economic indicators, 2004‐200751

2004 2005 (v) 2006 (v) 2007 (p) Country accounts Real increase of GDP 3.2 0.6 4.2 3.6 GDP per capita (euro) 1,152 1,115 1,136 1,168 Investments (% of GDP) 29.9 30.2 31.1 34.6 Gross domestic saving (% of GDP) ‐19.3 ‐23.0 ‐23.3 ‐24.3 Overall Government Budget Overall balance % of GDP) ‐6.1 ‐3.1 3.5 3.9 Foreign accounts trade balance ‐43.4 ‐47.4 ‐50.1 ‐53.6 Actual account balance (% of GDP) ‐37.8 ‐38.7 ‐38.2 ‐42.9 Foreign assistance (% of GDP) 25.0 22.8 20.9 19.5 Deliveries from outside (% of GDP) 10.3 13.1 14.5 14.5 Prices Inflation CPI ‐14 ‐1.4 1.5 2.0

Memorandum GDP (million Euro) 2,263 2,228 2,310 2,415

(Note: data for 2004 ‐06 are estimations, data for 2007 are forecasts. Current balance presents an amount before receive of international assistance. Sources: Calculations by World Bank Experts).

51 World Bank Report „Kosovo Interim Strategy”,2007. 62 Transport

Table 11: Macroeconomic indicators for period 2004‐2007,52 2004 2005 2006 2007

GDP per capita 964.0 1,438.0 1,476.0 1,573.0 Increase of GDP 3.2 2.0 3.9 4.4 Rate of unemployment 39.7 41.4 44.9 43.6 Budget revenues 634.8 638.4 712.0 896.4 Budget spending 769.4 696.1 635.5 662.7 Balance of Government ‐134.6 ‐57.7 76.5 233.7 budget Size of foreign trade 1,086.9 1,156.3 1,363.7 1,671.3

3. Integration of Kosovo in the European Transport research Regarding integration of Kosovo in the European Research Area in the field of transport it was very low recently. Kosovo was not member of any Memorandum of Understanding regarding education and technology in particular in area of transport research.

Experts from Kosovo have participated in some conferences and symposiums of development nature held in SEE and EU countries in most of cases in an observer capacity. Kosovo is an active partner to a platform supported by EU for implementation of Core Regional Transport Network for South East Europe (SEETO) within which road and railway transport is included. As regards air transport UNMIK on behalf of Kosovo is a signatory of the agreement for establishment of European Common Aviation Area (ECAA), whereas implementation of the first phase has started.

52 KCB, MFE, KSC, IMF 63 Transport

4. SWOT analysis

4.1 Strengths: • Department of Traffic operates within the FME, • Establishment of Transport Planning Unit within MTC, • Participation in scientific conferences at the level of SEE and EU countries, • Participation of researchers in international research bulletins.

4.2 Weaknesses: • Lack of research funds, • Very low number of research activities / projects in recent period, • Lack of experts in the field of railways and air transport, • Lack of cooperation with related research institutions of SEE and EU countries, • Lack of skills in developing project proposals to be funded by EU .

4.3 Opportunities • Transport sector is seen as a national priority by institutions, • Ongoing development of the National Research Program 2010‐2015, • Participation in EU research schemes, • Integration of Kosovo into the European Research Area.

4.4 Threats • Economic crisis resulting in shortage of funds for R&D, • Failure to earmark funds for research projects, • Lack of organizational stability and stable policies, • Lack of long‐term political and economic stability the South East Europe,

5. Transport research priorities for Kosovo

5.1 Transport research priorities on the basis of the country’s readiness

It is considered that local experts would be mainly involved in transport sub‐sector as follows: 1. Regulation of traffic with emphasis on urban zones, 2. Traffic Safety, 3. Mobility and traffic urban plans, 64 Transport

4. Maintenance and development of traffic infrastructure, 5. Traffic planning and designing, 6. Stationary traffic including buses and bus terminals, 7. Traffic management, 8. Traffic logistics, 9. Road traffic and circulation capacity, 10. Technology systems in integral and intermodal transport, 11. Development of railway transport, 12. Upgrade and quality level of air navigation, 13. Impact of traffic in environment, 14. Development of transport legal infrastructure in compliance with Acquis Communautaire.

5.2 Transport research priorities on the basis of future potential

Priority 1: Development of integral and intermodal transport,

Priority 2: Management of transport infrastructure,

Priority 3: Management of traffic through intelligent transport systems including all transport modes,

Priority 4: Development of IT for collection and processing of transport data,

Priority 5: Research on telematic applications for transport,

Priority 6: Research on new types of fuels,

6. Post‐Report Situation

6.1. Update on the situation

In Kosovo as a land locked country that needs connection with ports for import/export, road transport is much more developed than the railway sector. Government through Ministry of Infrastructure (MoInf53) is currently engaged with more investment in the development of the road network (in particular with a motorway linking with the Albanian border), and not a strong commitment is noticed in the railway sub‐sector, which is actually suffering from lack of maintenance on the network and from insufficient rolling stock.

53 Former Ministry of Transport and Telecommunication renamed in February 2011 65 Transport

In its objective for implementation of the reforms in the transport sector in line with EU Acquis Communautaire, policies and practice, and to building institutional, professional and research capacities, MoInf and other institutions are engaged in different EU funded projects as beneficiary or partner. Faculty of Mechanical Engineering has adopted a Bachelor study programme on Railway Transport alongside with the already existing Road Transport within the Department of Traffic and Transport. Further attempts are directed on introducing doctoral studies in cooperation with Universities of Zagreb, Ljubljana, Maribor and other western universities, to foster R&D in transport.

Academics from FME participated in different SEE and EU workshops or conferences on different topics in the field of transport, as in SEETRANS and TRANSNEW in Ljubljana, Slovenia, BESTFACT in Amsterdam, Nederland or with scientific or professional papers in international conferences. But, still more funds need to be allocated by the University to enable more and higher quality participation and involvement of researchers.

The MoInf is in dialogue with the EU Commission through Stabilisation and Association Process Dialogue (SAPD) and is involved in the implementation of an annual European Partnership Action Plan (EPAP), aiming at pursuing “approximation to EU‐Acquis Communautaire”.

In this line,

- A Multi‐Modal Transport Strategy and Action Plan was adopted in May 2009, updated in April 2012; - The Railway Regulatory Authority (RRA) was formed and is operational engaging more transport experts ready to tackle with planning, research and development activities and projects; - Capacity building and strengthen of MoInf and TPU has contributed on strategic planning, traffic modelling and in different project preparations and management; - Improvement and review of existing legislation in the road sector; - Staff was trained on technical skills for improving quality control and supervision of road construction projects, on application of new technologies in transport; - Study tours was organised in EU members states on: o Multi‐modal transport planning, o Road safety, o Road safety and digital tachographs, o Railway sector.

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The involvement of researchers in such activities of MoInf and in EU funded projects and more funds for R&D, study visits and workshops will be of great support to the road and to the railway sector, to the implementation of regional and international cooperation, and to the development of a Multi Modal Transport Strategy, leading to cooperation with many other projects. There are still present difficulties in the cooperation between ministries and institutions, while new created executive, professional or R&D structures are not followed in due time by the recruitment of relevant staff and making impossible the training of them in accordance with set of technical procedures needed.

The updated and revised MMTS‐AP provides a roadmap for action for years 2013‐ 2017, in order to develop transport projects with special attention paid in particular on enhancing integration of transport modes, efficiency, safety and environmental concerns, presents a good opportunity and challenge for researchers to be involved.

The sustainability of the progress might be jeopardised due to the budget constraints, and the capacities of the research teams, their management, and their limited initiative ‐ both within the Ministry and towards external stakeholders ‐ to implement the skills gained, and to undertake the implementation of the planned actions.

6.2. Transport in the National Research Program 2010‐2015

At the National Research Program 2010‐201554, the transport is not within the five priorities. However, based on six objectives set by NRP as specific science and technology (S&T) targets needed to support socio‐economic development of Kosovo, that are: Objective 1: Development of human capacity for research activities Objective 2: Development of research infrastructure Objective 3: Internationalization of scientific research activity Objective 4: Strengthening links between science and society and economy for enhancing economic and social development Objective 5: Excellence in research and scientific activity55,

54 National Research Program 2010‐2015 approved by the Kosovo Assembly in June 2010 55 Ibidem, page 5 67 Transport

And, based on the general criteria for the evaluation of proposals: a) importance for the development of Kosovo, b) scientific value and international measures of the project, c) scientific achievement of the project proposer, d) competence of the applying organisation, e) ecological adequacy of the project56, one can conclude that there is a need and place for a transport programme, especially on development of doctoral programs for road and railway transport at the Department of Traffic and Transport of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Pristina as a higher education institution.

Development of high quality doctoral programs in cooperation with international relevant education and research institutions that may lead to joint or double degree, at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering is evaluated as an urgent priority. Contacts with Universities from Slovenia, Croatia, Austria and other western countries started and are ongoing. It may help strengthening research competence for academics of Faculty through international exchange programs, but also very important is capacity building for the staff in institutions involved in transport that will gain expertise for project planning and R&D.

The research in transport can be considered also in the additional NRP field of Information and Communication Technologies that considered as cross‐horizontal priority that may occur in any of the priority fields57.

6.3. Alignment with regional priorities

Representatives of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering from Kosovo participated and were active at all meetings on proposing, preparing, discussion and adoption of the WBC priorities for transport, based on National Background Report on Transport. The activities of the Faculty representatives are trying to align the activities based on the needs of transport sector in Kosovo in accordance to the five research priorities of the WBC countries: 1. Impact of surface transport on environment and safety a. Coastal seas b. Inland waterways c. Railways

56 Ibid., page 8 57 Ibid., pages 36‐37 68 Transport

d. Roads 2. Advanced materials and structures engineering for safer and greener means of transport 3. Passenger and freight intermodal transport and optimal use of various transport modes 4. Application of advanced simulations in transport systems

5. Application of ICT in intelligent transport systems

Kosovo’s participation in SEETO framework paves the way for the introduction of the TCA, which is expected to be signed by the end of this year expecting to fasten the implementation of the necessary reforms in the transport sector, especially on planning of multi‐modal transport and more attention to the railway sector. Therefore, the ongoing activities are:

• Finding the partners on topics from the regional research priorities based on common agreed proposals on mutual interest, • Definition of the project based on existing infrastructure and human capacity of the specific country and interconnectivity among WBC, • Agreement between WBC on joint project within above mentioned priorities, • Considering the topics for FP7 that has a European impact in order to be taken under consideration, • Helping MoInf and Kosovo Government on setting priorities for the transport treaty (TCA) that is under negotiation,

But, due to political situation at the international community, borders represent an obstacle for traffic and transport and Kosovo is gradually having access to bilateral agreements for the development of Road Transport. These facts, sometimes present obstacles to cooperation and joint regional projects, especially on implementation, despite the cooperative and free academic spirit among researchers.

69 Transport

Annex I: List of research and support projects implemented by foreign companies. 1. Development of Interurban Transport of Kosovo, 2000, (VCDH). 2. Drawing and implementation of concessions for acting and service of buses in Kosovo, April 2002( SAFAGE), 3. Institutional Support to MTC, Department of Road Transport “Interurban Road Transpor of Passengers‐ general study of two pilot corridors, KAMPSAX ( 2005), 4. Master Plan for the Maintenance and Development of the Road Network in Kosovo 2001/2010, Final Report, July 2002, by BCEOM. 5. Regional Balkans Infrastructure Study ‐ Transport, July 2003, by COWI A/S, 1. Kosovo Urgent Road Project, Consulting Services for Road User Charges Study, Final Report and Appendices, January 2004, by Roughton International. 2. “Feasibility study and environment impact for two main road network in Kosovo”. COWI (2006) , 3. Strengthening of financial sustainability of road sector in Kosovo (2007), 4. Study to Assess the Viability and Options for Public Private Participation in the Highway Sector in Kosovo, May 2007(The World Bank/PPIAF), 5. Technical Support for MTC to continue development of Multi Modal Transport Strategy and Action Plan, (egis bceom international‐COWI), April 2009.

70 Transport

Annex II: List of Transport Institutions for R&D

No. Name Adress Website 1 Faculty of Mechanical Sunny Hill, p.n , www.uni‐pr.edu/fim Engineering‐ 10 000 Prishtina Department of Traffic 2 Ministry of Transport and Mother Theresa www.mtpt.org Communications‐TPU Street, p.n 10 000 Prishtinë 3 Kosovo Chamber of Mother Theresa www.oek‐kcc.org Commerce Street, p.n 10 000 Prishtinë

71 Transport

Environment

NATIONAL BACKGROUND REPORT ON ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH FOR KOSOVO

Fetah Halili PhD, Full Professor, Faculty of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, University of Prishtina.

Agim Gashi PhD, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, University of Prishtina

with contribution from Dukagjin Pupovci, PhD, Full Professor of the University of Prishtina, Kosova Education Center

Prishtina, June 2009

73 Environment

Acknowledgements The authors are indebted to the members of the Expert Team (Prof. Dr. Selvete Krasniqi, Prof. Dr. Selim Jusufi, Prof. Dr. Zeqir Veseli, Dr. Ilir Morina, Mr. Raif Bytyçi) for their valuable discussion and contribution to this report.

74 Environment

List of abbreviations

EAR European Agency for Reconstruction EU European Union GDP Gross Domestic Product GTZ German Technical Cooperation INKOS Institute of KEK KEK Kosovo Energy Corporation KHMI Kosovo Hydro‐Meteorological Institute KNIPH Kosovo National Institute for Public Health MEST Ministry of Education, Science and Technology MESP Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning MoH Ministry of Health NCS National Council for Science NGO Non‐Governmental Organizations R&D Research and Development REC Regional Environmental Centre SEE South‐Eastern Europe SIDA Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency SWOT Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats UN United Nations UNDP United Nations Development Program USAID The United States Agency for International Development UNICEF United Nations Children's Fund USAID The United States Agency for International Development WB World Bank WUS World University Service

75 Environment

Executive Summary Kosovo has inherited a large number of environmental problems, accumulated for decades as a consequence of uncontrolled use of natural and mineral resources, high density of the population, and the presence of economic activities with a strong environmental impact, such as agriculture, production of electrical power and mining, and urban dwelling coupled with high level of pollution. The tremendous environmental threats and degradation are the main reason to established research resources to solve environmental problems in order to improve, protect and restore natural and man‐made environment in Kosovo. In this context, the main objective of this report is to provide a summary of research activities in the field of environment and identification of national research priorities in order to facilitate the interaction between the WBC INCO‐NET, and EU member states in the European Research Area (ERA). This initiative is supported by the European Commission under the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7). The report provides a brief overview of the environmental research in Kosovo. It includes key facts and figures concerning policy framework, as well as a short overview of main drivers of environmental research, research infrastructure and main environmental sub‐sectors in Kosovo. The consultation process started with data collection from environmental experts, academic research actors, and stakeholders to continue with data review and analysis in order to identify key elements of environmental research position in Kosovo. The SWOT analysis technique was utilized to survey environmental research capacities. The final Strategic Research Agenda identified a set of environmental research priorities for Kosovo selected from different environmental sectors and thematic issues driven by Environmental Strategy for Kosovo and Kosovo Environmental Action Plan 2006‐2010 developed by the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning. The environment Strategic Research Agenda is intended to contribute to the shaping of future EU‐WBC research co‐operation through relevant European Commission research policies and funding programs in a way that meets the interests and actual needs of regional environmental research area.

Introduction The economies of the Western Balkan Countries have been largely based on agriculture, natural resources and industry. These sectors used to employ large numbers of people, but at the same time they caused resource depletion and 76 Environment pollution. Many traditional economic activities have collapsed since 1990, leading to improvement of environmental quality but causing widespread unemployment, poverty58 and migration to large cities and abroad. Following the conflicts and economic crisis of the nineties, the governments in the region are working to improve the quality of life, with increased expectations of their citizens regarding living standard. In this context, Kosovo faces tremendous economic and social problems, exemplified by the fact that unemployment soars at around 40 per cent. There is also a shortage of capital for investment in the economy and the infrastructure. As a result of the conflict and the harsher living conditions, a World Bank study has found that 45% of the population lives below the poverty 2 line, and around 15 per cent live in extreme poverty The dire economic and social situation can be ascribed to both the unfavourable economic situation, that the country went through during the 1980’s, the conflict and the present transitional nature of the economy, moving from a planned economy to a market based economy. Due to these problems it is of paramount importance to kick‐start the economy and improves the wellbeing of the people. Nevertheless, these are not the only problems that the country faces at present. There are namely huge environmental problems, which have an impact on the wellbeing and the health of the people, which will be discussed below.

1. Purpose of the national background report and methodology/ summary of the consultation process This National report is compiled within the framework of WBC‐INCO.net project and its main goal is to provide an overview of the current situation in the environmental sectors in Kosovo regarding main environmental indicators and research policies. The report is based mainly on quantitative data gathered from different sources. The report also includes a SWOT (Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis of the environmental research capacities. Consultation process in Kosovo took place during April and May 2009 and included several face to face and phone interviews conducted during the data collection phase. Consultation process involved the following stakeholders:

• National research and development policy‐makers: Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning, Ministry of Health (MoH), Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST), Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, Ministry of Energy and Mines, Ministry of Transport and Post

58 World Bank. Kosovo ‐ Poverty Assessment (October 2007), http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/ECAEXT/KOSOVO EXTN/ 77 Environment

Telecommunication, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Public Services.

• Research actors: Kosovo Academy for Sciences and Arts, University of Prishtina (Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, Faculty of Mine and Metallurgy, Faculty of Construction and Architecture), National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo (NIPHK), Institute of Hydrology and Meteorology, INKOS Institute‐ KEK

• International, governmental and nongovernmental organizations involved in environmental issues and environmental research (EU, EAR, UNDP, WB, SIDA, GTZ, USAID, WUS, REC).

• Local Non‐Governmental Organizations (NGOs) from different environmental sectors

The national background report on environmental research identified a set of environmental research priorities for Kosovo, which are presented further below.

The biggest problem was the lack of a centralized data collection system, and a high degree of fragmentation of the research data.

2. The Environment S&T System in Kosovo Ten years after the war, Kosovo has not set up a fully‐fledged scientific research system yet. National economy remains too weak to support research and development, as it is not able to absorb the products of research and benefit from them. Research activities remain sporadic and marginal, based mainly on individual initiatives in the university sector and with almost no support from Government, which remains focused on the teaching component of higher education. Public expenditures for research and innovation in Kosovo remain at the level of 0.1% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), indicating minimum conditions for any scientific and research work. This funding is mostly used to cover operational costs of the existing research institutions59. Besides a lack of financial support and capacities for research in Kosovo, there is

59 Pupovci D. Kosovo National Research and Technology Program 2010‐ 2015 ‐ Foresight exercise. Draft.

78 Environment not enough interest among institutions to use opportunities available for the development of science and technology, such as 7th Framework Program of the European Commission.

2.1. Kosovo environmental policy framework

The basis of the policy framework is set up by the Kosovo Assembly and Government, who adopt and implement legislative acts. The Kosovo Assembly has three operating Committees that develop the legal framework in areas of environment and research:

1. Committee for Agriculture, Forestry, Rural Development, Environment and Spatial Planning, responsible for planning general strategy on agricultural development, forestry and rural environments in Kosovo, following the most advanced examples in these fields

2. Committee for Education, Science, Technology, Culture, Youth and Sports, which reviews legislation and policies related to all levels of education, as well as to the field of science and technology; and

3. Committee for Health, Work and Social Welfare, responsible for monitoring the implementation of health related legislation and policies by the Government of Kosovo.

Environmental protection and environmental research activities in Kosovo are partially regulated by the following laws and policy documents: a. The Law on Scientific Research Activity60 b. Environmental Law61 62 c. Strategy for Development of Higher Education in Kosovo (2005‐2015) . d. Environmental Protection Strategy and Sustainable development for Kosovo63 e. Kosovo Environmental Action Plan 2006‐20010

60 Assembly of Kosovo. The Law on scientific research activities. http://www.assembly‐ kosovo.org/common/docs/ligjet/2004_42_en.pdf 61 Assembly of Kosovo. Kosovo Environmental Law‐ http://www.assembly‐ kosovo.org/common/docs/ligjet/2004_4_en.pdf 62 Strategy for development of higher education in Kosovo (2005‐2015). Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, Prishtina 2004. www.see‐ educoop.net/education_in/pdf/str‐develop‐high‐educ‐kos‐ enl‐t02.pdf. 63 Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning 79 Environment

a. The Law on scientific research activities The most important document that regulates the area of research in Kosovo is the Law on Scientific Research Activity, which defines establishment, activity, organizing, governance and termination of public legal persons in scientific‐ research activity field; status of National Council for Science (NCS); and other issues related to scientific‐research activity in Kosovo.” Scientific research, according to this Law, includes fundamental, applied and development research. For the purpose of fulfilling the necessary conditions and providing the means, the Law prescribes that up to 0.7% of GDP shall be allocated through the Kosovo Consolidated Budget for the purpose of research though Kosovo is far from achieving this level of funding.

In July 2007 Kosovo Assembly elected the National Council for Science (NCS) of Kosovo composed of 15 members. The decision of the Assembly was implemented only in October 2008 when the first meeting of the Council took place. Since then, the Council announced the intention to develop a five‐year National Research Program for Kosovo, but the negotiations with the Government to start working on this project are still ongoing.

b. Kosovo Environmental Law (No.2003/9)

It is the legal basis for environmental management in Kosovo. The law addresses the prevention and reduction of pollution, monitoring and, how to define pollution levels. It provides binding provisions for environmental impact assessment and the implementation of the polluter pays principle. Monitoring of the situation of the environment is implemented in country’s level by the Ministry through Kosovo Environmental Protection Agency (KEPA) Kosovo Environmental Protection Agency, established by this Law is an institution which includes hydro‐meteorological Institute and Institute for protection of environment and nature under the authority of the MESP, for carrying out administrative, professional, back up, scientific and research tasks in the field of the environment protection, protected areas of the nature, biodiversity and in the field of hydrometeorology. The Law on Environment treats scientific research activities in several articles. Article 61 states that except Kosovo Environmental Protection Agency (KEPA) “Other research, scientific and publicly authorized organizations may engage in environmental research, if they meet the professional skills, equipment, space, accreditation, in line with the set standards and parameters”

80 Environment c. Strategy for Development of Higher Education in Kosovo (2005‐2015)

The Strategy for Development of Higher Education in Kosovo (2005‐2015), developed by MEST, addresses also the issue of research in the aegis of higher education. One of the six objectives defined in this document is to improve the capacity for scientific research. Based on this strategy the following measures are recommended to achieve this objective: conceptualize new policies, amend existing legislation supporting the research and scientific activity, build institutional and intellectual capacity, set standards for research and scientific work, find the needed funds and provide appropriate incentives.

So far, no policy was adopted or specific measures taken to improve research cooperation and integration into the European Research Area.

2.1.1 The overall environment policy framework

Kosovo has a new environmental legislation which adheres to European environment principles.

However, the environmental legislation continues to be fulfilled and improved to respond in a most effective manner to sustainable development of environment. Completion with legal personnel for the environment sector is seen by the Government as one important instrument for development of environmental policies.

81 Environment

The list of the Laws approved by Kosovo’s Assembly 2003‐2007, which are closely related to the field of environmental

Nr. Name of Law Law No. 1. Law on Protection of Environment 03/L‐025 2. Kosovo’s Forestry Law 03/3 3. Law on Spatial Planning 03/14 4. Law on Pesticides 03/20 5. Law on Waters 04/24 6. Law on Air protection 04/30 7. Law for the Irrigation of Agricultural lands 02/L‐9 8. Law on Animal Welfare 02/L‐10 9. Law on Energy 04/21 10. Law on Nature Conservation 02/L‐18 11. Law on Agricultural Land 02/L‐26 12. The Waste Law 02/L‐30 13. Law on Hunting 02/L‐53 14. Law on Hydro‐Meteorological Activity 02/L‐79 15. Law on Fishery and Aquaculture 02/L‐85 16. Law on Plant Protection 02/L‐95 17. Law on Public Health 02/L‐78 18. Law on Noise Protection 02/L‐102 19. Law on Chemicals 02/L‐116 20. Law on Special Protective Zones 03/L‐039 21. Law on Environmental Strategic Assessment 03/L‐015 22. Law on Environmental Impact Assessment 03/L‐024 23. Law on Integrated Prevention Pollution Control 03/L‐043 24. Law on Agriculture and Rural Development 03/L‐098 25. Law on Protection from Non‐Ionized, Ionized 03/L‐104 Radiation and

82 Environment

Approximation of Kosovo’s environmental legislation with European Union: The Kosovo’s national policy includes the process of European Integration. One of the main challenges in this process is environment, in particular fulfilment of European environmental standards and approximation of national legislation with European legislation. During 2006‐2007, European Commission has monitored the progress, made in harmonization of the Kosovo’s environmental legislation with EU and its implementation. The monitoring results of the progress made in harmonization of the environmental legislation with the EU64

Field EU Directives The level of harmoniza tion Horizontal Directive for AIE (85/337/EEC) 86 Legislation Directive for VSM (2001/42/EC) 19 Directive about environmental information (2003/4/EC) 32 Directive of public participation (2003/35/EC) 30

Air quality Frame Directive for environmental air quality (96/62/EC) 59 Directive for value limits of SO , NO , NO , particulate 41 matter) and Pb in environmental air (99/30/EC) Directive for bensen and carbon monoxide (2000/69EC) 41 Directive for ozone (2002/3/EC) 52 Directive for arsenic ,Cadmium ,mercury, nickel and 20 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in environmental air (2004/107/EC)

Waste Directive for waste (2006/12/EC) 91 Management Directive for hazardous waste (91/689/EC) 47 Directive for packaging as waste ( 94/62/EC) 55 Directive for dumping sites (99/31/EC) 58 Directive for waste incineration (2000/76/EC) 43

Water quality Frame directive for waters (2000/60/EC) 25 Directive for urban contaminated waters (91/271/EEC) 15 Directive for potable water (98/83/EC) 35 Directive for nitrates (91/676/EEC) 16

64 European Commission , DG ENV, Progress Monitoring Report, Year 10‐2007, June 2007 83 Environment

Protection of Directive for wild birds (79/409/EEC) 64 Nature Directive for habitats (92/43/EC) 75

Control of Directive for integrated control of contamination 18 industrial (96/61/EC) contamin Directive for plants of large burnings (2001/80/EC) 36 ation Chemicals Directive for hazardous substances (67/548/EEC) 53

The key body coordinating activities in the field of environmental protection at the national level is the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning (MESP). The Mission of the MESP is to protect and improve the environment and water facilities of Kosovo. In addition to promote efficient regulation and development of spatial planning through the design and implementation of relevant policies, strategies, programs and projects for the benefit of sustainable growth.

In 2004 MESP developed a ten year Kosovo Environmental Protection and Sustainable Economic Development Strategy required by the Environmental Protection Law, a document which reflects relevant environment policy framework. The strategy presents an overall picture of Kosovo’s natural environment, identify problems, develop priorities for action, and propose priority programs to be implemented. Priority actions are addressed more fully in the Environmental Protection Program. According to Kosovo Environmental Action Plan (2006), and other sources some of the key facts related to the environmental situation in Kosovo are described below: Kosovo’s environment has severe problems with regard to water quality, waste management, and air and soil pollution. In general, the quality of drinking water and of groundwater is unsatisfactory, and the area covered by sewage treatment is small. Pollution that affects surface water and groundwater is mainly caused by untreated municipal and industrial wastewater and by sources of diffused pollution (particularly agricultural nitrates). Furthermore, treatment and disposal of waste is a major concern, reflecting the poor implementation of extant waste regulations. Air pollution is a significant problem in larger cities and industrial areas, caused mainly by heavy emissions from the electricity, mining and transport sectors. Today, Kosovo’s environment is affected directly by unplanned constructions, as a result of the lack of spatial planning, including city planning activities, little management of industrial land and improper use of natural resources. Air pollution in Kosovo is relatively high and has various sources, including energy 84 Environment production (thermo power plants), heavy industry (metallurgy factories, quarries and cement factories), transport, agriculture, urban illegal waste Energy production facilities in Kosovo primarily use fossil fuels (coal and oil derivatives with relatively high sulphur contents). The thermo‐power plants and the other existent industries were established in the 1960s and have outdated systems and technology with poor gas emission cleaning, with a direct impact on the concentration of air pollutants (SO2, NOx, heavy metals, CO2, dust, suspended solids, dioxins, hydrocarbons, etc.) exceeding the maximum limits set by the EU. Industrial pollution sources in Kosovo pose a serious health risk due to the environmental pollution caused by emissions of lead, cadmium, zinc, copper, and other toxic substances into the air and ash landfills. Organized and continuous monitoring has not been carried out. A study done in year 2000 on the blood lead levels of workers from the Zveçan lead smelter, as well as people living in and around Mitrovica, showed very high blood lead levels especially in workers as well as in children.. Heavy traffic ‐ 215,500 vehicles were registered in Kosovo in 2002, not counting KFOR and UNMIK vehicles and about 25% of the vehicles in Kosovo that have not been registered, all of which release gases in processing fuel, a process that results in increased air pollution. Based on some analyses that were conducted in 2002, 15.0 litres of oil and 12.2 litres of petrol are used annually per inhabitant65.

Water‐river resources‐ the surface of Kosovo is divided into four riverbeds: 1). Riverbed of Drini i Bardhë‐with yearly capacity of 60m³/sec that runs into the Adriatic Sea, 2). Riverbed of Ibër ‐ with 33m³/sec that runs into the Black Sea, 3). Riverbed of Morava e Binçës ‐ with 7m³/sec, which also runs into the Black Sea, 4). Riverbed of Lepenc ‐ with 8m³/sec that runs into the Aegean Sea, as well as 5). The artificial lakes created by the branches of these rivers (Gazivoda with 380 million m³; Radoniqi with 113 million m³; Batllava with 40 million m³; Badovc with 26 million m³; Perlepnica with 4.2 million m³ and Livoq with 1.6 million m³) with a total capacity of around 570 million m³. The measurements conducted by the Hydro Meteorological Institute of Kosovo, in 50 measuring points in all rivers, were used to get the following physical and chemical parameters and the situation proved to be as follows: All rivers in Kosovo exceed EU standards as regards water colour, especially in the areas around the middle and the end as a result of industrial water and sewage discharge (app. 1500 l/s are discharged in the eastern part of Kosovo alone)66. This phenomenon is further aggravated by the uncontrolled extraction of sand and gravel from riverbeds.

65 DE: Air Section, 2002 66 DW‐Department of Water 85 Environment

Based on the measurements and chemical parameters: cyanide, nitrates, zing and phenols, are present in greater quantities from time to time, when compared to EU standards. Based on these analyses conducted disposal sites, central and domestic heating, poor quality infrastructure, etc. in the rivers of Kosovo, only the river 67 turned out to have values at a dangerous level . Water pollution is increased by the sewage, which is discharged in the water, as well as garbage, use of sand and gravel and land being washed. Plants used to process urban sewage do not exist in any urban centre and the few industrial plants available are not working. Another permanent risk is rainfall, which impacts the water level, increasing it and making it flood large areas of land. Potable water‐ Only 40‐50% of the total population living in urban areas has access to the water supply system. The rural population is covered with around 9%. There are six larger regional schemes serving about 900,000 people. These schemes use water from artificial storage lakes and underground sources. Moreover, about a dozen small systems serve about 150,000 people, with water usually coming from boreholes and artesian springs. Deficiency of chlorine used to disinfect the water and the fact that the drinking water sources are not properly protected also represents a significant problem. Wastewater‐ Kosovo does not have wastewater treatment plants and 28‐30% of the residents of urban areas have access to a sewage system. In the rural areas it is common that wells are contaminated by sewage, leading to a high incidence of gastrointestinal tract infectious diseases. No studies have been conducted in order to define the number and state of septic tanks in the rural areas. Waste‐ Problems with waste management are linked with problems deriving from illegal landfills, which pose a great potential for generating serious health problems. Dumpsites – Based on GTZ calculations regarding the amount of waste produced in Kosovo in the year 2000‐2001, approximately 1.2 kg of waste were produced daily 3 per inhabitant (438kg or 3.2 m annually). This amount, besides household waste, also includes waste from aluminium, glass, plastic, fabrics, etc. Whereas, according to the most recent information from the GTZ, that amount is now 0.6 kg/per capita daily. Out of the 30 municipalities in Kosovo, 26 had municipal dumping sites from the past, while now, it has been noted that there are about 140 other waste disposal areas. Waste management has improved greatly thanks to donations from the EAR, COOPI and DANIDA, which have improved financial conditions in municipalities through their programs. Some of the municipal dumpsites have been rehabilitated, while others, which have been sources of pollution and degradation, have been closed. High level regional dumping sites are now being built and some of them have started to operate, like in Prishtina, Peja, Prizren,

67 HMIK 86 Environment

Gjilan, Mitrovica, Podujeva, , Dragash and Zveçan. One of the most important issues in the field of environmental protection is uncontrolled forest cutting. Based on the data available, there are more than 12 thousand hectares of forest that have been destroyed. A great portion of the forests were damaged from the fires that broke out in some municipalities and destroyed more than 545 hectares, mostly in the municipalities of Peja, Gjilan and Prishtina. Forest degradation also affects and damages other surfaces, as they have a protective role. Excessive rainfall for example and floods can now freely spread to other surfaces and areas, not to mention the human factor and impact. And then, the result of such cycles is floods spreading to agricultural land and dwelling areas. As regards stone grinders and sand and gravel separation processes, the information available shows that there are 120 active companies working in some of these municipalities, with the exception of some municipalities that we have no 68 information about.

2.1.2 The elements of Environment research policy making Budgetary allocation for scientific research and technological development in 2008 from Kosovo Government was less than 0.1% of GDP. However, this amount is not purely dedicated to research, but includes salaries, goods and services, and public utilities for research institutions under the authority of MEST. There are several national strategies created by the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning, but there is not any research strategy although the Kosovo Agency for Environmental Protection (KEPA) started to operate in April 2007. One of its tasks is to set up the environmental information system based on research activities. Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning developed “Strategy of Environment and Sustainable Development in Kosovo 2005‐2015”, in accordance with the Millennium Development Goals69. Main national development policy goals set in the field of environment by the Kosovo government in the period 2005‐2015 are: 1. Completing of the legislation for environmental protection, in harmony with existing conditions in Kosovo, gradual fulfilment of EU standards and efficient implementation of existing ones. 2. Establishment of competent institutions with capable human capacities and well equipped for implementation of environmental policies. Capacity building should start with the following institutions: Decision making institutions, monitoring institutions, supervisory and inspection institutions.

68 Forestry Agency ‐ report 2003 69 United Nations. United Nations Millennium Declaration. 2000, available at: http://www.un.org/millennium/declaration/ares552e.htm. 87 Environment

3. Gradual increase of access to clean potable water for population, sewage system, waste treatment system and support to programs for recycling of black waters and waste; 4. Rational use of natural resources: soil, water, minerals, forest etc. Paying attention to the use of endangered varieties and sorts and orientation towards renewable resources. 5. Expand the area and protection of natural heritage areas and those with special natural value together with increase of capacitates for their efficient management in accordance with Rio Declaration; 6. Establishment and functioning of environmental monitoring network in whole Kosovo with priority to major industrial pollutants “hot spots” in Kosovo. 7. Provision of necessary financial and economic instruments, for environmental protection in harmony with economic development. Establishment of the eco‐fund. 8. Development of long term education programs, public awareness campaigns and support for environmentally focused scientific projects. 9. Support the concept of import of clean technologies in Kosovo in the starting phase of new industries and restarting of existing industry. 10. Application of the concept of energy efficiency in all sectors of energy users.

2.2. Overview of environment scientific research activities in Kosovo This overview presents research projects in the area of environment, major research topics and the infrastructure for environmental research. Environmental research activities in Kosovo are conducted mainly on personal initiatives at some faculties of the University of Prishtina, respectively in Faculty of Natural and Mathematical Sciences (Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Geography), National Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, Faculty of Mine and Metallurgy. There is no evidence of the number and types of scientific research papers in the field of environment. These research activities, with very few exceptions, are not supported by any research grants either from government, university or industry. So far, institutions had insufficient interest to use opportunities available for the development of th research area, such as the 7 Framework Program of the European Commission.

88 Environment

2.2.1 Environmental research projects

There is presently no research project in the environment issues funded through the MEST, nor the Academy of Science and Arts of Kosovo. From 1999 to 2007, there were two kinds of investments in environment in Kosovo, including Capital outlays (constructions), maintenance, trainings, development of environmental legislation, waste management, biodiversity management and other issues: 1. Investments from Kosovo Consolidated Budget /and

2. Donations (UNEP, GTZ, BGS, AER, WB, KFW and Swiss office) From Kosovo’s Consolidated Budget, respectively Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning a total of 1.031,699,00 € have been invested, whereas donor investments in the field of environment are presented below.

Donor investments in the field of environment

Donor 1999 – 2008 Amounts in millions in €

UNEP 0.001 BGS 0.001 AER 95.450 WB 10.500 KFW 2000‐2006 32.850

Swiss Office 29.290 Total 168.090

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Projects implemented in the field of environment funded by local and international organisations:

Authors/ Year Title Budget institutions

2000 – Water monitoring in KEK area: recipient waters, INKOS – KEK 2009 ongoing surface‐ effluent waters, underground waters in the area Air monitoring in KEK area: Emission 2000 – monitoring, emission INKOS – KEK 2009 ongoing. measurements in Power Plants (chimneys) and in Investigation of soil contamination in the area of existing mines INKOS – KEK – discontinuous. Measurement of noise and vibration INKOS – KEK Environmental Impact Assessment for the 2005 “Project of INKOS – KEK returning fresh ash from Kosova B Power Plant in

KEK, Kosovo 2007 Environmental Impact Assessment for South‐ Consolidated Western Sibovc. Budget, INKOS Recultivation project for South Western Sibovc. INKOS – KEK 2007

Closing, recultivating project for existing mines of 2008 FERONIKEL‐ Feronikel, INKOS 2008 (financed by Feronikel).

Experimental greening project for existing landfills 2005/20 of Power INKOS – KEK 06 Plants, with hidrosemia method in the area of 7

April Balkan Trust Fund Introducing Strategic Community Development 2004 ‐ April for Democracy – 47,737 € Principles in REC 2005 Kosovo/a

Developing Strategy for Environment and November 2003

Sustainable SIDA – REC ‐ April 22.389 € Development for Kosovo/a in partnership with 2004 Ministry of

90 Environment

Septemb Accessing Environmental Information as a Tool for er 2003 British Office Solving ‐ October 29.805 € Prishtina – REC Environmental Problems 2004

Norwegian March Promoting Networking and Cooperation of 2001 ‐ 700.000€ Environmental NGOs: Establishment of Electronic Ministry of December 2003 for whole Computer Networks on a National and Regional Environment, Dutch Region Level Ministry of Foreign (SEE) Affairs and Italian Ministry of Environment ‐ REC

April Environmental Awareness & Education in 2002 ‐ 174.939 € Kosovo/a SIDA – REC December 2003

May 2002 ‐ Around 'National' Grants Program Kosovo/a DANCEE –REC December 2003 25.000 €

Avalon March Sustainable Rural development and Eco‐ Foundation 2003 ‐ agriculture in Kosovo ‐ Year III December 2003 25.451 €

European Agency July 2001 232.423 € Solving household waste problems through local for Reconstruction ‐ November initiatives and public information in Kosovo/a – REC 2003

British Office September 2002 Attention to Environment ‐ Bringing Media and Prishtina – REC ‐ October 24.150 € the Environmental Movement Together in Raising the Environmental Awareness in Kosovo/a 2003

Japanese Special September 2002 Pilot project on household waste separation Fund – REC ‐ July 2003 58.269 €

91 Environment

European Agency September 2002 Feasibility study on recycling in Kosovo/a for Reconstruction ‐ February 16.365 € – REC 2003

Capacity building of the environmental civil society January in Albanian ICCO 2002 ‐ 48.931 € and Serbian communities in Kosovo/a ‐ Through Netherlands‐ REC December 2002 training, small projects & coaching

January Eco Agriculture & Sustainable Rural Avalon 2002 ‐ 28.121 € Development in Kosovo ‐ Year II Foundation‐ REC December 2002

Knowledge is Power: Information for BritishOffice July 2001 Environmental Actions in Prishtina – REC ‐ September Kosovo II 2002 21.701 €

Ministry April Environment and 2002 ‐ Environmental Policy Course Spatial Planning – September 2002 10.271 € REC

January Aluminium Collection and Recycling as 2001‐ March Sustainable NGO Financing Mechanism SIDA – REC 30.308 € 2002

January Avalon Eco Agriculture & Sustainable Rural Development in 2001 ‐ Foundation 11.413 € Kosovo/a December 2001 ‐ Year I

December 2000 Dutch Ministry of Housing, Spatial ‐ November Small grants for Environmental NGOs in Kosovo Planning and the 2001 27.054 € Environment – REC

March Participation of Kosovo in the Regional 2001 ‐ Environmental UNDP –REC 9.719 € September 2001 Reconstruction Program (REReP) for South Eastern Europe

92 Environment

April 2001 ‐ July Strategic Environmental Analysis for Kosovo/a 2001 SIDA – REC 2001 14.791 €

Capacity Building of the environmental civil society October ICCO 2000 – in Kosovo 46.386 € Netherlands June 2001

January 2001 – Knowledge is Power: Information for Environmental June 2001 KFOS – REC 2.553 € Action in Kosovo I

October 2000 ‐ Support to environmental consultancy DHV Consultants November 2000 company on landfill research in Kosovo 1.176 € – REC

April 2000 ‐ June Strategic Environmental Analysis for Kosovo/a 2000 SIDA – REC 17.165 € 2000

Development 12.2007

Agency (ADA), –

respective 12.2009 municipalities and villages CHF Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Programme Ministry of 1.680.000 Environment and CHF Spatial Planning, 850.000 Ministry of Local Governance and Administration, ADA, respective municipal authorities of Gjilan, Ferizaj, Viti, Kacanik, Vushtrri and Suhareka, respective villages. Consultant Community Development Initiatives, Kosovo

93 Environment

Development of Water Resources in South‐Eastern SECO 11.2005 – CHF Kosovo (DWRSEK) 10.2008 10’960’000

SDC, Perreten &

Milleret SA,

Switzerland, Regional Water South‐Eastern Kosovo Water Supply and Sanitation Companies of project Gjilan and Ferizaj, 11.2007– CHF Kosovo Trust 10.2009 1.680.000 Agency, Water and wastewater regulatory office

07.2006– Incorporation of 7 Regional Water Utilities in Kosovo CHF SDC, KfW 04.2008 714.085

SDC, Water and 01.2008– Water Management – Operational and Financial Wastewater 12.2009 Monitoring Regulatory Office, CHF Project 7 Regional Water 125.000 Companies of Kosovo, Kosovo Trust Agency

SDC, Foreign 01.2007 CHF Ministry of – Horticulture Promotion in Kosovo 2.880.000 Denmark, Ministry 12.2009 CHF of Agriculture 2.850.000 Forestry and Rural Development, Farmers’ Association, Intercooperation, Switzerland,

Biodiversity of Germia‐ values and threatening EAR/REC 2002 6000 DM dangers

Campaign against throwing and burning of waste REC 2002 5000 DM

94 Environment

Kosovo strategy for environmental MMPH 2002 protection constant development

Plants along the border REC 2003

Italian Foreign Improvement for environmental quality in Kosovo Ministry and 2003‐04 30000 € UNMIK

To know more nature of Kosovo‐ emission cycles RTK 2003/04

South East European network on plants genetic SIDA 2004 80000 € resources

Government of Project Law on national parks 2005 Kosovo

2.2.2 Key competencies in Environment research field

Within the FP7 Cooperation Work Programme 2009: Environment (including climate change) the main research topics are grouped into four areas: 1. Climate change, pollution and risks • Pressures on environment and climate • Environment and health • Natural hazards 2. Sustainable Management of Resources • Conservation and sustainable management of natural and man‐made resources and biodiversity • Management of marine environments 3. Environmental Technologies

• Environmental technologies for observation, simulation, prevention, mitigation, adaptation, remediation and restoration of the natural and man‐made environment

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• Protection, conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage, including human habitat improved damage assessment on cultural heritage

• Technology assessment, verification and testing 4. Earth observation and assessment tools

• Earth and ocean observation systems and monitoring methods for the environment and sustainable development

• Forecasting methods and assessment tools for sustainable development taking into account differing scales of observation

Having in mind these research topics featured within FP7 we’d consider that competencies of Kosovar researchers should be as follow: • Environment and health • Biological validation of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems • Chemical specification in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems • Sustainable management of natural and man‐made resources

2.2.3. Environmental research infrastructure

Research institutions in the S&T field of environment in Kosovo are:

• Faculty of Mathematical and Natural Sciences • Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary • National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo • Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo • Faculty of Mine and Metallurgy • Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture • Hydrological and Meteorological Institute • INKOS Institute‐ KEK • International organizations

The University of Prishtina was founded in 1970 and is one of the two public universities in Kosovo. It has 17 faculties with approximately 35.000 students. Starting with the academic year 2001/2002, the University of Prishtina adopted the two‐tier system of studies as prescribed by the Bologna Declaration. International cooperation is one of main priorities of the University of Prishtina and is focused on intensive participation in various programs. The University of 96 Environment

Prishtina has signed 80 cooperation agreements with other universities all over the World. Teaching and research in the University of Prishtina represent the main activity of the University, pursuant to article 5 of its statute. However, there is little evidence of organized scientific activity at the University and of any strong links between research and teaching component. Faculties that are involved in environmental research activities carried out research mainly by master and doctoral studies and other individual research initiatives without any financial support. Academy of Science and Arts of Kosovo was founded in 1975. Today it is the highest institution in the field of sciences and arts in Kosovo. It consists of four sections: Language and Literature, Social sciences, Natural sciences and Arts.

Another state body that defines and acts within the health policy framework and research is the National Institute of Public Health. The NIPH represents a multidisciplinary scientific and educational facility and is in charge of developing the health strategy in the fields of epidemiology, health education and promotion, disease prevention, laboratory diagnosis and health information.

Important support to health research in Kosovo was given by the international governmental and non‐governmental institutions as follow: USAID, SIDA, REC, EAR, EU, UNDP, WUS, UNEP, SO, GTZ, WB, etc. The NGO Sector (Non‐Governmental Organizations) consist from about 30 registered environmental NGO‐s with very low budget and in this point of view Kosovo is ranked among the countries with the lowest total budget for NGOs in south‐east Europe (382.500 €)70

2.3. Key drivers of Environmental Research

2.3.1 Main Environmental sector trends in Kosovo

The implementation of policies to achieve a feasible rate of sustainable environment must take place through the integration of environmental strategy with sector strategies, monitoring, information and reporting, including integrated and sustainable land use, waters and waste management. The key environmental sector trends are: • Climate changes and air pollution monitoring • Water resources management • Land management

70 MESP, State of Environment Report 2006‐2007 97 Environment

• Biodiversity and natural heritage • Waste management • Health and environment • Radiation • Energy • Transport • Agriculture • Integrated spatial management

2.3.2 . Main socio‐economic challenges in Kosovo

Due to the many difficulties over the last two decades and in particular through the post conflict period, Kosovo faces many economic developmental challenges. Underlying economic growth potential in Kosovo is roughly 3.0 – 4.0 per cent per annum. Unemployment is of the order of 35 – 40 per cent. Currently some 29,000 young people are entering the labour market every year. Even if the economy could move to a permanent growth rate of say 6.0 per cent, in ten to fifteen years’ time, unemployment will only have halved. This simple observation defines the real economic development challenge for Kosovo.

At the same time, it is estimated by the World Bank (WB) that perhaps as much as 45 per cent of the population may well live in a broadly defined state of poverty. Thus it is clear that even if economic growth is increased markedly and sustained through the longer term, there will be an underlying and continuing social challenge that must be addressed. In a very real sense, this is what can be called a ‘baseline’ policy priority.

Kosovo’s initial position contains a number of strengths. It has a young population, and significant natural resources. The social structure is characterized by the existence of networks both formal and informal that provide safety nets for the poor and the unemployed. The foundations for a liberal market economy and modern system of accountability are in place and international partners are supporting many dimensions of the developmental process.

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3. Integration of Kosovo in the European Environment research At present, Kosovo has no elaborate plans for the development of the environment R&D sector in the country neither for integration of the country in the European Research Area. The Government is still discussing terms for participation in the FP7 Program with the European Commission and setting up mechanisms needed for efficient cooperation.71

Researchers’ mobility is expected to increase as the country gradually is getting further access to EU funded mobility programmes directed in higher education and research.

4. SWOT analysis 4.1. Strengths

• The government has set up a legal framework in science and higher education • Environmental legislation established • Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development Strategy developed • Environmental Action Plane developed • Active participation and collaboration in regional and international environmental initiatives

4.2. Weaknesses

• Inadequate allocation of budget for Research and Development

• Lack of national strategy on scientific research

• Low priority placed on environmental health research by Government

• Research is not linked to real needs of community

• Lack of project management skills

71 Kosovo (UNSC 1244/99) progress report. Enlargement strategy and main challenges 2008‐2009. European Commission, Brussels, 2008 99 Environment

• Lack of skills for writing proposals for EU‐funded research programs

• Overload of research staff with education and routine professional duties

• Lack of environmental curriculum based on integrated approach at all levels of education

• Small usage of existing environmental research equipment

4.3. Opportunities

• Implementation of Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development Strategy

• Implementation of Environmental Action Plane

• Organization of doctoral studies based on European experience

• Increased mobility of research staff

• Increased of awareness of the position of environmental issues in overall economic development

• Participation on EU research programs

• Presence of international organizations actively involved in environmental sector

• Potential to enhance collaboration and strengthen capacities with neighbouring countries on environmental research issues.

4.4. Threats

• Economic threats (global financial crisis)

• Insufficient direct communication between research and industrial sector

• Brain drain

• Low level of research culture

• Insufficiency of specialized and experienced researchers in the environmental field.

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5. Environment research priorities for Kosovo Research environmental priorities for Kosovo are driven by two documents Environmental Strategy and Sustainable Development and Kosovo Environmental Action Plane developed by the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning. The main goal of this background report was to specify country environmental research priorities which will be interconnected with other WBC and the EU member States environmental research priorities. In this context we are focused on the great lines of the FP7 Work Program on the Theme of Environment.

After detail analysis and guidance the following environmental research priorities were formulated in terms of environmental research area, themes and sub themes:

I. Climate change, pollution and risks • Energy production, industrial and transport air pollution • Human health and environment

II. Sustainable management of natural and man‐made resources • Monitoring and sustainable management of water resources • Sustainable management and use of biodiversity • Natural and cultural heritage • Soil processes and degradation

III. Environmental technologies • Drinking and waste water treatment systems • Clean technology

In accordance with postulate “Climate will change everything” all environmental research priorities are selected in correlation with effects of global climate changes on ecosystems structure and function. In text below will be presented detailed research priorities from each selected environmental research area:

I. 1. Monitoring emissions from energy production, industry and transport

I. 2. Establishing Early Warning Systems due to the harmful effects of Climate changes on humane health

I. 3. Impact of climate changes on the effects of extreme events such as forest fires, forestry and agriculture production.

I. 4. Air pollution and human and ecosystem health from molecular to ecosystem level

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I. 5. Indoor air and impacts on health II. 1. Capacity building needed for implementation of ecosystem approach in nature management. II. 2. Monitoring of water quality and quantity of freshwater ecosystems

II. 3. Water pollution and waterborne diseases II. 4. Cross‐border ecosystems

II. 5. Inventory of flora, fauna and fungi of Kosovo II. 6. Preparation of Red Book of plants, animals and fungi of Kosovo

II. 7. Setting up of gene bank for genetic conservation of herbal resources in Kosovo under in situ conditions

II. 8. Soil degradation (constructions, polluters, erosion) and rehabilitation II. 9. Waste hazards sources (radiation, heavy metals, pesticides) and effects on living systems II. 10. Application of GIS for preparation of map of degraded and threatened eco‐systems (soil degradation, vegetation damage, erosion, drought, flood, forest fire) II. 11. Urban design and environmental problems III.1. Ground water treatment as a source of drinking water in rural area. III.2. Waste water treatment in industrial and municipality sector.

5.1 Environmental research priorities on the basis of the country’s readiness

Based on existing infrastructure, human resources, recent performance and further strengthening of research capacity, the top fields in the Kosovo environment research sector include:

Priority 1: Feedbacks between ecosystems pollution and climate changes Priority 2: Environment and health

Priority 3: Biodiversity Management Priority 4: Water Resources Management Priority 5: Land use

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5.2. Environmental research priorities on the basis of future potential Priority 1: Energy resources in Climate Changes

Priority 2: Consequences of climate changes on biodiversity Priority 3: Molecular tools in nature conservation

6. Post‐Report Situation

6.1. Update on the situation The National Background Report on Environmental Research for Kosovo was written during the period April‐June 2009 within the framework of WBC‐INCO.net project. From that period until now based on collected data and based also on SWOT analysis performed during the preparation of the report there was a moderate progress regarding the country potential on R & D in the field of Environment. One of the opportunities identified in SWOT analysis of the current report is related to increasing awareness of the position of environmental issues in overall economic development. In this context, the annual Conference named “The Science Week” was organized by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in the period 2010‐2012 with the aim to raise awareness of research community on research carried out in Kosovo. The major outcomes of the current report were presented in the 2012 Conference within the field: Natural resources, energy and environment. Several research projects related to environmental issues were launched following publication of the original report, and they are described below:

The EULUP project “Further Support to Land Use” Currently Kosovo confronts land use problems, which seriously hamper sustainable development of the agricultural sector as well as the rural development in general. The current situation in rural areas is characterized by subsistence farming, land fragmentation, uncontrolled construction, and pollution of agricultural lands. The Government of Kosovo faces issues of insufficiently harmonized legislation related to land, stagnant land consolidation processes and non‐transparent land market. Moreover, the implementation of land policies lacks viable tools for preventing illegal buildings in rural areas, as well as GIS based information on land use parcels.

The overall goal of the project "Further Support to Land Use" (EULUP) is to contribute to sustainable increase of the productivity and the optimal use of agricultural land through assistance to land reform and sound rural spatial planning. 103 Environment

All developed planning tools and procedures are going to be applied at national level and be tested in the selected pilot municipalities, where the EULUP will implement several project components:

• Facilitate the harmonization of legislation related to rural land management, • Foster and carry out land consolidation schemes based on participatory approach, • Create and test a model for standard rural land management plan at a municipality level, • Improve land leasing and valuation practices and procedures, • Initiate the simplified land parcel register (LPIS) based on web‐GIS prototype model, • Carry out a reconnaissance survey of agricultural land pollution and produce a GIS database, • Coordinate collaboration and carry out capacity building for beneficiaries and stakeholders.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development (MAFRD) and the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning (MESP) along with 7 selected municipalities were the major direct beneficiaries. The project "Further Support to Land Use" was launched in 2012.

“EU Twinning Project to Support the Environment Sector”

To improve the state of the environment in Kosovo, a number of efforts have already been taken by the Kosovo Environment Protection Agency. In conjunction with the efforts to start the implementation of EU Environmental Policies and the preparations for the utilisation of by the European Commission Liaison Office (ECLO) in Kosovo and is implemented by the consortium comprising of GFA Consulting Group GmbH (leading), BVVG of Germany, and DLG of the Netherlands. The project was of 24 month duration and was completed in February. The future IPA Environment Development Component, KEPA has to introduce new major policies and means to support general, sector and institutional reforms and developments. The overall objective of this project was continued and sustainable improvement of environmental conditions including air quality, management and control of water resources to meet EU standards, particularly in relation to public health and economic development of Kosovo. To achieve this objective the Kosovo Environment Protection Agency ‐ KEPA conducts this Twining Project with expertise

104 Environment from Austria, Finland and Latvia. Project duration is 22 months, from the 25th November 2010 to the 30th September 2012.

Project: “Conservation of Biodiversity and Sustainable Land Use Management in Dragash” Objective: Sustainable development plans/policies effectively respond to the need of stakeholders (central & local government), as well as promote employment and environmental protection.

Outputs:

• Plans and policies in place for the adequate conservation and sustainable management of the Sharr Mountains natural resources, and the protection of its unique geography • Plans and policies in place and capacities developed to improve the livelihoods, income generation opportunities and sustainable economic conditions for all local communities, based on the conservation of biodiversity and adequate management of natural resources • A sustainable, economically viable and environmentally‐sound energy policy and energy supply strategy for the municipality developed, and capacities for its implementation developed • Relevant mechanisms and capacities are developed within the municipality for the promotion of sustainable development and for addressing the needs of women, youth, the unemployed and other minority and disadvantaged groups Budget: 4,037,685 USD Funding: Government of Finland

Project: “Environmental pollution in Kosovo: potential genotoxic effects and related human health risks”

European Commission Liaison Office to Kosovo/ Research Capacity Development in Kosovo

Overall objective: To improve human and environmental health in Kosovo and to meet EU standards, particularly in relation to public health by establishing the necessary research infrastructure and the promotion of research‐guided teaching at the master and diploma level. Specific objectives: to increase the quantity and quality of research performed at the University of Prishtina; to improve the research facilities and research 105 Environment equipment; To establish new research methods at the University of Prishtina; to strengthen links between teaching and research by supporting research of Master and Diploma students; to “recruit” early stage researchers at the University of Prishtina; to strengthen the existing partnerships and widening the collaboration with European Research institutions; to improve project management capacities at the University of Prishtina; and to raise awareness for effects of pollution on human and environmental health in Kosova.

Main activities: Research work (assessment of the potential genotoxic effects and human health risks), raising human capacities, equipping labs, training in new methods, establishment of new methods at the University of Prishtina, round table. Target Groups: Educational organisations, government, local authorities, health professionals and professionals in environmental remediation, students, people affected from pollution

Partners: University of Prishtina, University of Salzburg

6.2. Environment in the National Research Program 2010‐2015 Setting the research as one of priorities, the government has contributed to a limited progress related to establishing well designed and functional scientific research system. The National Research Programme (NRP) was approved by the Kosovo Assembly in 2010 with research in the field of Environment among the top priorities. This document states that climate changes, pollution and risks, sustainable management of natural resources and environmental technology are paramount to ensure a better quality of life, cleaner environment and ecological sustainability in Kosovo and the Region. Topics to be addressed by this research priority in the NRP are in full compliance with research priorities stated in the National Background Report on Environmental Research for Kosovo (2009):

- Capacity building for implementation of the ecosystem approach to management of nature, - Management of drinking water and treatment systems of contaminated water, - Treatment of groundwater as drinkable water source in rural areas, - Treatment of polluted water in urban and industrial sector, Inventory of flora, fauna and fungus in Kosovo, - Study of land degradation (construction, conversion, fragmentation, pollutants, erosion) and land consolidation, 106 Environment

- Application of geographic information system (GIS) in preparing the map for degraded and endangered ecosystems, - Sources of pollution (radiations, heavy metals, pesticides and herbicides) and their effects on living beings, - Urban design and environmental problems, - Monitoring of Emission of polluting substances during the production of energy as well as from industry and transport, - Establish early warning systems due to the dangerous effects of climate change on human health, - Environmental pollution and human health, and ecosystem condition from microscopic (molecular) to the macroscopic level, - Indoor air pollution and human health effects. However, there are still numerous barriers preventing the implementation of the priorities identified by NRP. Although the Government had initially allocated 1 million € for financing projects in the six identifies priority areas, due to public budget reallocations, only 0.4 million were invested in research projects.

6.3. Alignment with regional priorities The main objective of the project WEB‐INCO.NET is to support the enhanced integration of the Western Balkan Countries in the European Research Area. In this respect several National Background Reports in different fields of R&D have been drafted so far by the participating countries. Regarding the R&D in the field of Environment reports have been developed and submitted by Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. Each of such reports provides the national R&D priorities in the field of environment. A summary of key priorities identified at least in one of other Western Balkan countries participating in the WEB‐INCO.NET is presented in the following.

• Monitoring emissions from energy production, industry and transport • Establishing Early Warning Systems due to the harmful effects of Climate • Changes on humane health • Impact of climate changes on the effects of extreme events such as forest Fires, forestry and agriculture production • Soil degradation (constructions, polluters, erosion) and rehabilitation • Application of GIS for preparation of map of degraded and threatened

107 Environment

ecosystems (soil degradation, vegetation damage, erosion, drought, flood, forest fire) • Urban design and environmental problems • Ground water treatment as a source of drinking water in rural area • Waste water treatment in industrial and municipality sector • Cross‐border ecosystems management • Water management (lakes and rivers) • Management and protection of marine eco‐systems • Biodiversity • Capacity building needed for implementation of ecosystem approach in nature management

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NATIONAL BACKGROUND REPORT ON ICT RESEARCH FOR KOSOVO

Lule Ahmedi, PhD, Associate Prof., Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, University of Prishtina

Pristina, November 2009

ICT

Acknowledgements I would like to thank Kadri Sylejmani, a colleague from my Department, for his great contribution in gathering valuable data for this report. I am also grateful to Prof. Dr. Dukagjin Pupovci, Kosova Education Center, for his valuable inputs and support.

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Executive Summary Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) present the technological fundament of the information and knowledge based society. Kosovo has a chance to improve the wellbeing of its citizens through technology‐enabled industries and services. Moreover, the results delivered by ICT R&D may be well used by many other disciplines of science and technology. In addition, ICTs are the main driving engine of innovation in a modern society, and as such should be given the attention they deserve.

Kosovo has recently improved in ICT performance. However, existing research infrastructure and resources are scarce, and investments should follow to support research in ICT. There is an urgent need for enabling technologies for building an information and knowledge based society.

The project "Co‐ordination of Research Policies with the Western Balkan Countries" (wbc‐inco.net),72 funded by the EU under the FP7 Programme, aims to contribute integration of the Western Balkan Countries into the European Research Area. As part of that project, this national background report on ICT research for the period 2009‐2013 has been prepared.

The report first outlines the current ICT research environment in Kosovo, i.e., the local policy framework, fields of competencies in ICT research, the ICT sector trends, and the main socio‐economic challenges that affect the R&D in ICT field. Involvement of Kosovo in EU research projects with an emphasis on ICT is then discussed, followed by a SWOT analysis of the ICT research capacity in Kosovo.

Finally, the national background report introduces ICT research priorities on the basis of the country’s readiness, as well as priorities on the basis of future potential. A summary of the consultation process conducted is also presented in the report. Although in a tight priority competition, 10 priorities were identified to represent the highest ICT research priorities of Kosovo for the period 2009‐2013. For each priority, specific (socio‐economic or other) objectives are defined, and a set of research topics per objective listed accordingly.

In terms of a wider objective, the national background report on ICT research is intended to contribute to the shaping of future research cooperation between EU and Western Balkan countries by funding programmes and policies of EU research that meet the actual needs of regional ICT domain.

72 Project contract number 212020. 111 ICT

Introduction Research is an important part of higher education, and a central pillar of a knowledge based society. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) present the technological fundament of the information and knowledge based society. Kosovo should follow the European practice of fostering research in ICT which is one of the highest priority themes of the EU's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) for Research and Technological Development, which will fund research across Europe from 2007‐2013. Investments in ICT research are a chance for Kosovo to boost economic growth and improve the quality of life and work of its citizens. Although the performance of the ICT sector in Kosovo is steadily increasing (considerable growth of GDP share in the sector), the importance of ICT for the wellbeing of its citizens goes well beyond that. ICTs are also critical to: • Improving the efficiency of public services as well as business‐related applications, and modernizing sectors ranging from health to education. • Delivering cutting‐edge solutions to all disciplines of R&D. • Exploiting European ICT research results and their adoption to local market needs. • Enabling integration into the global R&D community by boosting innovation and competitiveness in all industrial and service sectors.

1. Purpose of the national background report and methodology/ summary of the consultation process This national background report on ICT research was prepared within the framework of the project "Co‐ordination of Research Policies with the Western Balkan Countries" (wbc‐inco.net)72 funded by the European Community's Capacities Programme on International Cooperation under the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (2007‐2013). The report aims to provide an overview of the current ICT research environment in Kosovo, and to identify ICT research and development (R&D) priorities for Kosovo in the period 2009‐2013. A wider objective of the report is to provide data relevant to master and shape the future research cooperation in relations EU‐Western Balkan countries through funding research programmes and policies that meet the actual needs of regional ICT domain. A consultation process was conducted for a month to develop this report. Questionnaires were sent to ICT stakeholders according to their profile:

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• National R&D policy‐makers: government and ministry representatives. • Higher education institutions: university academic. • Industrial actors: software companies, Internet and telecom providers, and main public service providers. • Potential donors: foreign R&D agencies, funding programmes and associations, and NGOs. A summary of the consultation process with all the actors consulted, and results acquired, is presented in Annex 1 of this report. Although in a tight priority competition, 10 priorities were identified to represent the highest ICT research priorities of Kosovo for the period 2009‐2013 and will be introduced further in this report. The report was prepared by Dr. Ing. Lule Ahmedi, Assistant Professor at the University of Prishtina, Kosovo, and University of South East Europe, FYR Macedonia. Dr. Ahmedi received her PhD in computer science at University of Freiburg, Germany, where she also engaged in teaching and research for over five years as a member of the Databases and Information Systems Department. Dr. Ahmedi is author of several referred papers in renowned international conferences.

2. The ICT S&T System in Kosovo 2.1. The Kosovo ICT policy framework

2.1.1. The overall ICT policy framework Department of Information Technology (DIT) within the Ministry of Public Services is responsible for setting standards and for provision of electronic services in all governmental institutions73. In 2008 DIT adapted "Electronic Governance Strategy 2009‐2015". The strategy reviews the current situation in all governmental institutions regarding the ICT infrastructure, and recommends a strategy for implementing electronic services to citizens in healthcare, education, justice, and business, to mention a few. Government has approved many laws, administrative instructions and policies, and standards applied, which regulate the application of ICT in governmental institutions and nationally. Law on Telecommunications No. 2002/774 governs all telecommunications services and all telecommunications service providers in Kosovo, and is creates a transparent legal and regulatory environment which

73 http://www.ks‐gov.net/MAP/DocumentsShpalljet/E_Governance_Strategy_2009_‐_2015.pdf 74 http://www.gazetazyrtare.com/e‐ gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=102&Itemid=28&lang 113 ICT promotes investments and free competition to meet the requirements of all users of telecommunications services. Law on Information Society Services No. 02/L‐2375 is another law in the field of ICT. It makes electronic documentation legally equivalent to its traditional counterpart in paper format, in order to facilitate commercial activities (e.g., e‐Trade, e‐Banking, e‐Payment, e‐Government, e‐ Procurement). Law on Administrative Procedure No. 02/L‐2876 regulates the electronic execution of activities of the public administration. Moreover, Law on Copyright and Related Rights No. 2004/4577, and Law on Scientific Research Activity No. 2004/4278 have been adopted, whereas Law on the Protection of Personal Data79, and Law on Prevention and Fight of the Cyber Crime80 have been drafted and are being considered for approval by the government. Further as part of the legislation building, a number of administrative instructions have been promulgated which regulate the use of ICT in government, such as Administrative Instruction on Use of Licensed Software No. 2007/02 ‐ MPS81, and Administrative Instruction on Using Official Electronic Mail (Official E‐Mail) of Kosovo PISG No. 2005/03 ‐ MPS82. The legislation infrastructure is still incomplete, thus a need arises to respectively amend it. The Ministry of Transport and Communications, Department of Information and Communications Technology, is responsible for policy related to telecommunications, and the government approved "Telecommunications Sector Policy"83 as proposed by this ministry in 200784. The policy's main goals are to promote market entry, promote competition and a level played field, achieve universal access, ensure optimal usage of scarce resources, and establish a more effective legal framework for the monitoring and supervision of the telecommunications sector. In 2003 the Assembly of Kosovo approved the Law on Telecommunications which provided for the establishment of an independent regulatory body for telecom – the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA),85 responsible for implementing government policies pursuant to this law, and all other implementing legislation enacted pursuant thereto. TRA has so far issued several regulations86 for the implementation of this law. An international telephone dialling code and a

75 http://www.assembly‐kosova.org/?cid=2,191,185 76 http://www.gazetazyrtare.com/e‐gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=43&lang=en 77 http://www.gazetazyrtare.com/e‐gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&lang=en&id=62 78 http://www.gazetazyrtare.com/e‐gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=35&lang=en 79 http://www.assembly‐kosova.org/?cid=2,194,116 80 http://www.assembly‐kosova.org/?cid=2,194,55 81 http://www.ks‐gov.net/map/Documents/UA%20nr.2007‐02‐ %20MSHP%20per%20perdorimin%20e%20softuereve%20te%20licencuar‐5.pdf 82 http://www.ks‐gov.net/map/Documents/AI.%20No.2005.03‐MPS.pdf 83 www.vienna‐economic‐forum.com/uploads/media/Kukaj.pdf 84 Draft of the policy available at http://www.art‐ ks.org/docs/publications/Telecommunications_Sector_policy.pdf 85 http://www.art‐ks.org/ 86 http://www.art‐ks.org/index.php?id=27 114 ICT

Country Code Top Level Domain (ccTLD) have yet not been assigned to Kosovo87, and are thus addressed in the Telecommunications Sector Policy as one of the main activities of the TRA. Kosovo is an active member of the eSEE Initiative ‐ (Electronic South East Europe)88, which aims to better integrate SEE countries into the global, knowledge‐based economy by supporting them in the development of the Information Society, in line with the i2010 framework89. Since 2007 the eSEE membership focuses its activities on the implementation of "The eSEE Agenda Plus for the Development of Information Society in SEE 2007‐2012". By signing this Agenda, Kosovo shares the objectives of the eEurope and eEurope+ processes, i.e., promotes a single, open and competitive internal ICT market, prioritises innovation and investment in research and education and strives to achieve an inclusive e‐Society. In 2005 Kosovo signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the development of a unified market of broadband networks fully interconnected to the European and global networks ‐ Initiative for bSEE ‐ Broadband South Eastern Europe in 2005. The drafting of national Frameworks of Interoperability is a recommendation that comes from the Pan‐European Interoperability Framework and will prepare Kosovo for the networking of its systems and electronic services with that of various countries of EU. Such directions in the field of Interoperability are a great help for countries that wish to integrate in all EU structures. Kosovo is determined to follow all recommendations that come out of the Pan‐European Framework of Interoperability73.

2.1.2. The elements of ICT research policy making In 2004 Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MEST) adopted a "Strategy for development of Higher Education in Kosovo 2005‐2015"90. The main objectives determined by this strategy are: 1. Elaborating and implementing a contemporary and all‐inclusive education policy and finalizing the higher education legislation. 2. Advancing management and coordination in higher education. 3. Developing the management system of the higher education quality. 4. Advancing the capacity for research and scientific work. 5. Establishing mechanisms for the provision and efficient management of financial resources for the development of higher education. 6. Development of a complete and functional infrastructure in higher education.

87 http://www.art‐ks.org/docs/publications/Telecommunications_Sector_policy.pdf 88 Electronic South East Europe Initiative ( www.stabilitypact.org/e‐see/, now working under the umbrella of the Regional Cooperation Council (www.rcc.int). 89 i2010 is “A European Information Society for growth and employment” framework. 90 http://www.masht‐gov.net/advCms/documents/Strategy_EN.pdf 115 ICT

Research and scientific work (Objective 4) is obviously among the main objectives of this 10‐year strategy of MEST; yet, as this strategy recognizes, there is lack of priorities set for the development of scientific research. Measures foreseen in the MEST strategy which involve ICT investments are listed next. • In the area of management and coordination (Objective 2): o Setting up a solid information and telecommunications infrastructure. • In regard to financial support (Objective 5): o MEST will finalize the process of providing information technology and a better access to e‐learning • Related to infrastructure (Objective 6): o Modernization of the existing library network: o Development and enhancement of the technologic and information infrastructure o Establishment the system of distance learning. Law on Scientific Research Activity Nr. 2004/42 regulates establishment, activity, organization, governance and termination of public legal entities in the field of scientific research; the rights and liabilities of scientific personnel; status of the National Research Council; approval and implementation of the National Research Program; financing; and other issues related to scientific‐research activity in Kosovo. A 15‐member National Research Council elected by the Kosovo Assembly pursuant to this Law is currently developing the National Research Program for the period 2010‐2015, and ICT priorities are being discussed in the course of this exercise. The 10‐year MEST strategy foresees that MEST and Higher Education Institutions shall take measures to provide funds in support of scientific research and transfer of knowledge that aim at reaching the level of funding comparable to other countries in transition. In 2008 the Government of Kosovo adopted the Medium Term Expenditure Framework 2009‐2012 (MTEF) where sector priorities were developed which reflect the strategic initiatives of line ministries. MTEF sees education as one of the highest priorities as reflected by the budget allocations for this sector that constitute 7.4% of total expenditure in 2009. Since improvements in the field of scientific research are seen as one of education sector's main objectives, then it is realistic to expect that the budget planned for this sector (total of € 186.7 million proposed for education in 2009‐2011) will include investments in research projects once the institutional framework is set up, and conditions and scientific research centres are established and made functional. Measures foreseen in the MEST strategy and involve ICT investments (should belong within the capital expenditures for education, see the table above) are listed below:

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• In the area of management and coordination (Objective 2): o Setting up of a solid information and telecommunications infrastructure. • In regard to financial support (Objective 5): o MEST will finalize the process of providing information technology and a better access to e‐learning • Related to infrastructure (Objective 6): o Modernization of the existing library network: o Development and enhancement of the technologic and information infrastructure o Establishing of the system of distance learning. Government is increasing budget allocations for ICT projects, especially for ICT infrastructure along different sector domains. The following table gives an overview of fund allocations according to MTEF for 2009‐2011 for overall national ICT projects.

Table 1. Allocations from the national budget for 2008, and 2009‐2011 in ICT

Total Sector Description 2008 2009 2010 2011 2009‐11 Transport Information Technology 9.3 14.1 8.9 32.3 IT equipment 0.2 0.8 1.1 1.5 3.4 Justice IT equipment 0.3 0.3 IT systems upgrade 3.3 2.5 2.5 8.3 IT upgrade 5.4 5.4 5.4 5.4 16.2 Law IT systems upgrade 4.1 4.1 enforcement Communication and information infrastructure 11 12.6 1.5 25.1 Establishment and supply of computer centrer with proper equipment 0 2.2 2.2 2.2 6.6 IT equipment 0.8 0.3 0.5 0.7 1.5 Education Establishment of distance learning systems and creating computer centres 0 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.4 Centres with computers 0.1 0.3 0.1 0.5

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Total Sector Description 2008 2009 2010 2011 2009‐11

Upgrade of payroll and HR management information systems 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.9 Public Administration E‐government 1.1 1.2 1.1 1.1 3.4 E‐government 2.6 2.6 E‐government 2.5 4.6 4.6 11.7 HIS 0 0 1.8 1 2.8 Health Enhancing functionality and development of Health Information System 3.1 3.1

Private Sector Setting up data base for the Development Industrial Property Office 0.03 0.04 0 0.07 Total Overall budget in ICT for all sectors 7.8 43.63 46.64 33 123.27

In April 2008 the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) and the Federal Ministry of Science and Research of Austria (BMWF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding91 for Kosovo‐Austria Institutional Partnership (KAIP) in the field of Higher Education and Research. The immediate objectives of this multidimensional project between Kosovo and Austria are to contribute to a sustainable, good governed and knowledge‐based higher education system in Kosovo aligned to European practices and standards, including the development of interfaces to research and innovation, integration of Kosovo’s universities into the European education and research networks, and interaction between universities and local economy92. In October 2008 the government decided to treat favourably employees in all budgetary organizations in deficit sectors including information technology through salary top‐ups..93 The purpose is to keep employees of special deficit categories, as well as to stimulate competition in special deficit professions by providing incentives. In May 2009 the government and the Post‐Telecom of Kosovo (PTK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding “Fibre to school” for computerization and informatization of all schools in the country within one year94.

91 http://www.aei‐austria‐kosovo.com/?Activities_April_2008:Memorandum_of_Understanding 92 http://www.aei‐austria‐kosovo.com/ 93 Decision Nr. 02/39, Date 08.10.2008 of the Government (http://www.ks‐ gov.net/ZKM/repository/docs/Vendimet_e_Mbledhjes_se_39‐te_te_Qeverise_2008.pdf). 94 http://www.kryeministri‐ks.net/?page=2,9,583 118 ICT

The table below gives a statistical overview in 2008 of the country’s human resource potential for research in the field of ICT.

Table 2. R&D intellectual capacity in ICT in Kosovo in 2008.

Intellectual capacities for ICT R&D in Kosovo 2008 Total number of research organizations 10 of which universities 1 of which public research organizations 6 of which private research organizations 4 Number of graduated PhD students 1 Total number of R&D personnel 114 Percentage of women in the total number of R&D personnel 6.14% Total number of employees on a Full‐Time‐Equivalent (FTE) basis 76 Total number of researchers 74 Percentage of women in the total number of researchers 5.4% Total number of researchers on a FTE basis 37 Number of researchers with Ph.D. degree or higher 30 Number of researchers with Ph.D. degree or higher on a FTE basis 17 Number of researchers under the age of 35 36 Number of researchers under the age of 35 on a FTE basis 21

University of Prishtina95 is the only institution in the public sector conducting R&D in ICT in the following academic units: Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Economics, Faculty of Applied Sciences for Business, Faculty of Technical Applied Sciences in Mitrovica, and Faculty of Education. R&D performers in ICT in the private sector are American University in Kosovo96, AAB ‐ Riinvest College97, FAMA College98, and UBT College99. MEST strategy also provides figures reflecting the situation in the intellectual capacities in higher education in 2004.

95 http://web.uni‐pr.edu 96 http://www.aukonline.org 97 http://www.aabriinvest.net 98 http://www.universitetifama.eu 99 http://www.ubt‐uni.net 119 ICT

2.2. Key competencies in ICT research fields Most of the ICT projects in Kosovo fall mainly into one or more of the following research areas as categorized by the FP6 funded project “Coordination of IST research and national activities (CISTRANA)”: • Database management • Middleware • Software engineering • Electronic commerce • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) • ICTs for Energy • ICTs for Enterprises and eBusiness • ICTs for Government & eGovernment • Broadband technologies • Internet technologies • Network security • Network technology • Wireless & mobile technologies • ICTs for Cultural Heritage • ICTs for Learning and eLearning These data provide an understanding of the key research competencies in broader terms currently in the country, as a potential to build upon when defining the priorities for the future research. The results of the questionnaires delivered to the software industry firms in the country confirm that there is low to no participation by the Kosovo business sector in ICT research. Research in universities on the other hand rarely involves collaboration with commercial enterprises. A common agenda in ICT research between higher education institutions and industrial entities should follow in order to set‐up and implement the ICT business‐relevant objectives in the country. National funds for research and other funding bodies should be urgently established in order to support research and build excellence capacities in the country by research area.

2.3. Key drivers of ICT research 2.3.1. Main trends in ICT sector in Kosovo Next we will give a quick overview of the ICT sector profile, namely main trends in the IT sector and the telecommunications sector separately. The latter will also include how its services are built or used by IT companies to make the overview complete.

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IT sector trends According to “Assessment of the Kosovo ICT sector” prepared for the USAID in November 2007100, there is an annual growth of roughly 20 to 25% in the IT sector in Kosovo. Interviews conducted and data collected for the report show an annual revenue of approximately 35 to 50 million Euros in the sector. Roughly 25 to 30 % of the revenues are for IT services, the remainder for equipment resell, installation and related services. There were under 100 firms in the sector with 8 of them employing more than 20 employees, and dozens of one or two person “shops”. In total, there were about 400 to 600 people working directly in the sector, not including those in IT departments of non‐IT companies. Labour costs are equal to or a slightly higher than those in the neighbouring countries (e.g., Macedonia and Serbia). According to another more recent study (January 2009) "Kosovo IT Market 2008‐ 2012 Forecast and 2007 Vendor Shares" by the research company IDC Adriatics101, the IT market in Kosovo in 2007 reached 58.22 EUR ($85.17) million. Measured in local currency, the market expanded approximately 30% year on year in 2007. Overall IT expenditure in Kosovo in 2007 by sector is as follows: • Spending on hardware resell reached 74% • Spending on software reached 13.1%, and • IT services 12.9% of the total IT spending in Kosovo in 2007. Moreover, following the same IDC study, IT expenditure in Kosovo is expected to increase at compound annual growth rate of 9.9% during the five‐year forecast period to reach 93.38 EUR ($136.73) million in 2012.

Telecommunications sector trends Internet. There are currently three major Internet service providers (ISP) in Kosovo with several other smaller ISP‐s that focus in extending Internet access beyond the service areas of the big three ISP‐s. Referring to the Internet World Stats statistics102, as of December 2008, Internet penetration for Kosovo is 20.9%. Despite steep increases, Kosovo’s Internet penetration still lags many of its neighbours, the EU and the world (

Figure 1.). All three providers report relatively high Internet usage by businesses100. ISP‐s are expanding steadily and upgrading their infrastructure (network to fibre). A

100 http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PNADK675.pdf 101 http://www.newkosovareport.com/200812221508/Business‐and‐Economy/IT‐market‐in‐Kosovo‐ small‐but‐growing.html 102 http://www.internetworldstats.com/stats4.htm#europe 121 ICT

“triple play” service approach, providing voice, data and video over the same broadband IP network is meanwhile pushing ahead.

Internet Penetration Western Balkans, EU, World Source: http://www.internetworldstats.com/

TOTAL WORLD 24.70%

European Union 63.10%

Turkey 34.50% Serbia 35.30%

Montenegro 41.70%

Macedonia 43.90%

Kosovo 20.90%

Croatia 50.00%

Bulgaria 32.90%

Bosnia-Herzegovina 31.20% Albania 15.90%

0.00% 10.00% 20.00% 30.00% 40.00% 50.00% 60.00% 70.00%

Figure 1. Internet penetration in the world referring to Internet World Stats in 2008.

Fixed and Mobile Phone Service. According to the Cullen International assessment report103, less than 5% of the population has fixed line phone service (

Figure 2.). Given the fast growth of Internet access and mobile phone service, traditional fixed phone coverage is becoming irrelevant.

Figure 2. Fixed telephony in Kosovo referring to Cullen International in 2008.

In 2008 more than 50% of the population has mobile phone service, whereas the mobile penetration has reached 59%83.

103 http://www.cullen‐international.com/ 122 ICT

2.3.2. Main socio‐economic challenges in Kosovo Commission's Progress Reports since 2006 confirm that Kosovo has made progress in its approximation to European standards104. The presentation of a Medium‐Term Expenditure Framework in 2008 and 2009 marked progress towards a sustainable fiscal framework for Kosovo. Economy. The marked a growth of 5.5 % (from 4.4% in 2007), mostly based on consumption and public investment. A broad consensus on free‐ market policies has been maintained. The banking sector remained sound. However, the already large trade deficit continued to widen. Exports fell sharply in 2009, from an already very low base. The cost of finance remained high, as banks continued to attach high risk premiums. The weak rule of law, widespread corruption, and uncertainty over property rights continued to be major impediments to economic development. Inflows of foreign direct investment and remittances are expected to decrease. Levels of public investment are expected to drop as government revenues come under increasing pressure. Kosovo's budget deficit is forecast to increase to 7% of GDP in 2009. In addition to implementing sustainable macro‐economic policies, Kosovo needs to address supply‐side constraints such as infrastructure weaknesses, energy shortages, high capital costs and low levels of skill. The EU is Kosovo's main trading partner. The progressive entry into force of the respective SAAs/IAs14 for the rest of the Western Balkans and the expiry of the current preferential regime will therefore result in a deterioration of Kosovo's trading position. This also reduces the attractiveness of Kosovo to foreign investors and limits the ability of Kosovo producers to export to the EU. For Kosovo to continue to benefit from the current preferential regime, this regime would need to be extended. However, the validity of an extension would only be temporary. A substantive perspective for the sustainability of Kosovo’s long‐term economic development can only be provided through a trade agreement between the European Union and Kosovo. Finally, an agreement is a precondition for Kosovo to participate in the diagonal accumulation of origin between the EU and SAP countries. Private sector development. Small and medium‐size enterprises are estimated to make a contribution of some 40% to Kosovo's GDP and 60% of its employment and constitute 99% of its businesses. SMEs play a key role in enhancing productivity, innovation and job creation. Support for the sector needs to be improved to provide incentives for entrepreneurship and transform informal entrepreneurial activity into formal businesses.

104 A communication on Kosovo issued by the Commission in October 2009 (http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/pdf/key_documents/2009/kosovo_study_en.pdf). 123 ICT

Kosovo would benefit from programmes aimed to raise the competitiveness of its economy, focusing on the adoption of new technology, increased productivity, reduced labour costs and the generation of jobs. Kosovo needs to make further progress with privatization. Kosovo would benefit from the further development of micro‐finance institutions to support small businesses in sectors with growth potential, including agriculture, rural tourism, small‐scale manufacturing and urban services. Kosovo would benefit from membership in the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and increased European Investment Bank lending. Kosovo's business environment and its SMEs in particular would benefit from increased participation in and closer association with relevant EU initiatives, the Small Business Act and the 7th Framework Programme for Research. Provided Kosovo meets the relevant conditions, the Commission proposes it participate in activities that take place within these frameworks, with the help of technical and financial assistance, where appropriate. Employment and social policies. Kosovo has a very high unemployment rate (estimated at around 40% in 2008). The capacity of job centres should be improved and links with universities and schools further developed so as to bridge the gap between education and the workplace. Kosovo should better target its employment and social policies.

3. Integration of Kosovo in the European ICT research All Western Balkan countries except Kosovo are associated to EU's 7th Framework Programme for Research (FP7). Association to FP7 allows for increased research opportunities because associated countries have minimum requirements for participation in FP7 projects as the EU Member States. Kosovo is entitled to participate in FP7 as a third country with the International Cooperation Partner Country (ICPC) status105. Special conditions apply for participation of ICPC countries in FP7 projects/activities. Kosovo has nominated an FP7 contact point. FP7 is the EU's main instrument for funding research and technological development across Europe from 2007‐2013. FP7 has earmarked a total budget of € 53.2 Billion. Among the scientific themes funded by the Cooperation Programme (ten themes, see Figure 3.) which has by far the largest budget within FP7 (€ 32.4 billion, i.e., around 60% of the total budget), ICT represents the highest priority

105 The list of the International Cooperation Partner Countries (ICPC) available at ftp://ftp.cordis.europa.eu/pub/fp7/docs/icpc‐list.pdf 124 ICT theme, as reflected by the largest share of funding (€ 9.1 billion, i.e., 28% of the total Cooperation budget) it attracts.

Figure 3. FP7 Cooperation programme budget breakdown (in € million).

Socio-economics Space Security Health Sciences & Humanities € 1,430 € 1,350 € 610 € 6,050 Transport € 4,180 Food, Agriculture & Biotechnology € 1,935 Environment € 1,800 Energy € 2,300 Nano production Information & € 3,500 Communication Technologies € 9,110 The current FP7 Work Programme for ICT research 2009‐2010 focuses on seven key research challenges and two cross‐area actions. Challenges have been selected in line with the policy priorities defined in EU’s i2010 initiative “A European Information Society for Growth & Employment”. Three challenges aim at industrial leadership in key ICT sectors, while four are driven by socio‐economic targets. Figure 4 presents budget breakdown of the ICT Theme for 2007‐2008.

Figure 4. ICT Theme's budget breakdown for 2007‐2008.

The affiliation of Kosovo with the 7th (EC) research framework programme (FP7) has to be seen as a means to facilitate integration of the country in the EU and support its economic development through joint research efforts and allowing the WBCs to get familiar with the EU decision‐making on research policy. In short, association to FP7 is a necessary pre‐accession tool. Kosovo is working on a national action plan to strengthen its research capacity. Kosovo's involvement in the EU's research activities needs to continue and increase. 125 ICT

4. SWOT analysis

4.1. Strengths 4.2. Weaknesses • research is among the main • lack of national R&D priority fields objectives of the strategy of the • lack of ICT R&D priorities Ministry of Education, Science and • incomplete legislation for Technology (MEST) research • National Research Council (NRC) • lack of national policies and established programs for research • ICT recognized among national • lack of mechanisms for priorities implementation of policies and • law on scientific and research strategies activities adopted • lack of assessment mechanism for • increase in budget expenditure for research ICT planned by the Ministry of • lack of institutional infrastructure Economy and Finance (MEF) in for research 2009‐2012 • lack of funds dedicated to • increase in budget expenditure for research • lack of incentives for research and education planned by MEF in for faculty involved in research 2009‐2012 • lack of innovations • lack of international cooperation in research • lack of interdisciplinary approaches in the scientific research work • up‐to‐date information on current scientific results is not available to faculty • lack of presence in the FP6 and other international programs

4.3. Opportunities 4.4. Threats • NRC proposing national • low value placed on research research priority fields for the • lack of institutional support next 5 years for R&D • Ministry of Public • lack of human resources for Administration adopted administering research Strategy for development of e‐ projects Government • little to no public and private • MEST advocates policy for institutions participating in 126 ICT

reaching regional standards in research R&D funding • lack of mechanisms for • digitalization of cultural protection of intellectual heritage underway property and industrial rights • health information system • all Western Balkan countries getting extended except Kosovo are associated • advanced communication to FP7 network and a growing number • none of laws has been of internet users enacted thus far • the youngest population in • lack of project management Europe, and with high fluency skills in English

5. ICT research priorities for Kosovo This section presents the ICT research priorities for Kosovo in the period 2009‐ 2013, identified in the course of the consultation process. ICT Research priorities are grouped as follows: • ICT research priorities on the basis of the country’s readiness: these are priorities for which the country has the appropriate human resources and research infrastructures in order to pursue research and development. • ICT research priorities on the basis of future potential: these are priorities that are considered attractive for the country and have future potential. However, the level of readiness and capacity to pursue research and development is currently low. Both types of research priorities address specific (socio‐economic or other) needs that are defined in the justification provided per priority.

ICT research priorities on the ICT research priorities on the basis basis of the country’s readiness of future potential ICTs for Government and ICTs for Health and eHealth eGovernment Security Technologies ICTs for Learning and eLearning Digital Content & Digital Libraries Internet & Broadband Knowledge Technologies Technologies Artificial Intelligence ICTs for Enterprises and eBusiness Software Engineering

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5.1. ICT Research priorities on the basis of the country’s readiness

5.1.1. ICTs for Government and eGovernment Kosovo has adopted its Electronic Governance Strategy 2009‐201573. It aims to provide electronic governmental services to citizens and businesses. ITC supported services facilitate the communication between the government, its citizens and businesses by enabling faster access to services, their permanent availability, as well as a significant increase in the quality of services. They also strengthen the communication between institutions at different levels within the government itself. All these in turn contribute to the socio‐economic development of the country, and its faster access to European ad wider integration processes. Currently there are some achievements in provision of electronic services from the government for use by the public administration staff: payment and budget management system, electronic register of cadastral transactions, and system of vehicle registration and drivers’ licenses. Electronic voting is implemented for use within the Assembly of Kosovo. Citizens and businesses may use the online electronic bill payment “pay at the bank” program (Kos‐Giro) for services offered by Post and Telecom of Kosovo (PTK), Kosovo Energy Corporation (KEK), Kosovo Property Agency (KPA), customs service, and other large billing organizations. Further steps are being taken for establishing an integrated unique system for use by all institutions in the government. Electronic services provided so far for citizens and businesses are mainly at the stage of simple portals with few solid services. This situation calls for extensive R&D to meet requirements of the public administration reform envisioned by the government.

Priority: ICTs for Government and eGovernment

Research Objectives Specific Research Areas Build a common • Software for storing and management of electronic network documents, data and services of citizens, businesses, infrastructure, data and public institutions (e.g., accounting store centre, and a management system for revenues, expenses, assets services repository and liabilities). of government. • Identity management and privacy of data of civil and legal entities. • Spatial databases to support meteorological stations, seismologic installations, cultural heritage applications, and map portals. • High‐performance network infrastructure and middleware architectures for intra(‐inter) communication among different levels and sectors of public administration.

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• Web services portals and user interfaces at Advanced, secure institutional levels to facilitate communication and innovative between citizens, businesses, and public access methods to institutions. governmental • documents, data Security solutions and authentication methods for and services. accessing confidential and trustworthy resources of government, as well as mechanisms to provide permanent storage of civil data and business transactions. • Portals and tools for on‐line assistance and consultancy on administrative procedures, rules and regulations. • Data aggregation and statistics for auditing and report‐generation purposes. • eInclusion interfaces for citizens with special needs. • eElections, eDemocracy, and other eServices for democratic involvement of society.

5.1.2. ICTs for Learning and eLearning Electronic learning as a new method of learning enhanced through IT support has made an initial progress in Kosovo with the computerization of schools, and a number of projects implemented106,107,108 at universities to equip classrooms with basic eLearning infrastructure. Still there is not enough practice of educational institutions at any level in applying eLearning methods and tools in teaching and learning. There are many opportunities for research in eLearning along with the objective to develop and use eLearning infrastructure, content and tools.

Priority: ICTs for Learning and eLearning

Research Objectives Specific Research Areas

Develop eLearning • Develop in‐house Learning Management Systems software, hardware or adopt those already available (open source and legal policy LMS). infrastructure. • Enhance existing eLearning hardware infrastructure according to international

106 Tempus Project “Computer Science Master Study Program at University of Prishtina”, ref.nr. CD_JEP‐ 19090‐2004. 107 WUS Austria Project “eLearning Task Force Kosovo”, 2008. 108 Telemedicine center, University of Prishtina. 129 ICT

standards. • Develop adaptive and intelligent learning management systems for personalization, multilingual support and more knowledge‐based features (statistical data, semantic annotation and semantic search). • Advanced Web 2.0 technologies. • Establish the jurisdiction framework for regulating eLearning delivery and use policies.

• Develop learning materials and publish them Develop and publish according to the eLearning delivery policy. eLearning content and • tools. Develop tools to support enhanced access to public eLearning resources for all citizens.

Promote benefits of • Develop multimedia content, learning games, developing and using assistant systems based on virtual human eLearning content and interaction, etc. for accelerating learning. tools.

5.1.3. Internet & Broadband Technologies Government has set up the objective of connecting all its institutions to the microwave and fibre‐optics network that will improve the bandwidth capacity. Telecom operators are steadily upgrading the electronic communication infrastructure, introducing new services with advanced technologies, and moving to cover more and more remote rural areas in the country. There is evidence of established research community and advanced teaching syllabi at the University of Prishtina109 in the area of Internet and broadband technologies. Running projects in ICT business sector prove the growing absorption capacity of industry in this area and applications that build upon it. Currently, internet penetration stands at 20% with the goal to rapidly increase in the near future. Given the above level of country's readiness and capacity, and the fact that there are numerous emerging research opportunities in the area of Internet and broadband technologies, this area has been selected among the highest R&D priorities for ICT at the national level.

109 Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of Computer Engineering, University of Prishtina (http://web.uni‐pr.edu/?cid=1,98).

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Priority: Internet & Broadband Technologies Research Objectives Specific Research Areas Innovative • Ubiquitous network infrastructures infrastructures and • Technologies and architectures for the future technologies for the Internet broadband for all • Increase of throughput, innovative broadband approaches Internet applications • Middleware for the future • Distributed systems, Web Services, Agents • Optimization algorithms for content placement • XML technologies and databases • Semantic Web • Content management systems, and collaborative tools Integrated new • Optimized control and flexibility of wireless wireless services and infrastructures network • Wireless sensor and ad‐hoc networks • New services in wireless communications • Interoperable services over wireless networks

Secure, resilient and • Identity management and privacy enhancing trustworthy tools infrastructures • Trusted computing infrastructures • Protection of rights and content security/control Combination of • Convergence of different services towards one telephony, internet access point and TV/video services. • Video telephony

5.1.4. ICTs for Enterprises and eBusiness We are witnessing a graduate shift from traditional business models to business processes hosted onto the Web. Added value is achieved by replacing material goods with digital products and services, since the latter are easily copied and distributed. To reach added value and integrate into the global eBusiness family, Kosovo needs to accelerate its move towards eBusiness R&D. Establishing a comprehensive eBusiness infrastructure of the whole plethora of eServices among businesses, customers, and public institutions is of a very high priority for the country’s economic growth, and its integration into international trade communities.

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Priority: ICTs for Enterprises and eBusiness Research Objectives Specific Research Areas

Empower the • Develop Web‐based information systems for eGovernment portals eBusiness with support for • Digitalize rules and regulations for registering eBusiness to attract new businesses. participation of businesses and • Implement services to support shortening the customers. paperwork procedures of registered businesses. • Develop interfaces and tools to support citizens for acting as customers. • Manage personal IDs electronically, data privacy and protection.

• Organize work structures of eBusiness into eSociety and eTeams.

Facilitate businesses, • Develop eServices to support design, customers, and public development, and selling and purchase of institutions to enter digital products and services. and make use of the • Develop eServices to support on‐line marketing eBusiness model and promotion, procurement, digital signatures integration. and contracts, payment, distribution logistics, and taxation. • Develop eServices to enable operation of eBusiness resources in mobile devices (location‐ dependent content and services).

Enrich the eBusiness • Mathematical modelling of business scenarios. infrastructure with • Data warehousing and decision support intelligent services. systems. • Data mining and business intelligence. • Develop Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems. • Develop Supply Chain Management (SCM) systems.

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5.1.5. Software Engineering Kosovo lags slightly behind the region in approaching a disciplined and systematic method of software development as required by the software engineering. In fact SME companies of ICT have shown a progress in using CASE tools for certain phases of software development (e.g., programming, debugging), but are slow in using tools for other phases (e.g., analysis, design, testing), as well as in following well‐ defined software engineering methods and processes throughout the software life‐ cycle. Much effort should be invested through cooperation between academia, research and industry to strengthen the software engineering competence of domestic ICT companies. As one valuable input, updated curricula at universities106 which include extensive software engineering courses should contribute in building intellectual capacity in this field and push standards in the public sector. Standardization measures which would rank the readiness of a given company to develop a certain profile of ICT projects are essential to boost domestic ITC companies in developing sustainable and efficient software solutions capable of participating in the global trade. Saving time and cost reduction, along with the improved and sustainable software performance as guaranteed by software engineering, are key prerequisites of success for of any ICT R&D priority.

Priority: Software Engineering

Research Objectives Specific Research Areas • Software engineering development process Push standards of approaches software engineering • in the ICT industry Component‐based architectures for reuse of already existing modules • Project plan to increase efficiency of project development and reduce project costs • Optimization methods to improve product performance and ensure product sustainability • Model‐driven design • Problem modelling • Software testing approaches • Software quality assurance, software audit • Requirements analysis, modelling languages • Business process modelling languages • Methods for project management • Web engineering Develop and implement • Acquire for domestic ICT companies to undergo a the framework of standardization process in compliance with standardization international standards of software engineering measures in the field of • Maintain a database of domestic ICT companies with ICT their corresponding rank by profile

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5.2. ICT Research priorities on the basis of future potential

5.2.1. ICTs for Health and eHealth In the healthcare strategy for the period 2010‐2014110 adopted by the Ministry of Health of Kosovo, the implementation of the healthcare information system is emphasized as one of the main objectives in this sector. The system is supposed to be capable of collecting, storing, exchanging, and analysing health data in time and in a standard way, useful for decision making in healthcare and for a common healthcare organization at all levels. Improving the quality and productivity of healthcare by utilizing ICT technologies has been an important topic for now almost two decades in the EU111. Kosovo should urge with expanding a unique primary healthcare information management system across all health institutions both public and private, although the readiness of the country is low in relation to its capacities for R&D in this domain. At this stage, building a research team with the focus in medical information systems is crucial for piloting and development of new ICT‐based solutions for the healthcare sector.

Priority: ICTs for Health and eHealth Research Objectives Specific Research Areas Completion of the • Networking of all healthcare institutions integrated health including family medicine practitioners, information system hospitals, laboratories, pharmacies and online health • Electronic medical records, electronic patient services for citizens. records and collateral images • Integration of eCard‐based identification and health cards in health IS • Integration of diagnostic devices in health IS • Interfaces to Health IS and online access to data about health for all advices, online consulting, and disease prevention hints for citizens • Interoperability with electronic medical records across multilingual environments abroad • Policies to determine access rights to health IS data

110 Healthcare Sector’s Strategy 2010‐2014. Ministry of Health, Kosovo (http://www.mshgov‐ ks.org/strategjia.pdf). 111 EU Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), 2010 Work Programmes. Theme Health (http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/wp‐2010_en.html). 134 ICT

• Innovative data analysis techniques to help Development of IT assess and manage risks to patient safety (PS) products and services better that support patient • safety (PS) and Multimedia information retrieval, and decision‐making conversion into searchable information • Medical knowledge acquisition on diagnostics, treatment, and prevention of illnesses • Decision‐support systems with patient‐ specific data (test results, medical history), other patients data with similar problems, treatment possibilities, drugs and medical technologies

5.2.2. ICTs for Security Technologies One of the most critical points in well‐established software provision is the availability, reliability and security level of data and services in one side, and of the communication network on the other side. Security technologies serve to protect user privacy. All current technologies based on eServices (such as eBanking, eHealth, eGovernment) are heavily dependent on secure data exchange. Communicating over computer network is becoming more and more important for accomplishing our daily activities. When we deal with sensitive data, network security is of main interest. Dealing with sensitive data is of high importance for the modern society. Further, smart cards are gaining more and more importance in our daily life. Each mobile phone and pocket has at least one smart card. Smart cards are used in many ICT applications for variety of services such as access control, digital signature, and banking. The number of applications that use smart cards is increasing daily. The ID cards of Kosovo will be based on smart cards. Security technologies are extensively covered in teaching curricula‐s at the University of Prishtina and are subject to research. Effective use of security technologies is vital for ICT research in all other priority fields.

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Priority: ICTs for Security Technologies Research Objectives Specific Research Areas

Improve the security, • Access management, and role based security resilience and trust of • Information security standards, spam and ICT infrastructures, malicious software filtering, identity theft applications and protection services, including the • Secure and trustworthy ubiquitous Future Internet communication networks • Emerging security problems in communication networks (e.g. malware, phishing, emerging cyber‐threats)

• Secure and trustworthy software systems and ICT‐based applications and services • Trusted computing, cryptology and advanced multi‐modal biometrics

Respect citizens' rights • Trust, identity management and privacy and protects their protection technologies (PETs) digital assets, identities • Support to interoperability and standardization and personal data • Smart card technologies, ID cards

5.2.3. ICTs for Digital Content & Digital Libraries Conceptualizing and producing digital content that can be individually selected and manipulated is emerging as a trend. Increasing demands for digital content are appealing to the average person, creative industries, and public and private organizations. Research in this area is seeking for better solutions for creation and access to digital content. Digital content and digital libraries are an important means of enhanced learning where ICT offers a huge capacity of support. In Kosovo, libraries112 have started with deploying library management systems to store their bibliographic catalogues in accordance with the international bibliographic standards which enable the integration of the local loan system with other libraries worldwide. Digitalization of the actual content (books and other documents) in libraries would be the next step towards integration into the international family of digital libraries. Archives of cultural heritage are also in place113 although advanced access techniques to the database, population with data and their maintenance are critical issues at this

112 Library management system of the National and University Library of Kosovo (http://www.biblioteka‐ ks.org/Katalogu.php). 113 The Cultural Heritage without Borders on the request of Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of Kosovo have implemented the temporary Cultural Heritage database. 136 ICT stage. More public content of educational character should be considered for digitalization and deployment of semantic technologies.

Priority: ICTs for Digital Content & Digital Libraries

Research Objectives Specific Research Areas Develop new digitalization • Develop novel approaches to digital preservation infrastructure and • Develop advanced digitalization and visualization applications tools • Develop advanced authoring environments for content sharing through automatic tagging with semantic metadata Build digital libraries • Establish multimedia network and service infrastructure and content infrastructures for digital libraries • Exploit innovative access services with semantic searches and multimedia retrieval systems

Develop domain oriented • Scientific material (papers, reports, and digital libraries and monitored data) interoperability • Cultural heritage repository

5.2.4. ICTs for Knowledge Technologies Education and training on knowledge technologies will raise the competitiveness of organizations in terms of “applying knowledge to produce new knowledge”, which represents a must for integration in the global market today. Progress in knowledge representation and management has enabled the creation of innovative commercial and community services. Semantic Web technologies have likewise started to permeate more and more application areas in industry in conjunction with the existing solutions of search engines, data integration, SOA, collaboration, publishing, could computing and alike. Knowledge technologies are fundamental to some of Europe’s key industries also of critical importance in Kosovo ‐ business intelligence, healthcare, media, geospatial, manufacturing, engineering, chemical and pharmaceuticals sectors, as well as other priority areas of ICT research such as eGovernment, eLearning, and digital libraries.

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Priority: ICTs for Knowledge Technologies Research Objectives Specific Research Areas Semantic‐based and • Enrich content and existing knowledge by context‐aware modelling adding structure and semantic data annotations of content and knowledge • Develop new domain ontologies or adopt existing ones • Develop systems and services to support self‐ describing content and knowledge, which is adaptive to context and user information needs • Deploy knowledge representation techniques Discover, access and • Document / Knowledge management manage new knowledge • Semantic Web • Expert systems / Agents • Machine learning • Data mining • Artificial intelligence • Intelligent and adaptive pattern recognition • Language processing technologies • Semantic search (next generation search engines) Achieve semantic • Data integration across distinct content types interoperability between and multilingual resources heterogeneous resources

5.2.5. ICTs for Artificial Intelligence Artificial intelligence can help to find better solutions for different real life constraint satisfaction and optimization problems that appear also in Kosovo (school and university timetabling, employee scheduling, resource planning, vehicle routing, route planning, packing). Automate software engineering is currently an intensive research area. Machine learning / data mining techniques could be applied to analyse medical and other problems (e.g., tax fraud) in Kosovo. Initial group of two‐three PhD students with supervision from TU Wien could be quickly set‐up if funds available. Cooperation with several institutions already exists (Vienna University of Technology, University of Udine, Nottingham University).

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Priority: ICTs for Artificial Intelligence

Research Objectives Specific Research Areas

Develop intelligent • Artificial intelligence techniques for constraint solutions for the satisfaction and optimization problems market and public • Search based software engineering institutions • Machine learning and data mining

6. Post‐Report Situation

6.1. Update on the situation In regard to the ICT legislation, a progress has been made since 2009, with approving new laws which further regulate the application of ICT in the country. Law on the Protection of Personal Data114, and Law on Prevention and Fight of the Cyber Crime115 have since then been adopted. Further, secondary legislation has been promulgated regulating the use of ICT in government, like is the Administrative Instruction No. 2011/01 on The Use and Management of Internet in Institutions of the Republic of Kosovo116. Regardless of the progress, the legislation infrastructure is yet incomplete. In laying down strategic plans in terms of education and modernization in teaching and learning, in August 2011, the Kosovo Education Strategic Plan 2011–2016117 structured around eight priority program areas was approved, including ICT among its key objectives with the aim to provide ICT infrastructure and technical support required to enable modern pedagogy. Another newly projected strategy is the E‐ learning Policy and Strategy 2011–2015118 which focuses to making e‐learning become an integral part of the overall national educational system. Among the donors in the sector, USAID, EU Office in Kosovo, EU Tempus Programme, Norwegian Government (e.g., through its HERD Programme), Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDA), World Bank, American Council, DAAD, WUS Austria, OeAD, and Austrian Development Cooperation remain among the main

114 http://www.assembly‐kosova.org/common/docs/ligjet/2010‐172‐eng.pdf 115 http://www.assembly‐kosova.org/common/docs/ligjet/2010‐166‐eng.pdf 116 https://map.rks‐ gov.net/userfiles/file/document_page/UA_per_menaxhimin_dhe_perdorimin_e_internetit_01_2011_e n.pdf 117 http://www.masht‐gov.net/advCms/documents/KESP_2011_2016.pdf 118 http://www.itpilotproject.eu/presentations/eLearningPolicyandStrategy.pdf 139 ICT actors in Kosovo in supporting the development of ICT, although with a little but growing attention towards research in ICT. The EU Office in Kosovo, as part of its Call for Proposals “Kosovo Research Capacity Development”, awarded in June 2012 four research grants which cover areas of national priorities as determined in the National Research Program of Kosovo 2010‐ 119 120 2015 . The INWATERSENSE project which covers ICT jointly with environmental issues, i.e., surface water quality, is among the research projects to pioneer in the respective fields within the EU funding schemes in Kosovo. Following the Kosovo commitment to join EU, the FP7 National Contact Point for Kosovo has engaged in activities in raising the awareness of Kosovo researchers for participation in EU research initiatives through a series of information sessions, trainings, and workshops for the local stakeholders in ICT. There are however only two projects up to date funded by the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) within the ICT Thematic Programme with Kosovo as a partner: (1) ICT‐KOSEU121: Supporting dialogue and cooperation between Europe and Kosovo in collaborative ICT R&D, 2011 – 2013 (ongoing); and, (2) ICT‐WEB‐PROMS122: Support to researchers in the Western Balkan Countries (WBCs) to better participate in FP7, 2009 – 2011 (finished). Following the action plan set in the National Research Program 2010‐2015, MEST has in 2011 granted funds for research projects covering national priority fields including ICT. Two out of ten national research grants in 2011 were awarded to University of Prishtina and relate to the ICT field: the project Text‐to‐Speech Conversion for , and the project Tourist Tour Planning and Social Network Analysis. In addition to University of Prishtina, the newly established public University of Prizren offers academic programs in the field of ICT within its Faculty of Computer Science with two departments: Information and Telecommunication Technology, and Software Design. University of Prishtina and its Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering (hereinafter referred to as FIEK) remains yet the only institution in the country providing PhD studies in the field. Among the private higher‐education institutions123, besides the American University in Kosovo (AUK), AAB‐Riinvest College, Iliria College, UBT College, two more colleges have also started offering study programs in the field of ICT, namely: the European College Dukagjini, and the VPA College.

119 National Research Council. The National Research Programme of the Republic of Kosovo. March 2010. (http://www.masht‐gov.net/advCms/documents/NRP_FINAL_%20English.pdf) 120 InWaterSense: Intelligent Wireless Sensor Networks for Monitoring Surface Water Quality. An EU funded project managed by the European Union Office in Kosovo and implemented by University of Prishtina. Project nr. 2012/297‐356. 121 www.ictkoseu.eu 122 www.ict‐web‐proms.eu 123 Kosovo Accreditation Agency. Evaluation of Private Higher‐Education Institutions. (www.akreditimi‐ ks.org/?Vlersimi_i_Institucioneve_Private_t%EB_Arsimit_t%EB_Lart%EB)

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In 2009, the Kosovo Association of ICT business organizations, STIKK, was founded with the aim to contribute to the development of the sector by coordinating activities of its members and establishing cooperation with academia and policy‐ makers, as well as with relevant actors in the country and abroad. Furthermore, two newly established organizations, the Innovation Centre Kosovo and the UNICEF Innovations Lab Kosovo both aim to engage in and promote technological innovation through linking R&D: (1) to the business sector by providing incubator services, consulting and networking opportunities for young entrepreneurs (ICK); and (2) to the public sector by supporting projects which bring added‐value to the society through youth and for youth (Innovations lab). Further, in filling the existing gap of cooperation between academia and industry, there are initiatives such as the Advisory Industry Board since 2010 at University of Prishtina, FIEK, which tends to facilitate close cooperation between that academic unit and the business stakeholders in the faculty’s respective fields including ICT. A curriculum with student’s internship at a company / institution as a mandatory course is a further step towards bringing closer the industry and the academia. Furthermore, there is the annual job fair that STIKK provides for students at university premises, or the competitive Prishtina Start‐up Weekend with students taking mostly part on it, which contribute towards linking the academia with industry. Progress is also being made through a HERD project, Academic Exchange for Progress, in having companies work closely with universities in addressing industry needs in a more adequate way. Research at universities, on the other hand, rarely involves collaboration with commercial enterprises. A common agenda in ICT research between higher education institutions and industry representatives should follow in order to set‐up and implement the ICT business‐relevant objectives in the country. Moreover, there is some potential with Kosovo Diaspora in Europe, and already ongoing academic cooperation between Kosovo ICT experts in Europe with research institutions in Kosovo. The continuously growing number of secondary school graduates interested to enter studies in ICT‐related programs, the increase in number of academic programs and universities in the country covering ICT, the due prioritisation of ICT in national strategic documents for development, academia‐industry joint ventures, and new funding opportunities for research in ICT from donor organizations and national budget lines are just a few indicators that make one believe that the vision of “building scientific capacity based on a strong foundation in ICTs” might soon become a reality, and pave the way for a better future for Kosovo.

6.2. ICT in the National Research Program 2010‐2015 In 2010, Kosovo established a strategic framework for research, the National Research Programme of the Republic of Kosovo for the period 2010‐2015 that identifies “five plus one” priority areas: natural resources, energy and the 141 ICT environment; agricultural production and food security; medical research; social and economic studies; and linguistic, cultural and historic studies; and ICTs as a cross‐horizontal priority of critical importance to each of the other five focus areas. The strategy further elaborates on topics to be tackled under the ICT research priority and how are they foreseen to contribute to the other five national research priority fields. What follows are the ICT topics of relevance as settled by the strategy, and which ICT research priorities identified in this report may address which ICT topics of the strategy: • ICT innovations focusing to solve environmental and social issues, providing the data and analysis to answer these questions. In particular to be addressed by more generic priorities like Software Engineering; Broadband and Internet Technologies; Knowledge Technologies; Artificial Technologies. • ICT contribution to sustainable economic growth and social well‐being and its role in the shift toward knowledge‐based society. Addressed by ICTs for Enterprises and eBusiness; Knowledge Technologies. • Application of new innovations such as smart electrical grids, tele‐ medicine, intelligent transportation networks, interactive learning and computing as tools for efficient operation and fast communication networks. Addressed by Security Technologies; ICTs for Health and e‐ Health; Digital Content & Digital Libraries. • The role of ICTs for climate changes (future perspective). Addressed by Artificial Intelligence; Knowledge Technologies; Internet & Broadband Technologies. • Use of ICT from official sources to develop a conceptual framework on different field (in economy, in environment, in the education system, in the health system, in public administration, etc.). Addressed by ICTs for Enterprises and eBusiness; ICTs for Learning & eLearning; ICTs for Health and eHealth; ICTs for Government & eGovernment. • Promotion of relevant information content, trust, freedom of opinion and the other potential for innovation in society. Addressed by Digital Content & Digital Libraries; Security Technologies. • Development of the future content networks. Addressed by Internet & Broadband Technologies. The above rationale of relating national ICT strategy topics to our report’s priorities does no‐way restrict that any of the report’s priorities contribute to other ICT strategy topics although maybe at a lower extent. For instance, it is obvious that Software Engineering, or Internet and Broadband Technologies as being fundamental issues in ICT, are expected to be equally relevant for the success of any of the ICT topics enumerated in the strategy. However, for some of the topics, such as ICTs in telemedicine, apart from Software Engineering, or Internet and Broadband Technologies, expertise as foreseen by more domain‐specific priorities set in the report, foresee ICTs for Health and eHealth as a high priority. 142 ICT

Moreover, the strategy identifies few more domain‐specific ICT topics which are appearing to critical for the development of the country. Such are, for instance, ICTs in Environment, which should be given attention to, also indirectly raising the need to invest in fields like Sensor Systems and Networks; Semantic Technologies; or Embedded and Pervasive Systems. Further, in order to keep pace with the ongoing trends of globalization in the field, Kosovo should take care in building capacities in cutting‐edge technologies, like Identity Management; or Grid Technologies. Kosovo may also develop its out‐ sourcing capacities in ready‐to‐go “classic” fields like Database Management, or Network Technologies, or in competitive global topics, say, Entertainment Computing, through its joint efforts with foreign partners (e.g., joint study programs). To summarize, now that the national research priorities are in place by the strategy, and the relevance of ICT as a cross‐cutting priority is recognized by that same strategy, there are even more opportunities for the ICTs to contribute towards the social well‐being and economic development of the country. There are a number of research fields which could become at the focus of intervention in the short‐term: • Among the so‐called ICT Software Applications: ICTs for Environment, ICTs for Energy, ICTs for Agriculture, GIS, E‐Commerce • ICTs for Cultural Heritage • Wireless & Mobile Technologies • Semantic Technologies • Sensor Systems & Networks • Identity Management • Speech & Language Processing • Embedded and Pervasive Systems • Entertainment Computing • Bioinformatics • Grid Technologies • Robotics.

6.3. Alignment with regional priorities In the matrix below, for each country in the region, the research priorities per theme are provided pointing out the commonalities and differences in priorities between Kosovo and other countries in the region.

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Country / Bosnia & FYR Albania Croatia Kosovo Serbia Priority theme Herzegovina Macedonia ICTs for Government & Priority Priority Priority Priority Priority Priority eGovernment

ICTs for Learning & Priority Priority Priority Priority Priority Future eLearning Internet & In the Broadband Priority In the future Priority Priority Priority future Technologies ICTs for Enterprises Priority Priority Priority Priority Priority Priority and eBusiness Software In the In the future Priority Priority Priority Priority Engineering future ICTs for Health In the In the In the In the Priority Priority and eHealth future future future future Security In the In the

Technologies future future Digital Content & In the In the In the In the

Digital future future future future Libraries Knowledge In the In the

Technologies future future Artificial In the

Intelligence future Distributed Priority Systems Network In the

Technologies future Mobile Priority Priority Technologies ICTs for In the In the

Agriculture future future Embedded In the and Pervasive future Systems

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Speech & Language Priority Processing Grid In the

Technologies future

As one may notice from the data presented above, regarding most of its priorities Kosovo is well aligned with other countries in the region. An exception is the Artificial Intelligence which is not a priority for any of the countries in the region. Kosovo does not even have any expertise in that field, yet it is considered as an enabling technology for a knowledge‐based society which Kosovo aims to achieve. The same applies to the not very much appreciated priority of Knowledge Technologies, set among the future priorities in FYR Macedonia, seen world‐wide (see the W3C Consortium at www.w3.org) as essential for the future developments on the Web and the services provided there. Security Technologies are also understandably of critical importance in this area of Web socialization where personal data are at a high risk of misuse, together with confidential data exposed to threats and attacks. Moreover, with such priorities set in ICT R&D, Kosovo might reach its goals in contributing to the socio‐economic development of the country: ICT lifted into a mature sector through further improvements in Software Engineering, and in Internet & Broadband Technologies, and as such supporting citizens, businesses, government, education, the health sector, and the entire society through digitalization. At the same time, Kosovo aims to become competitive in the region by providing core‐competencies in the areas of Knowledge Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, and Security Technologies.

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Annex I. Summary of the consultation process The consultation process involved two types of consultations. One was addressed to experts in academia with the invitation to deliver their suggestions on national priority fields in ICT research for the next five years. Following are experts from University of Prishtina who responded to our invitation for determining ICT research priorities. Dr. Tech. Blerim Rexha is Assistant Professor in the Computer Engineering Department, University of Prishtina, Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Deputy‐minister of the Ministry of Energy and Mining. Dr. Rexha received his PhD at the Vienna University of Technology, and has experience with IT industry abroad. His area of expertise includes data security, smart cards, and web services. He has also been involved with designing curricula in ICT and is familiar with the utilization of ICT in the government. Dr. Tech. Nysret Musliu is Privat Dozent in the Databases and Artificial Intelligence Department, Vienna University of Technology, and also teaches at the University of Prishtina. Dr. Musliu has an extensive experience in research in a number of projects, and publications in renowned international journals in the area of artificial intelligence and machine learning. He has been involved with designing several curricula in ICT. Another consultation process took place between 15th of September and 15th of October 2009. Excerpts of the questionnaire and additional consultation hints were sent to different ICT parties of interest according to their profile. A summary of the consultation process grouped by profile of respondents and results acquired are presented in the following table. Table 3. Summary of the consultation process respondents by profile.

Type of organization Consulted Responded Responded in % Governmental body 18 2 11.11 Higher education 10 2 20 institutions ICT companies 13 6 46.15 Public service providers 2 2 100 Potential donors 3 2 66.66 Total 46 14 30.43

The consultation was mainly conducted through e‐mail and partially through face to face or phone interviews especially when collecting data. Due to the limited time available, it was impossible to organize wider consultations in form of a panel or workshop. Hence we consider this document as preliminary, and would encourage consultations with a wider public to determine final ICT research priorities at the national level. 146 ICT

Annex II. Classification of the ICT research fields The naming of research fields used during consultations for development of this report and in the report itself refer to the classification shown in the table below. This classification is an adoption of the ICT research taxonomy developed by the CISTRANA project (www.cistrana.org)

Id. ICT Research Fields Id. ICT Research Fields

ICT Software & Information Processing ICT Hardware Components 1 Artificial intelligence 33 Digital systems, digital 2 Bioinformatics 34 Display systems and technologies 3 Cognitive systems 35 Embedded & pervasive systems 4 Computational modelling 36 High frequency technology 5 Database management 37 Micro/nano systems 6 Distributed systems 38 Nanoelectronics 7 Entertainment computing 39 Nanotechnologies 8 Grid technologies 40 Organic electronics 9 Identity management 41 Optical networks and systems

10 Image processing & pattern recognition 42 Peripheral technologies

11 Knowledge Technologies 43 Photonic components and subsystems 12 Middleware 44 Printed and Integrated circuits 13 Privacy 45 Quantum Informatics 14 Security technologies 46 Robotics 15 Semantic technologies 47 Smart cards and access systems 16 Sensor systems and networks Telecommunications 17 Service engineering 48 Broadband technologies 18 Simulation technologies 49 Internet technologies 19 Software engineering 50 Network security 20 Speech & Language processing 51 Network technology 21 Signal processing systems 52 Satellite technologies 22 Virtualisation tools 53 Wireless & mobile technologies ICT Software Applications Multimedia 23 Electronic commerce 54 Digital content & digital libraries

24 GIS – Geographic Information Systems 55 Digital video broadcasting 25 ICTs for Agriculture 56 ICTs for Cultural Heritage 26 ICTs for Energy 57 ICTs for Learning & eLearning 27 ICTs for Enterprises & eBusiness 58 Multimedia infrastructures 28 ICTs for Environment 59 Virtual reality 29 ICTs for Government & eGovernment 60 Visualisation tools 30 ICTs for Health & eHealth

31 ICTs for Independent living & eInclusion 32 ICTs for Transport & eTransport

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Agro‐Food

NATIONAL BACKGROUND REPORT ON AGRO-FOOD RESEARCH FOR KOSOVO

Adem Demaj, PhD, Prof., Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina

Skender Kaçiu, PhD, Associate Prof., Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina

Arben Mehmeti PhD, Ass. Prof., Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina

Pristina, December 2009

149 Agro‐Food

Acknowledgements Authors of this report are grateful to Dr. Hysen Bytyqi and Dr. Muhamet Kamberi from the Faculty of the Agriculture and Veterinary, as well as to Dr. Dukagjin Pupovci from the Kosova Education Centre (KEC) for their valuable discussion and contribution to this report

150 Agro‐Food

List of abbreviations

ATP Autonomous Trade Preference AC Association of Consumers ARDP Agriculture Rural Development Plan ASO Austrian Science and Research Liaison Offices BOKU Universität für Bodenkultur Wien CEFTA Central European Free Trade Agreement EAP Environmental Action Program EAR European Agency for Reconstruction ERA European Research Area EC European Commission EC European Council ESDP European Security and Defence Policy EU European Union FAO Food Agriculture Organisation FP Framework Programme FRY Federal Republic of Yugoslavia GDP Gross Domestic Product GTZ Gesellschaft fur Technische Zusammenarbeit GAP Good Agriculture Practice HACCP Hazard Analyses Critical Control Points HFC Household Final Consumption IBRD International Bank for Reconstruction and Development IMF International Monetary Fund ISO International Organization for Standardization KAIP Kosovo Austria International Projects KASA Kosovo Academy of Science and Arts KCB Kosovo Consolidated Budget KEAP Kosovo Environmental Action Plan KHMI Kosovo Hydro‐Meteorological Institute KIA Kosovo Institute of Agriculture KVFA Kosovo Veterinary Food Agency MAFRD Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development MEF Ministry of Economy and Finance MESP Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning MEST Ministry of Education, Science and Technology MMM Monthly Macro Monitor MoH Ministry of Health NARS National Agricultural Research System NCS National Council for Science NGO Non‐Governmental Organizations NIPHK National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo OAAK Organic Agriculture Association of Kosovo 151 Agro‐Food

R&D Research and Development SAP Stabilization and Association Process SEEDNet South East European Development Network SIDA Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency SITC Standard International Trade Classification SOE Socially Owned Enterprises SWOT Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats US United State USAID United States Agency for International Development WB World Bank WBC Western Balkan Countries WUS World University Service‐Austria WYG Wide Youth Green

152 Agro‐Food

Executive Summary Kosovo is undergoing important reforms in its agricultural policy with the aim of approximating to European Union (EU) regulations. The agriculture sector in Kosovo is in a difficult position. Of Kosovo’s total surface area of 1.1 million ha, around 53 % considered to be agricultural land, whereas 41 % are forests and 6 % belong to other land uses (Statistical Office of Kosovo 2008c). In the agricultural sector, many farms and their machinery were destroyed during the war in 1999 and the whole sector, which was organised around cooperatives and agro‐combines (state farms) during socialism, was reorganised in a process of privatisation that is still continuing. Nevertheless, given an employment share of 21.4 % (Statistical Office of Kosovo 2007a), agriculture is among the country’s main economic activities. Again, according to the data provided by the Statistical Office of Kosovo (2008b), the agricultural sector may be structured as follows: about 88 % of the agricultural land is private and about 12 % is public/state property. Around 93 % of the agricultural land belongs to small farms, each comprising less than 5 ha. The average farm size is only 1.5 ha. The larger part of the agricultural land (59 %) has been used as arable land (Fig. 1). In 1991, the population was 63 % rural. Estimates for 2000 are that the rural population is about 60 %. Whilst trends are not easy to predict, it seems that the rapid urbanization will continue. This will decrease the number of people living in rural areas who generate their income from agricultural activities.

5% 6%

Arable land Meadows and pasture Abandoned 30% Other 59%

Fig. 1. Proportions of land‐use classes contributing to the agricultural land of Kosovo Source: Statistical Office of Kosovo (2008b).

Agriculture was traditionally one of the most important economic sectors of Kosovo. Today, agriculture is neglected, and most agricultural products are imported. There are many factors in favour of agriculture development based on the principles of organic production (Mehmeti, 2008).

153 Agro‐Food

1.8% 0.1%

Cereals 42.6% 48.5% Vegetables Fodder Orchards Others

7.0%

Fig. 2. Proportions of crop classes in the arable land of Kosovo. Source: Statistical Office of Kosovo (2008b).

Agriculture contributes about 30 % to Kosovo’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Proper quality control system of domestically grown and imported products is not yet in place. Kosovo is a large importer of agricultural products with 467 million Euro, or 24 % of total imports in 2008. The ratio of food imports to total imports in 2000 was about 27 %, reaching the peak in 2003 at 34 % and falling to 24 % in 2008.

Table 1. Imports by commodity group, (€ million)

Year 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Food 169 283 300 330 293 288 315 378 467

Other 465 592 689 639 737 892 990 1,198 1,461

Total 635 874 989 968 1,030 1,180 1,305 1,576 1,928 import

Total 27 32 30 34 29 24 23 24 24 (% of food)

Source: MEF, MPD, MMM, January 2005, SOK Monthly Bulletin 04/2006 & Ministry of Public Administration, External trade, 2008

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Rest of world 27 EU countries 32% 36%

Other Europe Albania, Macedonia and Serbia 32%

Fig. 3. Import participation by countries in relation to the total imports Source: External Trade 2008

From the total import of food, prepared foodstuffs, beverages and tobacco represent 57 %, followed by vegetable products (20 %), live animals (19 %) and animal and vegetable fats (4 %).

Table 2. Import of Food Products, end of 2005

Million Euro 1. Live animals and animal products 54.3 2. Vegetable products 57.5 3. Animal or vegetable fats and oils, and related products; 11.2 fabricated edible fats; animal or vegetable waxes 4. Prepared foodstuffs, beverages, spirits and vinegar; tobacco and 65.0 manufactured tobacco substitutes Total 288.0

Source: UNMIK Customs data, 2005

Export of food and agricultural products from Kosovo is very small ‐ 20.6 million Є in 2008. About 28 % of total exports in 2000 were of food products, compared to 10 % in 2008.

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Table. 3. Exports by commodity group, (€ million)

Year 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Food 5.3 1.5 3.8 7.6 10.3 7.8 11.5 14.6 20.6

Other 13.4 9.1 23.5 28.6 46.4 41.1 99.0 150 178

Total 18.7 10.6 27.3 36.2 56.7 48.9 110.7 165.1 198.4 exports

Total (% 28 14 14 21 9 16 10 11 10 of food)

Source: MEF, MPD, MMM, January 2005, SOK Monthly Bulletin 04/2006& Ministry of Public Administration, External trade (SITC), 2008

Rest of world 27% 27 EU countries 47%

Other Europe Albania, Macedonia and Serbia 26%

Fig. 4. Export participation by countries in Import participation by countries in relation to the total Source: External Trade (SITC) 2008

Many farms in Kosovo are abandoned, while infrastructure is partially or fully damaged. Due to the present unclear situation, the yet unresolved status of public property, low level of overall agricultural production, and low use of pesticides and artificial fertilizers, Kosovo is in a position when it needs to explore which direction will give optimal results. Integrated and organic productions are a real option. MAFRD and MESP are committed to improve the situation of agriculture and environment protection and to work for sustainable development in Kosovo. 156 Agro‐Food

In 2000‐2009, the sectorial share of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) changed significantly. Despite a fall of share in recent years, Kosovo’s agriculture remains an important asset and generator of national wealth.

Table 4. Agriculture and the national economy, 2000‐2005

Year 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

Real GDP growth 25.7 1.2 3.1 3.2 ‐ ‐ (%)

Contribution of 30 30 30 30 25 19 agriculture

Of Industry ‐ ‐ 7 7 ‐ ‐

Of Construction ‐ ‐ 8 8 ‐ ‐

Of Services ‐ ‐ 3 2 ‐ ‐

Employment total ‐ 229 263 415 ‐ ‐ Kosovo in (000)

Agriculture (%) ‐ ‐ ‐ 125 ‐ ‐

Source: IMF estimates Nov 2004, KNA –Janusz Szyrmer and MEF – MPD, FAO and MEF published 2005

The contribution of agriculture to GDP is high with 30 %, mostly due to the decreasing contribution of industry and other sectors to GDP, rather than a result of development of agriculture. The sector's contribution to GDP/share of employment ratio indicates that the efficiency of the Kosovo agricultural sector is low. However, a substantial improvement in efficiency would reduce the number of people employed in the agricultural sector. Constantly declining agricultural employment and loss of household income could damage the sustainability of rural communities, unless alternative economic activities thought of. The Kosovo GDP had increased during the period 2004‐2007 from 3006,1 million Є to 3433,6 million Є. GDP per capita followed the same trend, from 1.473 Є in 2004 to 1.612 Є in 2007. The main component of GDP is the Household Final Consumption (HFC), which increased from 2539,5 million Є in 2004 to 3248,4 million Є in 2007 (Gross Domestic Product 2004 – 2007) The consumption is to a large extent based on imports of goods and services. These contributed with about 50 % to the total consumption of population. The Gross Capital Formation contributed to 26 % to the GDP in 2007. Expenditures of the general government represented 24.5 % of the total GDP in 2004 and 18.7 % in 2007. (Gross Domestic Product 2004 – 2007). 157 Agro‐Food

Table 5. Contribution to GDP by sector and year (%)

Year 1971 1980 1995 1996 2003 2004 2005 Agriculture 28.2 18.6 34.2 28.8 30 30 19 Industry 33.3 36.4 37.0 33.8 7 n/a ‐ Other 38.5 45.0 28.8 37.4 63 n/a ‐ sectors Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 n/a ‐

Source: Statistical yearbook of Kosovo and of FRY 03 and IMF staff estimates 2004, FAO and MEF 2005

Based on Tax Administration data, the number of registered tax paying enterprises in the Agriculture sector is rather small compared to other trades, and in addition, showed a significant decrease from 256 in 2004 to 207 by the end of September 2005.

Table 6. Number of Registered Businesses, end of September 2005

Total Agriculture Industry Trade 2004 19,812 256 3,155 16,401 2005 17,208 207 2,670 14,331

Source: MEF, end of September 2005

This national background report on agro‐food research was prepared in October 2009 within the framework of the Western Balkan Countries INCO‐NET project (WBC‐INCO.net), which aims to contribute to integration of the Western Balkan Countries (WBC) in the European Research Area (ERA). The initiative is supported by the European Commission under the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7). The report provides a brief overview of the agro‐food research environment in Kosovo. It includes key facts and figures concerning policy framework, as well as a brief overview of main drivers of agro‐food research, research infrastructure and main agro‐food sector trends in Kosovo. The aim of this report is to describe and assess the state and performance of agro‐ food research in Kosovo. This report is a country‐specific synthesis based on the available statistical information (made available from the Statistical Office of Kosovo, Ministry of Economy and Finance and Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development) and consultations with agriculture and veterinary experts, 158 Agro‐Food academic research actors, stakeholders and other relevant factors in Kosovo with the purpose of identifying key elements of the position of agro‐food research in Kosovo. A strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis was utilized to match the environment threats and opportunities with the weaknesses and especially strengths within agro‐food research capacities. The final Strategic Research Agenda identified a set of six agro‐food research priorities for Kosovo. The Agro‐food Strategic Research Agenda is intended to contribute to the shaping of future European Union (EU)‐Western Balkan research co‐operation, through relevant European Commission (EC) research policies and funding programmes in a way that meets the interests and actual needs of regional agro‐food research area.

Introduction Centrally positioned in the Balkan Peninsula, Kosovo represents an important link between Central and South Europe, Adriatic Sea and Black Sea. According to the Statistical office of Kosovo, 2008, Kosovo has about 2 million inhabitants and the population density is about 193 people per km², divided in 33 municipalities. This includes 82‐90 % ethnic Albanians, whereas other communities include Serbs, Bosnians, Roma and Turks, 60 % of whom live in rural areas. The Kosovo population is by far the youngest in Europe, with more than half of its population below the age of 25. Agriculture is the main economic activity and also the sector that provides most employment in the post‐war Kosovo. Agriculture is considered as a strategic sector of Kosovo. During the 1990s agricultural productivity in Kosovo was substantially lower than during the previous decade, and substantially less than the average of Western European countries. The near‐destruction of Kosovo's agricultural sector, once the key component of the economy, was a major consequence of the conflict in 1998‐1999. Rural population was displaced, crops and machinery were either destroyed or seriously damaged, and the livestock more than halved. In 1989, with the development of other economic activities, particularly mines and textiles, only 26 % of the population was employed in agriculture. Both farming and migration to Western European countries acted as buffers to absorb the workforce expelled from the civil administration and Socially‐Owned Enterprises (SOE), after the takeover by the Serbian Administration of the control of Kosovo. The World Bank (WB) Poverty Assessment report indicates that 45 % of the Kosovo’s population lives below the poverty line with another 18 % vulnerable to poverty. On the other hand, 15 % of the population is extremely poor defined as individuals who have difficulty to meet their nutritional needs. War in Kosovo (1998‐1999), contributed to the general crisis, affecting both economy and Agriculture. Emergency phase was a main challenge for Kosovo’s 159 Agro‐Food people and international post‐conflict assistance contributed to the sector of agriculture as well as to other sectors. Following a decade of rapid economic decline caused by political oppression and armed conflict, during the period 1999‐2009 Kosovo faced numerous challenges, and agricultural sector was no exception. Significant improvements were made thanks to aid from development partners’ international and inter‐governmental organizations, governmental agencies and the Non‐Governmental Organizations (NGO) sector. On 17 February 2008 the Kosovo Assembly declared Kosovo independence. Kosovo is embracing the European agenda and is determined to move closer to Europe. Almost all instruments under the Stabilization and Association Process (SAP) are open to Kosovo. The European Partnership lists priorities to be addressed by Kosovo's authorities in the short and medium term. In response to this identification of priorities, the authorities are requested to draw up an Action Plan for the implementation of the European Partnership, which provides an agenda against which to measure progress of the countries in meeting European standards. Kosovo’s objective is to be a member of the EU and to work according to the EU directives and standards (free movement of goods and capital, customs and taxation, statistics, rural development, environment, transport etc.) by meeting all Acquis Communautaire. In February 2008, the European Union member states agreed to a Joint Action to establish a European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) rule of law mission, known as "EULEX", in Kosovo. The main task of the mission is to mentor, monitor and advice. EULEX also has some executive functions. European Council (EC) reconfirmed willingness to assist the economic and political development of Kosovo through a clear European perspective, in line with the European perspective of the region.

1. Purpose of the national background report and methodology/summary of the consultation process This National report is compiled within the framework of WBC‐INCO.net project and its main goal is to provide an overview of the current situation in the agro‐food sector in Kosovo regarding main agro‐food indicators and research policies. The report is based mainly on quantitative data gathered from different sources. The report also includes a SWOT analysis of the agro‐food research capacities. Consultation process in Kosovo took place during September‐October 2009 and included several face to face and phone interviews conducted during the data collection phase. Consultation process involved the following stakeholders: • National research and development policy‐makers: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development (MAFRD), Ministry of Trade and Industry

160 Agro‐Food

(MTI), Ministry of Health (MoH), Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST), and Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF). • Research actors: Kosovo Academy of Sciences and Arts (KASA), University of Prishtina (Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics), Kosovo Institute of Agriculture (KIA), National Institute of Public Health of Kosova (NIPHK), Kosovo Hydro‐Meteorological Institute (KHMI). • International, governmental and nongovernmental organizations involved in agro‐food issues and agro‐food research in Kosovo, European Agency for reconstruction (EAR), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), World University Service‐Austria (WUS), Gesellschaft fur Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ), WB etc. • Local NGOs from active in the agro‐food sector: Organic Agriculture Association of Kosovo (OAAK), Association of Consumers (AC) etc. The national background report on agro‐food research identified a set of six agro‐ food research priorities for Kosovo, which are presented below. The biggest problem was the lack of a centralized data collection system, and a high degree of fragmentation of the research data.

2. The Agro‐food S&T System in Kosovo Even one decade after the peace was restored in the country, Kosovo has not managed to set up a fully‐ fledged scientific research system. National economy remains too weak to support research and development, as it is not able to absorb the products of research and benefit from them. Research activities remain sporadic and marginal, based mainly on individual initiatives in the university sector and with almost no support from Government, which remains focused in supporting the teaching component of higher education. Public expenditures for research and innovation in Kosovo remain at the meagre level of 0.1 % of the GDP, indicating minimum conditions for any scientific and research work. This funding is mostly used to cover operational costs of the existing research institutions (Pupovci D, 2008).

Coupled with the lack of financial support and capacities for research in Kosovo, there is not enough interest among institutions to use opportunities available for the development of science and technology, such as 7th Framework Program of the European Commission.

2.1. Kosovo agro‐food policy framework The basis of the policy framework is set up by the Kosovo Assembly and Government, which adopt and implement legislative acts. The Kosovo Assembly 161 Agro‐Food has three operating Committees that regulate the legal framework in areas of agro‐ food and research: 1. Committee for Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, Environmental and Spatial Planning, responsible for planning general strategy on agriculture development, forestry and rural environment in Kosovo, following the most advanced examples in the fields. 2. Committee for Education, Science, Technology, Culture, Youth and Sports, which reviews legislation and policies related to all levels of education, as well as to the field of science and technology. 3. Committee for Health, Work and Social Welfare, responsible for monitoring the implementation of health related legislation and policies by the Government of Kosovo.

Agro‐food research activities in Kosovo are partially regulated by several laws and policy documents:

d. The Law on Scientific Research Activity e. Strategy for Development of Higher Education in Kosovo (2005‐2015). f. Kosovo Environmental Action Plan g. Law on Organic Agriculture h. Law on Veterinary i. Law on Food

a. The Law on scientific research activities The most important document that regulates the area of research in Kosovo is the Law on Scientific Research Activity, which defines establishment, activity, organizing, governance and termination of public legal persons in scientific‐ research activity field; status of National Council for Science (NCS); and other issues related to scientific‐research activity in Kosovo.” Scientific research according to this Law, includes fundamental, applied and development research. For the purpose of fulfilling the necessary conditions and providing the means, the Law prescribes that up to 0.7 % of GDP shall be allocated through the Kosovo Consolidated Budget for the purpose of research. In July 2007 Kosovo Assembly elected the NCS of Kosovo composed of 15 members. The decision of the Assembly was implemented only in October 2008 when the first meeting of the Council took place. The Council is in the process of developing a five‐year National Research Program for Kosovo, but the negotiations with the Government to start working on this project are still ongoing124.

123 The National Research Program was developed and approved by the Kosovo Assembly in July 2010. 162 Agro‐Food b. Strategy for Development of Higher Education in Kosovo (2005‐2015) The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology set up structures to support research activities in Kosovo: the Department of Science, the Centre for Innovations and Transfer of Technology, and the Centre for International Co‐ operation in the field of Higher Education, Science and Technology. The Strategy for Development of Higher Education in Kosovo (2005‐2015) prepared by MEST addresses also the issue of research as component integrated in higher education curricula. One of the six objectives defined in this document is to improve the capacity for scientific research and the following measures are recommended: conceptualize new policies, amend existing legislation regulating research and scientific activity, build institutional and intellectual capacity, set standards for research and scientific work, provide the needed funds and ensure appropriate incentives. So far, no policy has been adopted or specific measures taken to improve research cooperation and integration into the European Research Area.

c. Kosovo Environmental Action Plan In parallel to the Strategy, work on the Kosovo Environmental Action Plan (KEAP) commenced. KEAP is a document that provides practical steps for the implementation of the specific interventions in the sector. The basic principle underlying the development of KEAP was integration and respect of all existing relevant policy documents. Thus KEAP reflects the overall high priority given to the process of EU approximation. The KEAP document takes into consideration the following issues: • directives of Chapter 22 of the Environmental Acquis Communautaire; • structure and the idea of the EU’s 5th Environmental Action Program (EAP) • elements of the 6th EAP are included in the document whenever this was considered to be relevant and realistic under the national circumstances at the time of writing • aspects of the main international conventions and protocols. KEAP provides that Agriculture sector is neglected and most of the agriculture products are being imported. d. Law on Organic Farming According to this Law, organic products shall be regarded as bearers of indicators referring to the organic production method, where in the labelling, advertising material or related documents, such a product, its ingredients or feeding materials are described in terms of Organic Farming providing the buyer with relevant 163 Agro‐Food information proving that production or its components are fully in accordance with the rules of organic production as specified in this Law.125 e. Veterinary Law The purpose of this Law is to regulate combating and prevention of infectious animal diseases, veterinary medical practice, the circulation of products of animal origin, veterinary control of imported goods, exports and transit of live animals and products of animal origin, and determine the rights and obligations of public and local government institutions, as well as of individual persons, in this field. f. Law on Food This law shall apply at all stages of production, processing, storage, and distribution for human consumption and feed, except in primary production for private domestic use, or to the domestic preparation, handling, or storage of the food for domestic use, not intended to be placed in to the market.

2.1.1. The overall Agro‐food policy framework

Kosovo has a new Agro‐food legislation which is harmonised to European agro‐food principles. However, the agro‐food legislation continues to be completed and improved to respond in most effective manner to food safety and quality. However, completion with official personnel for the agro‐food sector is planned by the government as an important instrument for development of agro‐food policies. The main challenge is implementation of the laws.

Table 7. Approved Laws related to the Agro‐food sector by the Kosovo Assembly

No. Name of Law Law No. 1. Law on Seeds 2003/5 2. Law on Farms cooperative 2003/9 3. Law on Food 03/L‐016 4. Law on Artificial fertiliser 2003/10 5. Law on Seedling materials 2004/13 6. Veterinary Law 2004/21 7. Law on Forestry 2004/29 8. Law on Livestock 2004/33 9. Law on Animal welfare 02/L‐10

124 The new draft Law similar to the EU legislation on organic agriculture is submitted to the Kosovo Assembly and should be approved soon. 164 Agro‐Food

10. Law on Wine 02/L‐8 11. Law on the Irrigation of Agriculture lands 02L‐9 12. Law on Arable land 02/L‐26 13. Law on Hunting 02L‐53 14. Law on Fishery and aquaculture 02/L‐85 15. Law on Plant protection 02/L‐95 16. Law on Organic farming 02/L‐122 17. Law on Beekeeping 02/L‐111 18. Law on Protection of plant varieties 02/L‐98 19. Law on Products for plant production 03/L‐042 20. Law on Agriculture inspection 03/L‐029 21. Law on Agriculture and rural development 03/L‐098 22. Law on Pesticides 03/20 Draft Laws approved in principle by the Kosovo Assembly 1. Draft Law on Genetic modified organisms 2003/09/169 2. Changes and amendments of the draft Law on 2003/9 Forestry 3. Draft Law for commiseration

2.1.2. Elements of Agro‐food research policy making

Budget allocations of the Kosovo Government for scientific research and technological development in 2008 was less than 0.1 % of the GDP. However, this amount is not purely dedicated to research, but includes salaries, goods and services, and public utilities for research institutes under the authority of MEST. There are several national strategies created by the MAFRD, MoH, MESP and MEST , but they are not research strategies and there is no department or another body responsible for scientific research. Kosovo already has an Agriculture Rural Development Plan in accordance with EU– policies, which was approved by the Government in April 2007, whereas ARDP 2009‐13 is an update of ARDP 2007‐13. The Agriculture and Rural Development Plan (ARDP), 2007‐2013, is a medium term strategic document which aims to support the development of the agro‐rural sector and bring it in line with the agro‐ rural sector of the EU. The strategy was prepared using the same EU policy development framework, to prepare Kosovo to meet the EC requirements and to be able to use the pre‐ accession structural funds in the future. The strategy document was prepared and adapted to the situation of the agricultural sector and challenges of the Kosovo

165 Agro‐Food rural population. This means that implementation of this strategy will not foster an agriculture based development through enhancing and improving the capacities of the agriculture or farming population, but it combines it with other components such as increasing competitiveness of the sector through value adding activities, environment protection, improving the quality of life in rural areas, creating conditions for the development of other non‐farm activities etc. The objectives defined within the strategy cover highlighted components, and they are: • To ensure additional income for the farmers and rural population, which leads to better living and working conditions, • To improve competitiveness of the agricultural production and substitute imports and export to other markets, • To add value to agricultural products by improving processing and marketing activities, • To apply quality and safety standards at farming and processing level, • To support sustainable development and improve the quality of life through promotion of farming and other non‐farming activities without causing any damage to the environmental resources, • To support rural diversification as a way of creating employment opportunities for rural dwellers and • To align Kosovo’s agriculture with that of the EU. This strategy consists of 4 axes and 8 measures and it envisages the sustainable development of Agro‐rural sector of Kosovo, in line with that of the EU.

2.2. Overview of Agro‐food research activities

This overview presents research projects in the area of agro‐food, major research topics and the infrastructure for agro‐food research. Agro‐food research activities in Kosovo are conducted mainly on personal initiatives at some faculties of the University of Prishtina, respectively in the Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary and Faculty of Natural and Mathematical Sciences (Departments of Biology and Chemistry). These research activities, with very few exceptions, are not supported by any research grant from government, university or industry. So far, institutions had insufficient interest to use opportunities available for the development of research area; such is 7th Framework Program of the European Commission.

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2.2.1 Agro‐food research projects

There is presently no research project in the agro‐food sector funded through the MEST, MAFRD, MESP, MoH or the KASA. During the last decade of the post‐war Kosovo, there were two possible investments for agro‐food sector including Capital outlays (construction), maintenance, trainings, legislation, visits etc.: 1. Donations (USAID, GTZ, AER, EU, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), etc.) 2. Research projects by the Austrian Science Office (ASO), USAID and South East European Development Network SEEDNet.

9%

34%

ASO SEEDNET USAID

57%

Fig. 5. Percentage of funds for research projects

These are few research projects which have been implemented during the last three years, and some of them are still in progress. These research projects are implemented in cooperation with different Universities mainly located in South‐ East Europe and EU, and Austria in particular.

List of ongoing and completed research projects:

o Influence of environment on the quality of peppers and tomatoes in Kosovo and Montenegro (ASO, 2008), Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences (BOKU) and Faculty of Agriculture, University of Montenegro

o The influence of the location on the quality of peppers and tomatoes in Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina (ASO, 2009), Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences (BOKU) and Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bosnia and Herzegovina 167 Agro‐Food

o South East European Solanaceae Germplasm Collection, Conservation and Sustainable use (SEEDNet 2007‐2008), Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina

o Collection, Characterization and regeneration of indigenous onion (Allium cepa L.) and leek Allium porrum L. germplasm for further ex‐ situ conservation (SEEDNet 2007 – 2008), Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina

o The influence of the location on the Nitrates and Nitrites content in vegetable under Kosovo conditions (KAIP, 2009 – 2010, ongoing), Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina and University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences (BOKU)

o Improving organic fruit growing in Kosovo and Albania (2008‐2009), Agriculture University of Tirana, Faculty of Agriculture & Environment, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina and University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences (BOKU)

o Creation and selection of new wheat breeding lines in Kosovo (2009‐2010, ongoing), Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina and University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences (BOKU)

o Development of Livestock sector through establishment of an Artificial Insemination Centre for Cattle breeding, WYG International and MAFRD

o Cooperation in academic, scientific and professional fields between Faculty of Agriculture & Veterinary in Prishtina and University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna, Supported by Kosovo Austrian Internationals Projects (KAIP), Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina and University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences (BOKU)

European Community support to Kosovo started in 1998 through the implementation of projects funded through the European Agency for Reconstruction (EAR).

1998‐2003: € 55.1 million ‐ EAR provided assistance to MAFRD to: strengthen advisory support services to farmers and agribusiness enterprises; develop agricultural statistics to improve policy formulation at the ministry; support the production, distribution and marketing of seed and planting materials to EU standards; and manage agricultural information campaigns. Support has been provided for the transformation of publicly owned irrigation water providers into self‐sustainable enterprises to ensure the effective management and sustainability of Kosovo's irrigation system – substantially rehabilitated with EC assistance. The

168 Agro‐Food

Agency also supported the establishment of a rural microfinance scheme to provide loans to farmers and small rural enterprises.

2004: € 4.0 million ‐ The EAR’s 2004 Rural Development programme focused on revitalising the rural economy. The Agency assisted MAFRD and municipal agriculture offices to improve the planning and implementation of agriculture policies. This includes development of an Agriculture Master Plan for Kosovo, a two year project that started in November 2004. MAFRD and the Ministry of Health are establishing an effective food safety control system to EU standards through an EAR project that started in June 2005.

2005: € 9.2 million ‐ In 2005, EAR is focusing on institution building (Kosovo Centre for Livestock Breeding, Marketing Support and Land Utilization). The Agency is supporting the work achieved by the SASS project and the AMPK project in delivering advice to rural communities. Assistance to the tertiary irrigation sector will be provided.

2006: € 5.0 million ‐ Three projects have been accepted for EAR‘s 2006 programme that provided a platform for the implementation and institutional support of ARDP 2007‐13. The three projects help align Kosovo’s rural sector with the EU’s rural development strategy for 2007‐13. This is based on four major axes: increasing the competitiveness of the agricultural sector through support for restructuring; conserving the environment and countryside through support for land management, (including rural development actions related to Natura 2000 improving the quality of life in farm sector and other rural actors; and preparing community level local development strategies).

Other donors have implemented/are implementing projects that complement those of EAR’s Rural Development programmes, examples of which are summarized below: FAO/IBRD previously provided grant support for the distribution of fertilisers and seeds, as well as for the vaccination of livestock, the repair of agricultural machinery, the reestablishment of forests and the import of tractor/implements and cows to restock the cattle herd. FAO helped in rehabilitating veterinary services, primarily through establishing a central veterinary diagnostic laboratory in Pristina. They also managed a grant support, advisory and training programme primarily aimed at rural micro enterprise development and capacity building. With bilateral support from Luxembourg, FAO is implementing a project in the remote mountain areas in and around Dragash. SIDA: The Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) is mainly involved in supporting the forestry sector. With FAO, SIDA is providing support for forest institutions and legislation. SIDA is supporting forestry education and training in Kosovo on a bilateral basis. 169 Agro‐Food

Norway: The Norwegian government is implementing a project to support forest management using GIS technology. GTZ: The German government has supported integrated rural development activities, focussing on cheese and fish production and marketing. USAID is implementing the “Kosovo Cluster and Business Support” programme (KCBS). In relation to agriculture, the target sectors are dairy, beef, poultry, animal feed, fruit and vegetables. The approach of the project is to identify problems between the farmer and final consumer, and provide specific technical and other support in order to solve them. Swiss aid has two relevant programmes in Kosovo. The Swiss Inter‐cooperation fruit and vegetable marketing project has produced useful pilot programmes related to price information collection and dissemination systems, and also for the introduction of new fruit and vegetable varieties, packing and branding. The Swiss Contact dairy project has also prepared useful data on prices and standards, as well as developing encouraging links between processors and dairy farmers in order to improve the overall quality and quantity of milk supplied. KFOR/CIMIC has a programme that is helping to establish farmer associations. The approach is based on making milk cooling available to participating groups of suppliers. The resulting groups require additional support, particularly in relation to development of business and marketing plans. Mercy Corps is implementing with MAFRD a project to support the creation of six producers’ Associations in selected municipalities (Agriculture and rural development plan, 2007‐2013, 2006)

2.2.2. Key competencies in Agro‐food research fields

Presence of researchers in the specific fields of science, the broad spectrum of diseases of plants, animals and humans as well as emerging and recurrent diseases (plants, animal and humans) in Kosovo pose a significant potential in agro‐food research field. However, the available research results are poorly transferred into practical interventions in the field. The key drivers for agro‐food research come from the public sector. Collaboration on agro‐food research between research institutions and commercial companies is extremely low. The contribution of the private sector to the agro‐food research is minimal, but there is opportunity to increase it in near future. Kosovo has an agro‐food system that has undergone numerous reforms at all levels. Although, overall research capacity is limited, the analysis suggests that the country’s key competencies are in the following areas: 1. Food safety and quality 2. Plant production 3. Plant protection 4. Race improvement and feed of animal 170 Agro‐Food

5. Animal health and their production 6. Increasing the production and use of forestry

2.2.3. Agro‐food research infrastructure

Research and higher education

Scientific research activities in Kosovo, including the field of agro‐food, are carried out in many institutions. Research institutions in the S&T field of agro‐food in Kosovo are divided in two groups:

Research institutions (University / higher education research institutions) Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Faculty of Mathematical and Natural Sciences Faculty of Mining and Metallurgy

Public research institutes Kosovo Academy of Sciences and Arts Kosovo Institute of Agriculture

Laboratory analyses, public: National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo Kosovo Veterinary and Food Agency Hydrological and Meteorological Institute Laboratory of Wine

Laboratory analyses, private: Agrovet Sara & Med

The key institutions performing research in agro‐food are primarily Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary and Kosovo Institute of Agriculture. For a full list of agro‐ food research groups in Kosovo with contact details see Appendix I.

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Table. 7. Number of agro‐food research groups identified, October, 2009

Number of Research research groups groups (%) Universities higher education research 3 27.3 Public research organizations 6 54.5 Private research organizations 2 18.2 Total 11 100

The University of Prishtina was founded in 1970 and is one of the public Universities in Kosovo. It has 17 faculties with approximately 35.000 students. Starting with the academic year 2001/2002, the University of Prishtina adopted the two‐tier system of studies as prescribed by the Bologna Declaration. International cooperation is one of main priorities of the University of Prishtina and is focused on intensive participation in various programs. The University of Prishtina has signed 80 cooperation agreements with other universities all over the World. Teaching and research at the University of Prishtina represent the main activities and mission of the University, also pursuant to article 5 of the Prishtina University statute. However, there is little evidence of organized scientific activity at the University and of any strong links between research and teaching components. The Department of Technology, course of Food engineering was established within the Faculty of Mines and Metallurgy two years ago, and they still have not completed the laboratory and research infrastructure. Kosovo Academy of Science and Arts was established in 1975. Today it is the highest institution in the field of sciences and arts in Kosovo. It consists of four sections: Language and Literature, Social sciences Natural sciences and Arts A minimum support in agro‐food research in Kosovo was given by the international governmental and non‐governmental institutions. Other institutions involved in agro‐food sector, including scientific research are: ASO, USAID, SEEDNET (see Appendix II). There is almost no research conducted by agro‐food industry and enterprises in Kosovo. Processing companies are the main sponsors of scientific events but they have not establish a system of research grants so far. The NGO sector comprises of several associations providing input for agro‐food policies. This is emphasized through collaborative projects sponsored by 172 Agro‐Food international donors in the field of production and processing. NGOs regularly organize fairs, roundtables, and debates focusing on various issues from a research perspective. The National Agricultural Research System (NARS) of Kosovo is composed primarily of the Faculty of Agriculture & Veterinary of the University of Prishtina, and the Kosovo Institute of Agriculture (KIA) located in Peja, where there is also the Forestry Institute of Peja. The Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Prishtina is responsible for teaching, research, and transfer of knowledge extension services. The Faculty has six Departments126: ƒ Field Crops and Vegetable ƒ Livestock, ƒ Fruit Trees and Vineyards, ƒ Plant Protection ƒ Agro economy and ƒ Veterinary There are also general subjects, mechanization, food technology and soil sciences. Curricula follow the Bologna system. There are 33 professors, 12 associate and assistant professors, 14 lecturers and 32 technicians. There are 800 students. The Faculty cooperates with universities in Albania, Germany, Italy, Austria, Norway and so on, and in the Balkan region. Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary is under preparation to open a new department for the academic year 2010/11: the department of Biotechnology. Kosovo Institute for Agriculture (KIA) is a public research institution founded in 1947, which operates as part of MAFRD. It is a complex of 12 Laboratories clustered in three laboratory facilities, as well as a research station of 170 hectares of arable land. KIA’s main function is focused on applied and adaptive research on: ƒ Plant production and protection ƒ Animal husbandry ƒ Seed testing ƒ Laboratory analyses of agricultural inputs and products of plant and animal origin and ƒ Training and advisory services. KIA has been operating in the last few years on a very limited scale. Due to this, current activities are limited to seed testing, variety trials (wheat, barley, corn, potato) and laboratory analysis of soil, fertilizer animal feed and crop products (grain, wine etc.).

125 In the mean time, Food Technology and Biotechnology department has been already established, while the Bsc.. program for the Food technology with Biotechnology has been already accredited 173 Agro‐Food

Most food analyses are carried out in the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo (NIPHK) and the Kosovo Veterinary Food Agency (KVFA).

100 100

80

60

40

15 20 10 5

0 Number of Women Number of Researchers researchers researchers researchers with under 35 Ph.D.

Fig. 6. Estimated number of Agro‐food researchers, 2008‐09, October, 2009

Kosovo’s laboratories cooperate regionally with:

ƒ Veterinary Faculty Laboratory in Skopje for residues; ƒ Veterinary Faculty Laboratory in Ljubljana; ƒ Agricultural Institute Slovenia and ƒ SQTS – Switzerland. For List A Diseases, Kosovo works with reference laboratories from the OIE and FAO list. Government has allocated land for construction of a new laboratory with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 17025 standards. No laboratories are certified or harmonized in line with EU standards. The main focus in the future will be proposals for regional cooperation in research and higher educations are as follows: ƒ Focus research on technology transfer (rather than on technology generation), working with research institutes/universities in other countries and in country. ƒ Use technology that has been tested and adopted by farmers in neighbouring countries, or under similar agricultural conditions. ƒ Base technology selection on assessment of farmers’ needs, emphasizing market oriented production technologies. ƒ Strengthen the research institutions capacity in food quality control, seed testing and certification, agricultural input analysis and control activities, soil analyses, training and dissemination of information.

174 Agro‐Food

ƒ Undertake technology identification, assessment and diffusion cost effectively within a regional university/research collaborative framework. ƒ Develop incentives to recruit young national scientists, including postgraduate programmes, as well as regional exchange programmes for existing research staff and on the job training for field and laboratory technicians (Master plan for agriculture, 2007).

2.3. Key drivers of Agro‐food research

Agro‐food research activities in Kosovo are conducted mainly on personal initiatives at some faculties of the University of Prishtina, respectively in Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, Faculty of Natural and Mathematical Sciences (Departments of Biology and Chemistry) and Kosovo Institute of Agriculture. The key drivers are supposed to be from the public sector and they will focus to advance the capacity for research and scientific work.

Expected outcomes: ƒ Legal package for development of science ƒ Mid‐term government program for development of science ƒ A sufficient number of scientific research projects contributing to solving of societal problems ƒ System of postgraduate studies is organized in accordance with the objectives of Bologna Process ƒ Sufficient number of publications with international reviews ƒ Special funds to be allocated for scientific research ƒ Institutional infrastructure to be set up for scientific work (Medium‐term expenditure framework 2006‐2008, MEF)

2.3.1. Main Agro‐food sector trends in Kosovo

The agro‐food sector in Kosovo is dominated by the national public agro‐food system, although the private sector is rising slowly. Budget of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, 2009, is 12.133 Euro together with KVFA. This budget includes salary for staff, capital investments and anther cost for MAFRD needs.

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Table. 8. Expenditures of Kosovo Agencies (million Euro)

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and 2.3 2.7 4.8 5.9 6.5 9.4 12.1 Rural Development

Source: Treasury, Ministry of Finance and Economy Note: Designated Donor Grants are not included

The overall objective of agro‐food policy in Kosovo is to create an efficient system that operates with the scarce resources available. Also, there is a need for new human capacity in the research sector that will upgrade the current picture of agro‐ food production and agro‐food research. The crop harvests usually are used for households, for the human consumption 2/3 to 3/1 and other production for the animal feed. The large and specialised farms use a slightly larger share of crops for animal feed than the small farms as they are more specialised in livestock production.

Table 9. Average use of harvested crops by region / percentage

Household Animal Processed Region Sold Lost needs feed /than sold

Kosova 69.0 21.6 5.6 0.4 3.5

Prishtina 74.6 18.9 4.8 0.2 1.5

Mitrovica 70.6 21.3 5.3 0.3 2.6

Peja 67.5 20.7 8.6 0.1 3.1

Gjakova 62.5 22.4 9.8 0.5 4.8

Prizren 62.7 27.5 5.9 0.0 3.9

Ferizaj 78.6 15.5 3.0 0.1 2.9

Gjilan 66.2 24.8 1.9 1.4 5.6

Source: Statistical Office of Kosovo, 2006

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2.3.2. Main socio‐economic challenges in Kosovo

Due to the many difficulties over the last two decades and in particular through the post conflict period, Kosovo faces many economic developmental challenges. Underlying economic growth potential in Kosovo is roughly 3.0 – 4.0 % per year. Unemployment is of the order of 35 – 40 %. Currently some 29.000 young people are entering the labour market every year. Even if the economy could move to a permanent growth rate of say 6.0 %, in ten to fifteen years’ time, unemployment will only have halved. This simple observation defines the real economic development challenge for Kosovo. At the same time, it is estimated by the WB that perhaps as much as 45 % of the population may well live in a broadly defined state of poverty. Thus it is clear that even if economic growth is increased markedly and sustained through the longer term, there will be an underlying and continuing social challenge that must be addressed. In a very real sense, this is what can be called a ‘baseline’ policy priority. Kosovo’s initial position contains a number of strengths. It has a young population, and significant natural resources. The social structure is characterized by the existence of networks both formal and informal that provide safety nets for the poor and the unemployed. The foundations for a liberal market economy and modern system of accountability are in place and international partners are supporting many dimensions of the developmental process.

Table 10. Macroeconomic indicators for period 2004‐2007

Year 2004 2005(v) 2006(v) 2007(P)

Country accounts 3.2 0.6 4.2 3.6 Real increase of GDP

GDP per capita (euro) 1,152 1,115 1,136 1,168

Investment (% GDP) 29.9 30.2 31.1 34.6

Gross domestic saving (% of GDP) ‐19.3 ‐23.0 ‐23.3 ‐24.3

Overall Government budget ‐ 6.1 ‐ 3.1 3.5 3.9 Overall budget (% of GDP)

Foreign accounts trade balance ‐43.4 ‐47.4 ‐50.1 ‐53.6

Actual account balance (% of ‐37.8 ‐38.7 ‐38.2 ‐42.9 GDP)

Foreign assistance (% of GDP) 25.0 22.8 20.9 19.5

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Deliveries from outside (% of 10.3 13.1 14.5 14.5 GDP)

Prices Inflation CPI ‐ 14.0 ‐ 1.4 1.5 2.0

Memorandum GDP (million Euro) 2,263 2,228 2,310 2,415

Source: World Bank report, Kosovo Interim Strategy, 2007 (Note: data for 2004‐06 are estimations, data for 2007 are forecast. Current balance presents an amount before receive of international assistance.

Recovery of agriculture has been quite rapid taking into account the low resources allocated to agriculture. In 2002 the effective budget for agriculture was only 0.6 % of total public expenditure. During years budget allocated to agriculture was increased: by 41.2 % from 2005 to 2006; by 20 % from 2006 to 2007; and by 35.2 % from 2007 to 2008. Unfortunately, compared with share of the total budget of Kosovo Consolidated Budget (KCB) is approximately same percentage and when we analyze the population structure and other indexes (poverty, agriculture and rural population, contribution on GDP, climatic conditions etc.), simply conclude that Agriculture could also address unemployment problem. Agricultural system has very strong potential to commercialize and increase employment and income. To achieve EU standards of developments, agricultural sector has already for some sub‐sectors legislative base, according to the EU and international norms. Kosovo is part of the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA). Kosovo enjoys customs‐free access to the EU through the EU, Autonomous Trade Preference (ATP) regime. At the end of 2008, the United States (US) designated Kosovo a beneficiary under the Generalized System of Preferences program, allowing certain Kosovo goods to enter the US duty‐free. On the other hand some private companies are certified with Hazard Analyses Critical Control Points (HACCP), ISO standards and a lot of them are in the process of certifying as well as for organic production.

Table. 11. Macroeconomic indicators for period 2004‐2007

Year 2004 2005 2006 2007 GDP per capita 964.0 1,438.0 1,476.0 1,573.0

Increase of GDP 3.2 2.0 3.9 4.4 Rate of unemployment 39.7 41.4 44.9 43.6 Budget revenues 634.8 638.4 712.0 896.4 178 Agro‐Food

Budget spending 769.4 696.1 635.5 662.7 Balance of govern. Budget ‐ 134.6 ‐ 57.7 76.5 233.7

Size of foreign trade 1,086.9 1,156.3 1,363.7 1,671.3

Source: World Bank report, Kosovo Interim Strategy, 2007

3. Integration of Kosovo in the European Agro‐food research During the last 35 years Faculty (Institute) of food sector had continuity in scientific research and fruitful results recognized through many different activities and developed organisations units which covers all segment in Agriculture, as well as through respectable number of research staff, among which there are lot of young and enthusiast researchers. Kosovo is not fully integrated in the FP7 Program, while the Government is discussing terms of participation in this Program and establishing the mechanisms needed for efficient cooperation (European Commission, Brussels, 2008). Nevertheless, there is no elaborate plan for the development of the Agro‐food Research and Development (R&D) sector in the country neither for integration of the country in the European Research Area (ERA). We should be focused to develop this sector to have more access in the projects of EU, so we could include EU funded mobility programmes directed in improvement of our projects in higher education and research. However, after the war of 1999 changes in society of the Kosovo, had created possibilities for researchers and students to have contacts with different institutions from abroad (especially from EU countries). One of the main priorities of the faculties has been focused on establishment, maintaining and development of international cooperation in agriculture sector with similar scientific institutions, Universities and international organisations. It is important that international contacts and projects have been noticeably strengthened in recent years. The research staffs has been trained in many prestigious European Universities and scientific institutions in Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Norway, Denmark, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Macedonia. Without deep research activities and authentic scientific results, it is not possible to manage transition of the Kosovo agriculture successfully and to contribute for its sustainable development. For Kosovo, with certain limitations, it is extremely important to use its institutional resources in effective and efficient way. It is 179 Agro‐Food challenge for research institution and main provider of scientifically proved services. In order to fulfil this role, the research institutions strengthen their human and technical capacities more intensively, especially by accepting and implementing principle and standards well established in recognisable EU research centres. During all this period Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary and other research institutions had an intensive international cooperation and projects realisation which were funded by ASO, USAID, SEEDNET, KAIP funds etc.

4. SWOT analysis In order to make a SWOT analysis for the agro‐food sector in Kosovo, it was necessary to conduct a number of interviews with experts from this field. Their opinions along with previous research served as a basis for the construction of SWOT matrix.

The answers were analysed by compiling the most frequently mentioned strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats and the answers mentioned by only one expert were disregarded as unimportant. During the interviews, the experts had to explain each point and provide reasons why they think a certain point is strength, weakness, opportunity or a threat. Besides experts’ answers, the SWOT analysis included also a review of previous research in this area available in the literature.

4.1. Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats

Table 12. SWOT chart for Kosovo agro‐food sector

Strengths (S) Weaknesses (W) ƒ Fast growing rate after 1999 ƒ Inadequate programs of agro‐food ƒ Agro‐food legislation is education established ƒ Inadequate allocation of budget for ƒ Established legal framework R&D for scientific research and ƒ Sector of adult education is not higher education satisfied ƒ Employment possibilities in ƒ Relations between main stakeholders agriculture ƒ Inadequate Stability in financing of ƒ Positive trends in profilisation agro‐food research projects of farmers and in increasing ƒ Low investment in educational farm size infrastructure ƒ Growing interest in agro‐food ƒ Low number of available experts 180 Agro‐Food

research ƒ Co‐operation between the institutions ƒ Good experiences in is low level knowledge transfer ƒ Low competitiveness of small scale producers ƒ Insufficient organisation of production ƒ Negative trade balance in the sector ƒ Undeveloped distribution channels ƒ Limited public expenditure for S&T and R&D purposes and education ƒ Lack of financial resources in order to renew technologies ƒ Recognition of the role of science in the overall process of economic development ƒ Lack of national standards in the evaluation of research activities and accreditation of R&D organizations ƒ Motivation of young scientists ƒ Small number of realized research projects Opportunities (O) Threats (T)

ƒ Improvement of agro‐food ƒ In economic aspect the global financial education crisis ƒ Better cooperation of science ƒ Low priority of the sector in scientific and industry community ƒ Higher involvement in ƒ Insufficient direct communication European research area between research and industrial sector ƒ Better organisation of ƒ Limited financial resources for research producers ƒ Slow process of changes in the scientific ƒ Adopting EU food safety research standards ƒ Increased competition resulting from EU ƒ Agro‐eco‐tourism accession ƒ Accession to EU – availability ƒ Low investments in modernisation and of EU funds infrastructure ƒ Establishment of private ƒ Lack of agro‐food researchers consultancy services ƒ Drop behind in integration processes and ƒ Improvement of co‐operation lack of support from the EU between producers, ƒ Ratio between applied versus basic industries, research centres research ƒ Increasing economic activity ƒ International Funding Opportunities ƒ Increasing research funding ƒ Increased scientific support to policy making activity 181 Agro‐Food

ƒ Increasing networking opportunities ƒ Interaction of the education institutions with the business sector ƒ Linkages with the research systems of other countries

5. Agro‐food research priorities for Kosovo Research Agro‐food priorities for Kosovo are driven by the national document for development policy goals set by the Kosovo government in the period 2007‐2013. Thus document briefly presents development Strategy of the Agriculture and Rural Development Plan 2007‐2013 with aim to show that Kosovo’s ARDP 2007‐2013 and its component, axes and measures are in accordance with European strategies. Another objective is to show, how agricultural sector during the years is giving more importance in sustainable development with particular attention on Organic production for healthy food. Farmers in Kosovo have lack of support and most of them have traditional system of producing. Their intention is to be competitive on the market. Organic system will be presented as new alternative for growth of incomes and protection of the environment, fertility and food safety. On the other hand as an alternative that is compatible with trends of the European market. Also another objective is to show actual state of the sector of agriculture and the importance that is given to agriculture. Main data of the structure of the land ownership, farms, and agricultural population will be presented with the attention on the historical development of this sector which was vital for Kosovo economy and its intention on the future. However, the main goal of this background report was to specify country agro‐food research priorities which will be interconnected with other WBC and EU member States agro‐food research priorities. In this case we are focused on the great lines of FP7 Work Program on the themes of agro‐food. We have made detailed analysis and guidance the following agro‐food research priorities were proposed in terms of agro‐food research areas, fields and sub‐fields: 1. Food safety and quality 2. Plant production 3. Plant protection 4. Race improvement and animal fund 5. Animal production and health 6. Increasing the production and use of forestry

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The detailed research priorities from each selected agro‐food research fields: 1. Food safety and quality ƒ Assurance scheme of products ƒ Implementation of standards (HACCP, GLOBAL Good Agriculture Practice (GAP), ISO etc.) ƒ Phyto‐sanitary inspection of products ƒ Residue of pesticides and heavy metals

2. Plant production ƒ New technology for production of crops ƒ Plant protection (protection and inventory of diseases, insects and weeds) ƒ Sustainable development ƒ Setting up of gene bank for genetic conservation of plants resources in Kosovo ƒ Soil degradation (bonity, fertility, pollution, erosion) and rehabilitation ƒ Impact of global changes on the effects on agriculture production

3. Plant protection ƒ Inventory of diseases, insects and weeds ƒ Preparation of Red Book of weeds in arable fields ƒ Pesticide residues in plants and soils ƒ Monitoring of main diseases, insects and weeds which are decreasing the yield of production

4. Race improvement and animal fund ƒ Improving the race of animals ƒ Animal breeding ƒ Animal feeds and feeding ƒ Animal welfare

5. Animal health and their production ƒ Defeating zoo noses ƒ Improvement of meat production ƒ Rational/controlled use of veterinary Products ƒ Fast methods for detection of microorganisms

6. Increasing the production and use of forestry ƒ Afforestation in mountains ƒ Protection of trees against diseases and pests ƒ Protection from erosion

5.1. Agro‐food research priorities on the basis of the country’s readiness*

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After some data’s from Agro‐food sector, and based on existing infrastructure, human capacities, recent performance and further research capacity strengthening, the top field in the Kosovo Agro‐food research sector include these numbering priorities: 1. Food safety and quality ƒ Assurance scheme of products ƒ Implementation of standards (HACCP, GLOBAL GAP, ISO etc.) ƒ Phyto‐sanitary inspection of products ƒ Residue of pesticides and heavy metals

2. Plant production ƒ New technology for production of crops ƒ Sustainable development ƒ Inventory of diseases, insects and weeds ƒ Preparation of Red Book of weeds in arable fields ƒ Pesticide residues in plants and soils ƒ Monitoring of main diseases, insects and weeds which are decreasing the yield of production ƒ Setting up of gene bank for genetic conservation of plants resources in Kosovo ƒ Soil degradation (bonity, fertility, pollution, erosion) and rehabilitation ƒ Impact of global changes on the effects on agriculture production

3. Race improvement and animal fund ƒ Improving the race of animals ƒ Animal breeding ƒ Animal feeds and feeding

5.2. Agro‐food research priorities on the basis of future potential**

1. Food safety and quality 2. Plant production 3. Plant protection 4. Animal health 5. Race improvement and feed of animal 6. Increasing the production and use of forestry

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6. Post‐Report Situation Almost three years have passed since the report was first submitted. In the mean time, many important things have happened, among them development and approval of the National Research Program.

6.1. Update on the Situation

The updates below relates to the SWOT analysis. Weaknesses During this period the University of Prishtina has prepared two new programs which are connected to the Agro‐food sector. The Bsc. Studies for Food technology with Biotechnology at the Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary were developed and accredited in the framework of the Tempus IV project ”Improvement and establishment of biotechnology in higher education” . Tempus is currently funding two other projects: ”PhD program for Food science and creating capacities for reform PhD at the University of Prishtina” and “PhD in Nutrition and Food Processing at the UP” This is important for improving the research capacity in the Agro‐food sector in Kosovo. The following research projects are being supported by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST): 1. The study of autochthon Busha cattle in Kosovo 2. Epidemiological study for Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever in endemic regions in Kosovo 3. Prevalence of Salmonella in layer farms infested with Dermanyssus gallinae 4. Local economic development and its impact on social welfare

Threats We recently noticed an increase in cooperation between the researchers and the industrial sector, especially after application of the new standards in production (Global GAP) Good Agriculture Practices and processing industry (HACCP) Hazard Analyses of Critical Check Points. Some positive trends in supporting research in the sector have been observed, although it is likely it will take more time to meet the expectations of researchers.

6.2. Agro‐food sector in the National Research Program

The National Research Programme 2010‐2015 covers a part of Agro‐food sector, whereas Agriculture production and Food safety are identified as research 185 Agro‐Food priorities. Also, specific reference is made to interaction between the research and business needed to support the socio‐economic development of the country.

It is very important that NRP refers to agriculture production and food security as strategic sector of Kosovo ensuring: security and high quality food based on international standards, further development of agricultural production and processing capacities, improvement of the food chain in the country, fulfilment of the local food demand, providing employment, reducing agriculture product imports and increasing the export capacities, integration to international organizations, improving rural livelihood, sustainable development and economic growth in Kosovo.

Research Priorities related to the agro‐food sector

Following are the research priorities related to the agro‐food sector by the NRP: • Food security, quality and implementation of safety standards at farming and processing level ‐ Producing of the healthy food, assurance scheme of products, implementation of the well‐known standards such as: HACCP, GLOBAL Good Agriculture Practice (GAP), ISO etc. • New technologies to increase agricultural production – mainly are based to change the recent technology which is used by the farmers and to use as tool to increase the agriculture production • Agriculture sustainable development (land, animals, plants, irrigation, etc.) – protection of agriculture land, rare animal and plant species, as well establishment of irrigation system for sustainable development. • Animal production, improvement and health – mainly focused to increase animal production and also to improve the animal welfare • Plant production, protection and improvement – using the new technologies and new varieties of different agriculture crops, implementation of the new standards in plant production. Appropriate use of pesticides and using the different production systems (integrated and organic). Inventory of diseases, insects and weeds • Control of Zoonosis ‐ the importance of zoonotic diseases and their impact on public health and economy is well known, Human and Veterinary Public health in collaboration with specialists should plan the programs together, define their goals, determine their priorities, and integrate them into the national disease control and primary health care programs. • Impact of global changes on agricultural production – analyses of the global changes, especially the effect of climatic changes (temperature and precipitation) to the agriculture production • Added value to agriculture products by improved processing and marketing activities – new trends in agriculture products are focused mainly to add the value of the product especially by improving the marketing and processing.

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• Improve competitiveness of the agricultural production and substitute imports and export to other markets • Support sustainable development and improve the quality of life through promotion of farming and other non‐farming activities without causing any damage to the environmental resources • Support to agriculture production and rural diversification • Preservation of diversity of agricultural (animals and plants) genetic resources – this is the most important factor to preserve the agriculture diversity, especially the autochthon varieties of plants and animals. • Increasing the production and use of forestry • Aligning Kosovo’s agriculture policies with that of the EU.

6.3. Alignment with regional priorities

Since the European Framework Programme for RTD has become a major funding source for many countries of Southeast Europe (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, FYR of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia), and hopefully also in the near future for Kosovo, it is important that the Kosovo research priorities are in‐line with the main European RTD trends. A comparison shows that this is the case. Evident thematic connectivity is given in research priority ”Biodiversity and Food and Feed Safety”, although some of the research fields in these two priorities are more specific to the challenges in Kosovo. In terms of their potential to enable bilateral connectivity to research programmes of other countries, all identified national RTD priorities in Kosovo are promising. There is almost no European country, which does not put high emphasis on agriculture and food safety. Thus, basic pre‐conditions for the establishment of bilateral programmes exist. Kosovo research priorities are more or less same as of other Western Balkan countries. The main research priorities of Kosovo e.g. Food and Feed safety are as same as the other countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, FYR of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia), while the second research priority, Biodiversity, is as in the Albania, Croatia and Serbia. The third priority, Social economic and a rural development, is similar to priorities of Croatia and FYR of Macedonia.

Concluding remarks Agriculture is an important economic sector in Kosovo, but investments in the agro‐ food industry remain low in last decade. The sector is dominated by state‐owned institutions (universities and public research units), which not receive institution financing. The number of researchers in the agro‐food sector is estimated about 100 and most of them are at the University of Prishtina. 187 Agro‐Food

For Kosovo, as small country with certain limitations, it is extremely important to use its institutional resources in effective and efficient way. The main objective in future will be to support the agro‐food research close to market‐oriented and competitive.

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Reference 1. ARDP, 2007: Agriculture rural development plan. 2. Assembly of Kosovo, 2004: The Law on scientific research activities. http://www.assembly‐kosovo.org/common/docs/ligjet/2004_42_en.pdf 3. Assembly of Kosovo. Kosovo, 2004: Health Law‐ http://www.assembly‐ kosovo.org/common/docs/ligjet/2004_4_en.pdf 4. EU, 2008: Kosovo 2008 Progress Report, Brussels. 5. European Commission, Brussels, 2008: Enlargement strategy and main challenges 2008‐09.) (Kosovo (UNSC 1244/99) progress report. 6. http://ismafrd.org/ampk/Chapter_2.pdf 7. http://www.unmikonline.org. 8. IMF estimates Nov 2004: KNA –Janusz Szyrmer and MEF ‐ MPD 9. MAFRD, 2003: The Kosovo Green Book. 10. Master plan for agriculture, 2007 11. MEF, 2006: Medium‐Term Expenditure Framework 2006‐2008 12. MEF, MPD, MMM, January 2005 13. Mehmeti, A. 2008: Mission Report of the Junior Short‐Term Expert on Organic Agriculture for ISMAFRD, October 2008, Kosovo 14. MESP, 2006: National Action Plan 15. Ministry of Public Administration, External Trade, 2008 16. Pupovci D. 2008: Kosovo National Research and Technology Program 2010‐ 2015 ‐ Foresight exercise. Draft. 17. Statistical Office of Kosovo, 2006: Series 2: Agriculture and Environment Statistics. Agricultural household survey 2005. ‐ Statistical office of Kosova. Prishtina. 18. Statistical Office of Kosovo, 2008a: Series 4: Population Statistics. Demographic changes of the Kosovo population 1948‐2006. ‐ Statistical Office of Kosovo. Prishtina. 19. Statistical Office of Kosovo, 2008b: Series 2: Agriculture and Environment Statistics. Agricultural household survey 2006. ‐ Statistical Office of Kosovo. Prishtina. 20. Statistical Office of Kosovo, 2008c: Statistical Atlas 2008. ‐ Statistical Office of Kosovo. Prishtina. 21. Statistical office of Kosovo, Ministry of Public Services 2009: Series 3: Economic Statistics. Gross Domestic Product 2004 – 2007. 22. Statistical yearbook of Kosovo 2004: and of FRY 03, and IMF staff estimates 189 Agro‐Food

23. Strategy for development of higher education in Kosovo, 2004: (2005‐2015). Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, Prishtina. www.see‐ educoop.net/education_in/pdf/str‐develop‐high‐educ‐kos‐enl‐t02.pdf. 24. UNMIK Custom, 2005 25. World Bank report 2007: Kosovo Interim Strategy 26. World Bank, 2007: Kosovo Poverty Assessment, http://web.worldbank.org/ WEBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/ECAEXT/KOSOVOEXTN/.

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Annex I: Agro-food research institutions in Kosovo, public sector

Name Postal address Web‐site

University of Prishtina, Rr. ,,Bill Clinton,, p.n. http://web.uni‐pr.edu Faculty of Agriculture 10000, Prishtina, Kosovo and Veterinary

National Institute of Rrethi i spitalit, p.n. 10000 http://niph‐Kosovo.org Public Health of Kosovo Prishtina, Kosovo

Kosovo Academy of Rr. Emin Duraku, nr. 1 http://www.ashak.org Sciences and Arts 10000 Prishtinë, Kosovo

University of Prishtina, Rr. “Nëna Terezë”, nr. 5 http://fshmn.uni‐pr.edu Faculty of Mathematics 10000 Prishtinë, Kosovo & Natural Sciences

Kosovo Institute of Rr,, Fidansishtja,,No 39, http://www.ks‐ Agriculture Peje, gov.net/mbpzhr/

Kosovo Veterinary and Rr,, Lidhja e Pejes,, p.n. 1 http://www.ks‐ Food Agency gov.net/mbpzhr/

Laboratory of wine Rahovec http://www.ks‐ gov.net/mbpzhr/

Kosovo Institute of Rr. ,,Bill Clinton,, p.n. http://www.ks‐ Hydro‐Meteorology 10000, Prishtina, Kosovo gov.net/mesp/

University of Prishtina, Mitrovice http://web.uni‐pr.edu Faculty of Mines and Metallurgy

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Annex II:Agro-food research institutions in Kosovo, private sector

Name Postal address Web‐site

Agrovet Laboratory . ,Rr. Naum http://agrovet‐lab.org Veqilharxhi,, nr. 15. 12000 Fushe Kosove

Sara & Meti Laboratory Prishtina http://www.saraa‐meti.tk of Agriculture

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NATIONAL BACKGROUND REPORT ON SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES RESEARCH FOR KOSOVO

Hasnije Ilazi, PhD, Ass. Prof., Faculty of Philosophy, University of Prishtina

Vjollca Krasniqi, PhD Candidate, Lecturer, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Prishtina

Pristina, July 2011

Social Sciences & Humanities

List of abbreviations ASAK Academy of Science and Arts of Kosovo DANTE Delivery of Advanced Network Technology to Europe EC European Commission EIDHR European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights EU European Union GIZ Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GDP Gross Domestic Product ICT Information and Communication Technology GAP Institute for Advanced Studies ISSH Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities IPA Instrument for Pre‐accession Assistance ICPC International Cooperation Country Partner NRC National Research Council NRF National Research Fund NRP National Research Program NGOs Non‐governmental organisations MCYS Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports MEST Ministry of Education, Science and Technology MPA Ministry of Public Administration MTI Ministry of Trade and Industry KIPRED Kosovar Institute for Policy Research and Development KCSF Kosovo Civil Society Foundation KEC Kosova Education Centre KGSC Kosovar Gender Studies Centre KWN Kosovo Women's Network OECD Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development RTD Research and Technological Development RAE Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians SOK Statistical Office of Kosovo SRK Social Research Kosova UNDEF United Nations Democracy Fund UNDP United Nations Development Fund UNIFEM United Nations Fund for Women UP University of Prishtina USAID United States Agency for International Development FP7 7th European Research Framework Programme WB World Bank

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Executive Summary This report presents an overview of the situation regarding research in social sciences and humanities in Kosovo, including legal and policy framework; key drivers and research projects; research and development trends and priorities. The study is based on desk review, interviews and data collection through a questionnaire. The report documents the scattered and little quantity research activities in social sciences and humanities in Kosovo. Indeed, the legal framework and policy, such as the Kosovo National Research Programme, promote research and scientific activity but the structural limitations on the one hand, and limited participation of Kosovo in projects and initiatives of the European Research Area on the other, hinder research and development activities. However, the government of Kosovo intends to support, promote and advance research capacity and potential. Moreover, it regards research and development in connection to the overall efforts of Kosovo’s nation‐building and Europeanization processes. Kosovo has a well‐articulated National Research Programme. The research agenda pertaining to social sciences and humanities in Kosovo is broad and it is constructed around two major clusters: social and economic studies, linguistics, culture and history. Overall, Programme formulations favour research that Kosovo’s society would benefit from. However, the study shows that the level of social innovation in Kosovo is rather inexistent. Moreover, the study has found that the wide gap between teaching in the higher education and research results in low knowledge production and research in general, and in social sciences and humanities in particular. It is of an urgent matter that research activities undertaken in social sciences and humanities in Kosovo to evolve around issues that pertain to sustainable economic and social development, poverty reduction, space and democratic liveability; environment and resources. The research national agenda should be broadened and a shift from the national (language and history) to the triad of socio‐economic‐ culture should take place. It is of utmost importance that a shift in policy interventions in research in general and social sciences and humanities in particular to occur and to provide funding to research initiatives that inform sustainable development and poverty reduction in Kosovo. Today, Kosovo has the smallest level of expenditure for research activity in the region of South Eastern Europe. It is only about 0.1% of GDP and it is far below the European average. The main drivers of research in social sciences and humanities are the public institutions funded by the Kosovo budget. Indeed, in the last thirteen years, Kosovo has witnessed a proliferation of different actors (national and international), both commercial and civil society alike, engaging in research activity.

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A major concern remains with the poor data and information on research activities, outputs and funding. However, it is evident that there are no large scale projects currently taking place in Kosovo in the field of social sciences and humanities. Overall, research skills and capabilities in the public sector are non‐competitive. The commercial and civil society organisations are more skilled, despite the lower levels of academic pursuits compared to the researchers in the public sector. Indeed, the major trends of research in social sciences and humanities are in connection to the Europeanization of the research agenda. There is an increased interest of institutions and businesses for policy oriented research (although there remains a question as to what extent research informs overall policy interventions in Kosovo), and an increase in numbers of research institutions and organisations mainly within higher education institutions. Last but not least, a trend characterizing Kosovo is the continuation of research – mostly by public institutions – of issues and topics related to broader issues of national culture, language, and history. Priorities for social sciences and humanities research in Kosovo are: poverty reduction; social inclusion (youth, women, minorities); resources and distribution; environment; security and rule of law; crises, stability, and development, and Europeanization and integrations. Overall, the flow of information on research policies, programs, and funding instruments remains an issue. Thus action to enhance transparency would serve not only to democratize, the overall, process but it would also enable a broader community of researchers and organisations in Kosovo to participate and thus advance the research agenda, production, and dissemination of research results.

Introduction This research is designed to map out the overall situation regarding research in social sciences and humanities in Kosovo. Indeed, the research addresses complex challenges as well as opportunities of the overall development of human resources, research infrastructure, and research capacity in social sciences and humanities in Kosovo. To be sure, a decade of political turmoil in the 1990s in ex‐Yugoslavia resulting in the closing down of schools and the University of Prishtina (hereafter UP) – had a detrimental effect on the overall educational system during the 1990s and inevitably negatively affected the in‐country research capacity. In the 1990s, the Kosovo Albanians organised a parallel education system, providing primary, secondary and university education. The hardships endured by teachers and pupils/students in the 1990s, such as the practice of teaching in private homes, with no access to international educational institutions, the isolation of the system, and the permanent fear of persecution, had a devastating effect on the educational system in general, and in research in social sciences and humanities, in particular.

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However, the overall education development and research activities and projects in Kosovo aim to support the development of Kosovo’s higher education system and research that meet European Standards. Moreover, the vision spelled out in the Kosovo’s higher education development strategy 2005‐2015 aims at making Kosovo a democratic society, integrated in the European Higher Education Area, with knowledge and scientific research playing a particularly important role for a sustainable and long‐term cultural, social and economic development.127 Indeed, this study is intended to provide the stakeholders in Kosovo and abroad an overview of the current state of affairs of research institutions, research projects, needs as well as trends related to research in social sciences and humanities. The study is based on three broadly defined research categories. The first one focuses on social aspects and the overall policy environment of research in social sciences and humanities in Kosovo. It engages with the legal and policy framework as well as with the development platform for research in social sciences and humanities – by analysing the Kosovo National Research Program. Second, the study provides an inventory of main research institutions and research projects in the field of social sciences and humanities in Kosovo. Finally, it presents the findings of the SWOT analysis and gives an overview of research priorities in social sciences and humanities in Kosovo.

1. Purpose of the national background report and methodology/ summary of the consultation process This project aimed at assessing legal and policy framework as well as key actors and research projects in the field of research on social sciences and humanities in Kosovo. In addition, the study assessed the overall research infrastructure, research projects and analysed research patterns and capabilities. The findings stemming from this study will be used to inform key stakeholders engaged in the development of overall research system in social sciences and humanities in Kosovo. The main objectives of the study were the following: 1. To explore overall legal and policy framework of research activities on social sciences and humanities in Kosovo; 2. To map out economic and social conditions in Kosovo and impact they have on research in social sciences and humanities; 3. To identify key institutional enactments in Kosovo in research on social sciences and humanities;

127Strategy for Development of Higher Education in Kosovo 2005‐2015, MEST, available at http://www.masht‐gov.net/advCms/documents/Strategy_EN.pdf, (accessed 24 July 2011). 197 Social Sciences & Humanities

4. To study skills and capabilities of research institutions and projects in the field of social sciences and humanities; and 5. To gather insight into data requirements for furthering of research activities in the field of social sciences and humanities in Kosovo. The study aimed to contribute to the overall development of the research strategies with all stakeholders in Kosovo and also to add‐up to the pool of data and information in the field of research in social sciences and humanities in South Eastern Europe. As a matter of method, the study has been premised on desk review of key legal and policy framework pertaining to research in social science and humanities ‐‐ of key texts and documents (laws, strategies, reports and budgets) as well as on a questionnaire, and interviews with key research institutions and actors in social sciences and humanities in Kosovo.128 Moreover, the study has benefitted from interviews with officers in charge of research in sectors of social science and humanities with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) of the Government of Kosovo. In addition, findings stemming from this study have been validated by the peer review team.129 The study on research in social sciences and humanities in Kosovo is structured around four broadly defined categories to gather insights on the major issues. They include the following: • Legal and policy framework and national strategy; • ‘Hardware’ and ‘software’ of research in social sciences and humanities; • Social innovation and international cooperation; and • Priorities in social sciences and humanities in Kosovo.

2. The SSH S&T System in Kosovo In Kosovo there is a specific law that regulates scientific and research activity. Indeed, the Law No.2004/42 on Scientific Research Activity aims at regulating establishment, activity, organizing, governance and termination of public juridical persons in scientific‐research activity field; the rights and liabilities of scientific personnel; status of the National Council; approval and implementation of science

128See Annex 1 the list of public institutions and private organisations contacted in relation to this study. 129The peer review group consists of Murteza Osdautaj, Director of Research Department, MEST, Sibel Halimi, Kosovo Gender Studies Centre, and Besnik Krasniqi, Business Start‐Up Centre. The authors of this report would like to extend their appreciation to the peer reviewers and to Dukagjin Popovci, the director of the Kosovo Education Center (KEC) for valuable insights on issues and topics discussed in the study. Last but not least, special acknowledgement to all respondents for their dedication, time, and important information provided to this study. 198 Social Sciences & Humanities through the National Research Programme (NRP); financing; and other issues related to scientific‐research activity.130 However, scientific and research activity defined in the law is confined to the following parameters: • Scientific‐research activity is a specific public activity of national interest. • Scientific‐research activity presents systematic creative work, aiming to research and develop new knowledge, and their utilization and application in practice. • Scientific‐research activity includes scientific and development research, publication of results, training of personnel and maintaining and building infrastructure, which helps economic prosperity of the country.131 Furthermore, the Law on Scientific Research Activity distinguishes between fundamental, applied and developmental scientific research. According to the law, fundamental research includes deep theoretical research, experimental or combined that is undertaken to achieve new knowledge, or to research new fields that aim to shed light on occurrences and physical models with a long‐term view to their implementation. On the other hand, as stipulated in the law, applied research presents creative work, underpinned by results from fundamental research, undertaken to solve given practical issues.132 The main actors in the field of scientific research activity foreseen in the law are: (a) Kosovo Academy of Sciences and Arts; (b) Scientific‐research Institutes: the Albanological Institute and the Institute of History; (c) Universities.133 However, the Law On Scientific Research Activity even though it refers to three specific research institutions and universities in general, indeed, does not limit in any way research potentials of private research initiatives and organisations. The Law on Scientific Research Activity sets out the following requirements and conditions for the research institutions in Kosovo: i. to have long‐term program for scientific‐research activity; ii. to employ at least 5 permanent researchers at least two with scientific title. iii. to have facilities and equipment;

130Law No.2004/42 On Scientific Research Activity, available at http://www.assembly‐ kosova.org/common/docs/ligjet/2004_42_en.pdf , (accessed 19 July 2011), Article 1. 131 Ibid Article 2. 132 Ibid Article 3. 133 Ibid Article 11.2. 199 Social Sciences & Humanities

iv. to have scientific documentation and documentation for information purposes; v. to fulfil other conditions stipulated by law.134 In addition, the Law on Scientific Research Activity foresees financing of research institutions and activities by the Government. More precisely the Article 7 of the Law on Scientific Research Activity foresees allocation of up to 0.7 per cent of the total Kosovo budget to finance: • regular scientific‐research activity; • development and extension of scientific results; • increase the capacity and quality of scientific‐research activity; • publishing scientific achievements; • implementation of the results of scientific research; • support and encourage researchers to carry out research activity Nonetheless, the law does not limit the financing of the scientific and research activities solely to the Government funds. The Law on Scientific Research Activity apart from the Kosovo budget foresees also financing of scientific and research activity from: funds, foundations and donations; other funds generated by scientific and research institution; and from other sources.135 Article 53 of the Law on Scientific Research Activity in Kosovo foresees the establishment of the National Research Council (NRC) to promote development of scientific research activity of Kosovo. The Kosovo Assembly appoints the members of the NRC. The main functions of the NRC as set out in the law include the following: 1. Presents to the Government of Kosovo a proposal of the National Research Program; 2. Evaluates comparatively situation in scientific‐research activity, its position and development in national and international level; 3. Provides opinion for the need of establishing scientific‐research institutes; 4. Proposes and encourages measures for advancing scientific‐research activities; 5. Reviews and provides opinion on other important issues relevant to the general development of Kosovo, as requested by Kosovo’s Assembly.136 In accordance with the law, the NRC of Kosovo had developed the National Research Program for the period 2010‐2015 which was approved by the Kosovo Assembly in July 2010 and serves as a basic document for funding of the research activity.

134Ibid Article 21. 135Ibid Article 66. 136Ibid Article 54. 200 Social Sciences & Humanities

Another important legal vehicle for the research activity is the Law on Higher Education in Kosovo which regards research activity as an integral aspect of the higher education system. Indeed, the Law on Higher Education is aims at creation, development, protection and transmission of knowledge through teaching and scientific and research works as its main objectives. Moreover, the Law defines its objectives in relation to lifelong learning and for all inhabitants of Kosovo.137 In addition, the law foresees a funding methodology between MEST and Ministry of Economy and Finance to set out an administrative instruction for allocation of funds for teaching and research in the public interest. As set out in the law, funds may be allocated for the purpose of teaching; teaching related research; infrastructure and other purposes.138 The Law no. 02/L‐51 on Publishing Activities and Books139 is yet another important legal instrument to research activity in Kosovo. The law aims at developing publishing activities, development of literature, artistic, scientific, professional and cultural work in Kosovo. The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) is responsible for the implementation of the Law on Publishing. The Law on Publishing Activities and Books foresees measures to stimulate publishing activities. In particular, Article 10 gives rights to both private and public institutions whose main activity is publishing and distribution of books, authors, translators, book art graphic designers and those of related products to be exempt from taxes and other fiscal and customs duties.140 Moreover, as stipulated in the law, books published in Kosovo will be subject to reduced postal fees.141 In addition, the law exempts from any custom tax import of books in their complete or incomplete form, import of photos, films, electromagnetic recordings and other reproducible book elements, as well as donations in books, magazines, brochures, catalogues made to educational institutions and institutions of culture, to libraries, non‐profitable associations or trade unions.142

2.1. Kosovo Policy Framework on Social Sciences and Humanities The starting point in Kosovo’s National Research Programme is the affirmation of the fact that the overall research and technological development (RTD) in Kosovo remains marginal. Furthermore, there remains a gap in data availability and a

137 Regulation no. 2003/14 On the Promulgation of a Las adopted by the Assembly of Kosovo on Higher Education in Kosovo, available at http://www.masht‐ gov.net/advCms/documents/RReg_dhe_Ligji%20mbi%20arsimin%20e%20Larte‐%20ANGLISHT.pdf, (accessed 23 July 2011), Article 4. 138Ibid, Article 21. 139The Law no. 02/L‐51 on Publishing Activities and Books, available at http://www.gazetazyrtare.com/e‐ gov/tr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=45&Itemid=28&lang=en, (accessed 23 July 2011), Article 1. 140Ibid Article 10.1. 141Ibid Article 13. 142Ibid Article 11 and Article 12. 201 Social Sciences & Humanities functional and intentional system of innovation has yet to take place. Indeed, as stated in the National Research Programme, the general expenditure on RTD in Kosovo amounts to only approximately 0.1% of GDP. This ratio is significantly below the European average, and even well below the average of the regional neighbouring and many developing countries.143 However, the agenda set out in the National Research Programme does not stand outside the aspiration of the Kosovo state to compensate for the losses endured during the 90s. Indeed, the National Research Programme has been articulated to meet the official discourse for the overall development of Kosovo and its development as a Knowledge Society. The National Research Programme has been premised on six criteria of research priority setting: • relevance to economic and social development of the country, • number and quality of human resources for within the country and Diaspora, • condition of research infrastructure, • contribution to preservation and promotion of national identity of Kosovo, • potential to achieve research results and apply them within the country and abroad, • existing international cooperation in a field.144

And in accordance with the Frascati Manual145, the Kosovo National Research Programme has taken into consideration social sciences and humanities along with natural sciences; engineering and technology, medical, and agricultural sciences. Among other policy interventions to develop the overall research activity in Kosovo, the MEST has planned to establish a National Research Fund (NRF) to increase the activities of Kosovo researchers in the international arena, in particular under the 7th European Research Framework Programme (FP7). It is believed that the NRF will be building up capacities of research institutions to undertake research in sectors of importance such as environment, health, food safety, social science, information and communication technology (ICT) and to participate in collaborative regional and Europe‐wide research activities. Moreover, several initiatives are being launched to strengthen the capacity of research to serve for economic and social development in Kosovo, to improve awareness of S&T policy and its international dimension, to increase international contacts and collaboration with research organisations, to enhance knowledge transfer in research fields targeted

143The National Research Programme of the Republic of Kosovo, p.10. 144Ibid. p. 26. 145Frascati Manual ‐ Proposed standard practice for surveys on research and experimental development, OECD, 2002. 202 Social Sciences & Humanities by the 7th European Research Framework Programme and to increase the participation of Kosovo research organisations in FP7 projects.146

2.1.1. The Overall Social Sciences and Humanities in Kosovo Policy Framework In the field of social sciences and humanities, the Kosovo National Research Programme has developed two priority areas: the cluster on Social and Economic Studies and a cluster around studies in Linguistics, Culture and History. An important aspect of Kosovo’s policy framework in social sciences and humanities is the Strategy for Development of Higher Education in Kosovo 2005‐2015 whose main strategic objectives include the following: • Elaborating and implementing a contemporary and all‐inclusive education policy and finalizing • Enhancing the higher education legislation • Advancing of management and coordination in higher education. • Developing of the management system of the higher education quality.147 One of the main objectives of the strategy, more precisely the objective four, aims at advancing the capacity for research and scientific work.148 As identified in the strategic document the major deficiencies have been targeted. They encompass the overall field of research activities in Kosovo, and are considered to relate to: • Lack of national policies and programs for scientific research. • Incomplete legislation for scientific research. • Scientific research does not serve solving societal problems. • Lack of innovation and their evaluation. • Lack of international cooperation in research. • Lack of interdisciplinary approaches in the scientific research work. • Lack of up‐to‐date information on current scientific results • Post‐graduate studies are not coordinated with research priorities. • Lack of standards for research work. • Limited research experience. • Lack of needs assessment for scientific research. • Lack of institutional infrastructure for research work. • Lack of incentives for faculty involved in scientific research. • Low capacity for research work. • Lack of public funds and other resources dedicated to scientific research.

146See Higher Education in Kosovo, European Commission, Tempus, available at http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/tempus/participating_countries/reviews/kosovo_review_of_higher_educatio n.pdf, (accessed 24 July 2011), p.5. 147See The Strategy for Development of Higher Education in Kosovo 2005‐2015, MEST, available at http://www.masht‐gov.net/advCms/documents/Strategy_EN.pdf, (accessed 23 July 2011). 148Ibid. 203 Social Sciences & Humanities

• Lack of scientific projects supported by public funds and other resources. • Lack of mechanisms for protection of intellectual property and industrial rights.149

2.1.2. Elements of Social Sciences and Humanities research policy making The fundamental policy making framework in research in social sciences and humanities is the Kosovo National Research Programme. While the National Research Council (NRC) serving as the main body supervising the policy making in social sciences and humanities. . The overall environment for research in social sciences and humanities is not conducive to research projects. The two main factors for a non‐stimulating environment relate to structural deficiencies: lack of funding and lack of expertise. As identified in the Kosovo National Programme for Science major interventions to the overall research activities in science in Kosovo are contingent on the following factors: • MEST efficiency to articulate and put in place mechanisms to ensure for the implementation of the strategy; • budget allocation and annual increase; and • setting up a monitoring and evaluation system. The Kosovo National Research Programme projected the budget for the 2010‐2015 period. It projected a budget of €1 million in 2010 for its implementation with a gradual increase reaching a peak in 2015, with a total of €6 million (see Figure 1).

Figure 1: Yearly budget appropriations for implementation of the National Research Programme until 2015 (in €). Source: The National Research Programme

149See The Strategy for Development of Higher Education in Kosovo 2005‐2015, MEST, available at http://www.masht‐gov.net/advCms/documents/Strategy_EN.pdf, (accessed 23 July 2011), p.13. 204 Social Sciences & Humanities

2.2. Overview of Social Science and Humanities Research Activities Most of research activity in social science and humanities within the public institutions of higher education takes place at the University of Prishtina (UP), respectively in faculties of social sciences and humanities, and is the result of individual initiatives. In general, financing of such projects does not come from the government, the UP, or businesses, but from international governmental or non‐ governmental organisations (NGOs). On the other hand, there is little interest among public research institutions in social sciences and humanities to apply for research funding with international organizations. The UP does not have any data base of research projects (completed or ongoing) or a data base of research findings and other documents stemming from research in social sciences and humanities. Moreover, Kosovo has no research academic network and it is not connected to any of the international research networks such as e.g. EARN, GEANT, DANTE. The situation regarding research in social sciences and humanities in the private and NGO sector is rather different. Closer contact between research organisations from private and NGO sector and international organisations has had a positive impact both at the organizational level and professional standards. Research organisations in the field of social sciences and humanities constantly seek funding from national and international institutions. Moreover, their operation and work is contingent upon funding from national and international actors who have an interest in research.

2.2.1. Social Sciences and Humanities Research Projects As it has been mentioned, the Law on Science and Research Activity foresees several funding sources of scientific research: (a) from the Kosovo budget designated to support functioning of research institutions and scientific and research activity; (b) funds, foundations and donations, (c) from own generated income by research institutions, and (d) other legal sources.150 For the time being, there is no research project in the field of social sciences and humanities that is financed by the government. Indeed, in 2010 the Government had projected €2,088,616 but disbursed only €1,1,188,616 for research activities (see Table 1). Initial allocation for implementation of the National Research Programme was € 1,000,000, but only 10% were disbursed until end of 2010.

150Law No.2004/42 On Scientific Research Activity, available at http://www.assembly‐ kosova.org/common/docs/ligjet/2004_42_en.pdf , (accessed 1 August 2011), Article 66. 205 Social Sciences & Humanities

Table 1: MEST Financing of Research Institutions in 2010 (in €)

Year 2010 Amount Institute of History& Institute of Albanology 480,713 Institute of Pedagogy 116,046 Academy of Science and Arts of Kosovo 491,857 Kosovo National Research Program 100,000 Total 1,188,616

In 2011, the budget projection for the Kosovo National Research Programme is more than €2,000,000, but the MEST has earmarked only €400,000 to support projects that fit in the framework of the National Research Programme. In general, there is a lack of data on financing of research in social sciences and humanities from other sources such as donations, self‐financing, etc. However, this type of financing has been sporadic and fragmented, and there a few organisation that have secured financing for their research needs. UNDP is one of the few organisations that has annual budget for research. Every year, UNDP in Kosovo allocates around $US 80,000 for research, including the Human Development Report. Moreover, there are no data neither regarding funds spent from international donors in the field of social sciences and humanities in Kosovo.

Table 2: Some data on implemented projects in the field of social sciences and humanities funded by local and international organisations in Kosovo

Title Authors/instit Year Budget Donor utions CIVICUS Civil Society KCSF Finished in $100,000.00 Balkan Trust Index 2011 for Democracy Empowering Civil Society KCSF 2010‐2011 $325,000.00 United Inclusion on Democratic Nations Policy Making in Kosovo Democracy Fund (UNDEF) Kosovo Civil Society KCSF 2011 $100,000.00 Index International Journal of University 2010 $10,000.00 US Embassy Balkan Policy Research College Universum South East Europe University of 2010 €1,007,923.00 EU/Tempus Project for the Mitrovica Advancement of Language Studies

206 Social Sciences & Humanities

Developing Gender Kosovo Gender 2009 €1,007,923.00 Kvinna Till Studies Studies Centre Kvinna Women Building Peace Kosovo Gender 2009 €78,970.00 UNIFEM and Human Security in Studies Centre the Western Balkans: Implementing SCR 1325

Observations on Kosovo University 2009 €6, 800.00 College Youth Political Identities College Universum Universum Kosovo Business Outlook University 2009 €4,650.00 College College Universum Universum Employment Barometer University 2009 €4,650.00 College College Universum Universum “Supporting and Institute for 2009 €476,811.00 EU/Tempus Developing the social and Structures for the Q&A economic at the Private Higher studies Education Institutions in (University of Kosovo” Prizren)/ Universum institute for economic and social studies / University College Biznesi, etc. Entrepreneurship and University 2008 €1,057.880.00 EU/Tempus Local Economic AAB/Institute Development in Albania, Riinvest Kosovo and Macedonia

Creating R&D Capacities UP/ K‐CIRT ‐ 2008 €912,246.00 EU/Tempus and Instruments for Kosovo Centre boosting Higher for Education‐Economy International Cooperation Higher Education, Research and Technology Co‐operation

207 Social Sciences & Humanities

2.2.2. Key competencies in Social Sciences and Humanities Research Fields The main research topics within the FP7 Cooperation Work Programme for the socio‐economic sciences and humanities in 2012 are grouped into the following areas: 1. Growth, employment and competitiveness in a knowledge society –the European case • Changing role of knowledge throughout the economy • Structural changes in European knowledge economy and society • Strengthening policy coherence and coordination in Europe

2. Combining economic, social and environmental objectives in an European perspective: Paths towards sustainable development • Socio‐economic development trajectories • Regional, territorial and social cohesion

3. Mayor trends in society and their implications • Demographic changes • Social trends and lifestyles

4. Europe in the world • Interactions and independences between world regions and their implications • Conflict, peace and human rights • Europe`s challenging role in the world

5. The Citizen in the European Union • Participation and citizenship in Europe • Diversities and commonalities in Europe

6. Socio‐economic and scientific indicators • Developing better indicators for policy

7. Foresight activities • Wide socio‐economic foresight on key challenges

8. Horizontal actions • The future of Social Sciences and Humanities in the context of European Research Area • Mobilizing the Network of National Contact Points in Social Sciences and Humanities Looking at the key topics within the FP7, it may be argued that key competencies of the Kosovo researches in the field of social sciences and humanities based on the National Research Programme should be:

208 Social Sciences & Humanities

• Studies on the identification of factors that impact the most effective use of all human, natural and financial resources of Kosovo toward developing a new knowledge based society. • Studies on the development of education and research institutions that provide an integrated framework of the effective education‐research‐ innovation triangle. • Research on the development of social cohesion, solidarity and inclusion. • Studies on the trends of social norms and behaviour to facilitate integration in the European Union. • Research of values, attitudes, perspectives and changes in the lifestyle and in thinking. • Research of social, cultural, sub‐cultural and multicultural identities in the era of integration and globalisation. • Research in the field of gender and social representation.

2.2.3. Social Science and Humanities Research Infrastructure Research infrastructure in social sciences and humanities in Kosovo can be analysed from the angle of political–administrative (responsible for research policies) and institutional /organizational one of actors who conduct and embark on research activities. The main state institution responsible for setting up policies for financing research is the MEST. Indeed, the MEST has two departments that are directly connected to research: Department of Higher Education and the Department of Science and Technology, whose primary role is planning and supervision of the development of higher education151, respectively execution of policies of the Government and MEST that aim to create a sound institutional and financial infrastructure for development of science, scientific research and encouraging of developments and applications of modern technology in the Kosovo economy.152 Another key institution is the National Research Council that was appointed by the Assembly of Kosovo in 2007 and became operational in 2008. The mandate of the National Council of Science is supervising and developing research and scientific activity in Kosovo.153 The National Council of Science has developed the Kosovo National Research Programme which was approved by the Assembly of Kosovo in July 2010.

151 http://www.masht‐gov.net/advCms/#id=59, (accessed 1 August 2011). 152 http://www.masht‐gov.net/advCms/#id=53 153Law No.2004/42 On Scientific Research Activity, available at http://www.assembly‐ kosova.org/common/docs/ligjet/2004_42_en.pdf , (accessed 1 August 2011), Article 53. 209 Social Sciences & Humanities

2.3. Key Drivers of Social Sciences and Humanities Research Main research institutions/organisation in the field of social sciences and humanities in Kosovo are the following: Academy of Science and Arts of Kosovo represents the highest institution of science and arts. It has four departments: Language and Literature, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Arts.154 To date the main activity of the Academy has been directed towards publishing. The Academy of Science and Arts of Kosovo has cooperation with academies of Albania, Belgium, Croatia and Slovenia. Other three biggest research institutions are: Institute of History, Institute of Albanology and Institute of Pedagogy. They are financed by the MEST. But, financing from the Kosovo budget for research activities is not sufficient. To drive home this point, the yearly budget of the Institute of Albanology for research is €50,000. Not calculating research expenses: logistics and other technical. A researcher of the Institute of Albanology has €300 for research work, in one year. UP was established in 1970, and it is one the three public universities in Kosovo (University of Mitrovica and University of Prizren), albeit the biggest one. The UP has 17 faculties, five of which are in social sciences and humanities, and have the biggest number of students (Faculty of Economy, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Philosophy, Faculty of Philology, Faculty of Education). The mission of the UP is advancement of academic education and research and cultural production.155 The UP is the major public university in Kosovo who strives to be the vessel of research activity too. Its mission is to be the leading centre for furthering of knowledge, ideas and science in higher education.156 The number of the academic and research staff at the other research institutes in Kosovo hovers around 90, but research carried out is not innovative, and not in accordance with international standards. Even though teaching and research represent the main activities in the UP, alas the link between the two components is rather loose. Research remains an individual undertaking, mostly in connection to graduate studies: master and Ph.D. studies. Moreover, there is no cooperation between the UP and state organisation/public institutions in the one hand, and business and NGO sector on the other in the field of social sciences and humanities. Hence, the UP is far from accomplishing its goal of the leader role in the development of education, science, society and economy in Kosovo.157 Relevant public institutions for R&D in social sciences and humanities in Kosovo are: • Faculty of Philosophy

154See http://www.ashak.org/, (accessed 2 August 2011). 155See the Statute of the University of Prishtina, available (in Albanian) at http://www.uni‐ pr.edu/Files/Dokumente/Relevante/Statutiversioniifundit.aspx, (accessed 1 August 2011). 156The Strategy 2009‐2013 of the University of Prishtina 2009. 157Ibid. 210 Social Sciences & Humanities

• Faculty of Philology • Faculty of Law • Faculty of Economy • Faculty of Education • Institute of Albanology • Institute of History • Institute of Pedagogy • Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities, Faculty of Philosophy • Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law • Centre for Languages, Faculty of Philology • Centre for Political Courage, Faculty of Philosophy The Statistical Office of Kosovo (SOK) is an independent agency within the Ministry of Public Administration (MPA). The main goal of the SOK is data collection and analysis as well as data publishing. Moreover, it aims at ensuring assessment and research (surveys) on demographic, social and economic phenomena of the Kosovo society.158 Another public institution newly established in 2011, is the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities (ISSH) within the Faculty of Philosophy. The Centre for Human Rights at the Faculty of Law has been active for a couple of years, mostly financed by international donors. There are 7 private universities and colleges that have research institutes focusing on social sciences and humanities, and there are also a big number of private organisations and NGOs that engage in research projects. However, it is impossible to offer a clear statistical picture of private and NGO research organisations due to lack of data from the registry of NGOs by fields of activity. Moreover, data on the number of active NGO‐s is largely missing. Nevertheless, the most important research organisations from the private and NGO sector involved research in social sciences and humanities are: • Centre for Humanistic Studies “Gani Bobi” • College Universum/ Department for Scientific Research • Institute for Advanced Studies (GAP) • Index Kosova • Kosovo Civil Society Foundation (KCSF) • Kosovo Gender Studies Centre (KGSC) • Kosovar Institute for Policy Research and Development (KIPRED) • Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) • Prism Research • Social Research Kosova (SRK) • University AAB/Rinvest Institute

158 http://esk.rks‐gov.net/misioni‐i‐esk‐se, (accessed 1 August 2011). 211 Social Sciences & Humanities

Research activity by private and NGO organisations in Kosovo has been driven by international donor organisations through grants and tenders. Most important actors have been, the UNDP, United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF), United Nations Fund for Women (UNIFEM), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), EU.

2.3.1. Main Social Sciences and Humanities sector trends in Kosovo Overall, trends in the field of social sciences and humanities in Kosovo are the following:

1. Europeanization of research agenda Social sciences and humanities research is orienting towards the European research agenda through projects that are being implemented in Kosovo, such as TEMPUS159, Erasmus Mundus as well as projects that follow the EU integration processes, such as Instrument for Pre‐accession Assistance (IPA) and European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR).

2. Increasing interest of institutions and businesses for policy oriented research The increased demand for policy oriented research for public policy (governmental institutions) and policies pertaining to the broader political and socio‐economic domains is evident in Kosovo. On the other hand, institutions have not been effective in implementing existing policies neither the policies based on research.

3. Establishment of new research institutions in the higher education By establishing new research institutions in the higher education it is hoped that a higher level of synergy between teaching and research will be established.

4. Strengthening of research institutions that promote national identity and culture The state finances public institutions with main focus on research in history, language and national culture, while there is no continuous funding available for research on topics on structural problems and inequalities the Kosovo society faces. Main sectorial trends in social sciences and humanities in Kosovo are: • Poverty reduction • Social inclusion (youth, women, minorities) • Resources and distribution

159TEMPUS is the European Union’s programme which supports the modernisation of higher education in the EU's surrounding area. Tempus promotes institutional cooperation that involves the European Union and Partner Countries and focuses on the reform and modernisation of higher education systems in the Partner Countries of Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Western Balkans and the Mediterranean region.

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• Environment • Security and rule of law • Crises, Stability, and Development • Europeanization and Integrations

2.3.2. Main socio‐economic challenges in Kosovo Despite achievements in reconstruction endeavours, Kosovo remains one of the poorest countries in Europe. According to the poverty assessments of the World Bank (WB) around 45 per cent of Kosovars live under the poverty line, and around 18 per cent live in extreme poverty.160 The stagnant economic recovery in Kosovo has resulted in large scale unemployment. The data on unemployment show that around 30 per cent of the labour force in Kosovo is estimated to be unemployed.161 Due to the demographic make‐up of Kosovo, being predominantly a young nation, 50% of Kosovars are under 25 years of age; unemployment hits young people. Overall, the Economic Confidence Index ranges from 0 to 1.5‐ with majority of people living in Kosovo having no confidence in the economy.162 In general, Kosovo’s enrolment in education rates are high with 114.7 per cent (this counterintuitive enrolment rate has been due to the high migration rate levels in 1998/1999 with 77 per cent for lower secondary education and 81.8 per cent for higher secondary education. On the other hand, the enrolment of students in universities has increased recently due to the establishment of a number of private universities (around 30) And in 2008/09, there were 7,797 students attending private universities, (on graduate and post‐graduate courses) equivalent to 27 per cent of the public university population. However, the higher enrolment rate is high in Kosovo it still lags far behind other countries of the region in terms of university graduates.163 Kosovo is an emerging democratic state. As the European Commission Progress Report has pointed out, Kosovo has strengthened its capacity to implement the European integration agenda. There has been progress on local government reform. However, important challenges remain in implementing legislation and improving the quality of municipal services.164 Overall, Kosovo is yet to reconstruct

160See Kosovo Poverty Assessment 2007, World Bank, available at http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/ECAEXT/KOSOVOEXTN/0,,contentMDK:2176 1784~menuPK:297788~pagePK:64027988~piPK:64027986~theSitePK:297770~isCURL:Y,00.html, (accessed 24 July 2011). 161Ibid. 162See Puls Report 2011, United Nations Development Fund (UNDP), available at http://www.kosovo.undp.org/repository/docs/public‐pulsenglish‐web.pdf, (accessed 24 July 2011). 163See Kosovo Human Development Report 2010, UNDP, available at http://www.kosovo.undp.org/repository/docs/HDR‐2010‐English.pdf, (accessed 24 July 2011). 164European Commission Progress Report 2009‐2010, available at http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/pdf/key_documents/2009/ks_rapport_2009_en.pdf (accessed 24 July 2011). 213 Social Sciences & Humanities a sound economic and political environment through a socially democratic and equal platform for all its citizens.

2.4. Social Innovation It is nothing new to say that innovation can have an important role in economic and social development. As it has been argued, for transition economies, innovation can also help to accelerate development towards a competitive market economy and establish a competitive presence in international markets. As Roper points out the ‘innovation paradox’ to put it other way, the need for higher levels of innovation is service of stimulating economic growth, on the one hand and lack of capabilities on the other, do have an impact and shape the social innovation in the Western Balkans.165 Indeed, the social innovation in Kosovo is contingent upon several interrelated strands: of education system and expertise, robust leadership, and investment.166 An all important aspect is that Kosovo’s legislation and overall development framework is supportive of social innovation but in connection to Kosovo’s endeavours of state‐building and Europeanization. However, the praxis is rather different. So far, there has been little or no dialogue on the role of research in social sciences and humanities in the overall social change and reform in Kosovo. Moreover, the links between social sciences and technological innovation are almost inexistent. Overall, researchers lack computer and the computer literacy skills are generally low. Such a deficiency marks a big gap between the social sciences and humanities on the one hand and technological innovation, on the other. Indeed, limited funding for research in social sciences and humanities along with lack of on‐line resources, data bases and mobility of researchers (lack of fellowships and scholarships) hinder the social innovation to emerge. There should be a link in the de facto praxis of research agenda’s to grapple with Kosovo’s economic stagnation and potentials for social development. Hence, the shift in policy interventions should primarily focus on funding research that informs development potentials for Kosovo that enable poverty reduction, halt environmental degradation among primary concerns and urgencies. Moreover, the link between research on economic hardships in connection to social issues has to be given a primacy.

165See Innovation in Transition: A comparison of the innovation potential of incumbent firms and innovative start‐ups in the Western Balkans, Stephen Roper, available at http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/wbs/research/csme/research/working_papers/wp106.pdf, (accessed 25 July 2011). 166Social Sciences and innovation available at http://www.keepeek.com/Digital‐Asset‐ Management/oecd/science‐and‐technology/social‐sciences‐and‐innovation_9789264192836‐en. 214 Social Sciences & Humanities

3. Integration of Kosovo in the European SSH research Kosovo is the only country in the Western Balkans not included in the FP7 Third Country Agreement167, but can participate in the FP7 with the status of a third country with an International Cooperation Country Partner (ICPC). Indeed, the status Kosovo enjoys with the FP7 is important and it does increase Kosovo’s research opportunities since it has the same possibilities (minimum requirement for participation) as the Member States.168 Thus, Kosovo research entities can apply for research projects in the FP7 framework. In order to expand the research agenda, there have been several informative session on the FP7, and contact points have been established. As stated in the European Commission progress report of 2010, there is some progress on education and research alignment with European standards and it calls for affordable and coordinated efforts for strengthening of research capacities and implementation of the national strategy.169

4. SWOT analysis

4.1. Strengths 4.2. Weaknesses

• Research is among the main • Lack of institutional objectives of the strategy of MEST; infrastructure for research; • National Research Council (NRC) • Lack of implementation of the established; Nation Programme for Science • National Research Programme due to budgetary constrains; approved by the Assembly of Kosovo; • Lack of funding for research; • Start‐up of implementation of the • Lack of international cooperation National Programme for Science in in research; 2010; • Lack of interdisciplinary • Law on scientific and research approaches in the scientific activities in place; research work; • Increase in budget expenditure for • Lack of up‐to‐date information education planned by the MEF in on current scientific projects; 2009‐2012; • Lack of data and statistics and

167ftp://ftp.cordis.europa.eu/pub/fp7/docs/third_country_agreements_en.pdf (accessed 2 August 2011). 168http://ec.europa.eu/research/iscp/index.cfm?lg=en&pg=west_balk (accessed 2 August 2011). 169European Commission Progress Report 2009‐2010, available at http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/pdf/key_documents/2009/ks_rapport_2009_en.pdf (accessed 2 August 2011).

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• A considerable number of lack of expertise in statistics; international and local research in • Low level of investment in human social sciences; capital for research; • Establishment of a research • Existing university curricula lacks infrastructure in the private and NGO focus on research oriented sector; courses; • New research topics introduced. • Lack of information and cooperation between sectors in research; • Lack of sound research infrastructure and sustainable research projects at public ; • Poor working conditions; • Wide gap between research and societal issues of importance; • Due to Kosovo’s status slow recognition, Kosovo is not eligible for participation at international projects and organisations;Difficult access to official documents and data and lack of cooperation with public officials; • Kosovo has no academic and research network and is not part of any international academic or research network (EARN, GEANT, DANTE).

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4.3. Opportunities 4.4. Threats

• MEST advocates policy for • Non‐inclusion of Kosovo in reaching regional standards in major international cooperation R&D funding; projects; • Increased interest of institutions • Overall, unfavourable economic for policy oriented research; situation; • New research paradigms in SSH; • Lack of funding for research in • Proliferation of non‐state SSH; research actors; • Political impact, ad‐hoc • The social environment amiable decisions not based on research to research; topics of relevance to the • Europeanization and society but on group and internationalisation of research individual preferences; through participation in • Undeveloped and European projects, mobility and uncompetitive research industry fellowships for research in SSH. and infrastructure and risk of monopoly of information; • Biased and politicisation of research; • Lack of social innovation; • Lack of research skills and use of technology in research; • Lack of access to on‐line resources and data bases; • Lack of data on current research activities; • Lack of researchers data bases and research portfolios; • Lack of publications in English.

5. SSH research priorities for Kosovo Identification of priorities in the field of social sciences and humanities is based on national development priorities in general and the priorities defined within the

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National Research Program 2010‐2015. The recent document, the Kosovo Strategic Plan (USAID) 2010‐2014170 defines the main national development priorities: a sustainable supply with energy, improved transport network, a stronger educational system, strengthening the rule of law as the key to European integration process. There are also cross‐cutting priority issues: youth integration, gender equality, minority participation, the environmental protection, and effective governance. Research priorities in social sciences and humanities are articulated in the Kosovo National Research Programme 2010‐2015. Priorities have been set up taking into consideration the actual research infrastructure and capabilities in Kosovo as well as needs and projected to future development.

5.1. Social Science and Humanities Research priorities on the basis of the country’s readiness

Research priorities in Social Sciences are the following:

5.1.1. Studies on the identification of factors that impact the most effective use of all human, natural and financial resources of Kosovo toward developing a new knowledge based society

These include but are not limited to the following:

• Research on promoting value chains (from primary production, processing, and marketing of domestic products) that includes studies in the field of production and consumption • Research on factors impacting the integration of Kosovo into international markets • Research on incentives that attract foreign investment • Research of factors that impact the development and nurture of relationships with foreign partners • Research on the impact of institutional stability and the rule of law in economic development and European integration

170 Kosovo Strategic Plan (USAID) 2010‐2014, http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PDACQ298.pdf (Accessed 3 August 2011). 218 Social Sciences & Humanities

5.1.2. Studies on the development of education and research institutions that provide an integrated framework of the effective education‐research‐innovation triangle

5.1.3. Studies on governance This includes the following: • Research on economic governance, both at a macro and micro level • Research on the rule of law within the framework of European integration • Research on public security, both for institutions and individuals • Research on electronic governance and electronic services to the public • Research on financial governance and reduction of informalities • Research on resolving social problems such as poverty and unemployment, as well as studies for development of labour market, production and services, ƒ Research on the development of social cohesion, solidarity and inclusion.

5.1.4. Studies on the trends of social norms and behaviour to facilitate integration in the European Union171

Research priorities in Humanities consist of the following:

5.1.5. Studies on the practical aspect of effective communication at all levels and political and social structures, as a strategic function of all other fields

These include but are not limited to the following:

• Creation of data base for the large electronic Corpus of Albanian as necessary ground for research and solution of different problems in the field of lexicography, structural research and many other practical needs (including human resources, infrastructure, hardware and adoption‐ developing of software’s, etc.). • Research on language use in media and public relations, education, culture, politics, science, business in the view of existing standards, strata and varieties, and with regards of further developments in the frame of new horizons of European Kosovo society. • Language variation and identity: the relationship between our identity as members of groups and the language varieties important to each group. • Research on structural, lexical and other resources of Albanian, especially with regard to the new horizons within the frame of European and western

171 Kosovo National Research Programme 2010‐2015. 219 Social Sciences & Humanities

societies (terminology in economics, finance, law, society and in other fields of importance for economic and social development). • Research on relations between Albanian and other Southeast European languages with special regard to aimed closer contacts between respective societies in the region (research and language learning). • Language use and language learning in educational settings. • Learning of languages for children of Diaspora. • Linguistic studies among Arbëresh and Albanians in countries such as Turkey, Greece, Italy, Egypt, Romania, etc. • Linguistic studies in the field of information and technology. • Studies in the field of scientific terminology and standardization of terminology in Albanian. • Linguistic studies in the field of history of the language and classical philology.

5.1.6. Multidisciplinary studies of Kosovar society from the cultural, literary, artistic and folkloric perspectives

• Research of values, attitudes, perspectives and changes in the lifestyle and in thinking. • Research of social, cultural, sub‐cultural and multicultural identities in the era of integration and globalisation. • Research in the field of gender and social representation. • Research in the field of arts (music, visual arts, literature, theatre, film, etc.), popular culture, tradition and folklore. • Studies in literature from a historical, critical and theoretical perspective. • Philology studies and publication of heritage works and comparative studies in literature. • Research in the field of sports and games. • Research in the field of environment, urbanization and urban planning. • Research in the field of media, public communication and social representation.

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5.1.7. Historic studies that will promote the national identity and the history of Kosovo

• Research in the pre‐historic periods. • Research in ancient and middle ages. • Research in modernity, national movements, statehood and democracy. • Research in Auxiliary sciences of history (Archaeology, archival research, etc.). • Studies in the field of socio‐economic, spiritual and oral history.172

5.2. Social Sciences and Humanities Research priorities on the basis of future potential

Indeed, research priorities that are not included in the Kosovo National Research Programme but bear a potential for the future encompass the following: • Demographic changes and transition • Social innovation for growth and employability • Social cohesion, governance and urban contexts • Regionalisation, Integration, and Transnationalism • Resources and Distribution • Research on the new role of education (through economy, information, fundamentalism, environmental, globalism challenges) • Innovative policies for employment.

6. Post‐Report Situation

6.1. Update on the Situation Ten months have elapsed since the release of the first comprehensive report on the conditions of social sciences and humanities in Kosovo. Aiming to provide an overview of the overall developments in social sciences and humanities that have taken place between September 2011 and June 2012, the following texts is constructed around three broad themes and is based on the SWOT analysis

172 Ibid. 221 Social Sciences & Humanities presented in the preceding report. Hence, the three themes making the body of this addendum include the following: 1. Kosovo context: challenges and achievements; 2. Social Sciences and Humanities research themes; and 3. Regional comparison of research priorities in Social Sciences and Humanities. In writing this addendum, two major goals have been formulated. On the one hand, the aim has been to present the major developments and barriers for broader understanding of both structural and policy implications for research in social sciences and humanities. On the other hand, analysis has aimed to highlight the key aspects observed in the report last year that have an effect on social innovation and developments in Kosovo. However, thinking critically about the policies and strategies for obtaining knowledge in general and social sciences and humanities, in particular, will require an ongoing engagement through analysis. Documentation of the discrepancies between legal language and de‐facto implementation of legal provisions and effects that have been made central in the report set a trajectory for continual documentation and assessment of research in social sciences and humanities. Lastly, this text has presented a comparison of research priorities in social sciences and humanities of Kosovo with countries in the region of South Europe: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia. As the report has already documented, Kosovo is a place with scattered and low quantity research activities in social sciences and humanities in Kosovo. However, Kosovo’s legal infrastructure and policies which aim to promote scientific activity are matched against low financial investment for research and have proven to give limited results. Nonetheless, the overall political climate in Kosovo and especially its aspirations for European Integration have provided an impetus for the political, social and cultural dynamics in general, and education and research, in particular. However, not much has changed in the research landscape and mapping presented at the end of last summer. The limited research activity is confined to Kosovo, with no/or limited international research projects. Moreover, the insularity along with the lack of innovative approaches to research fails to bridge science and research to the issues of the broader social structure and agendas for social development of which Kosovo is in dire need. Despite a non‐conducive environment for social sciences and humanities in Kosovo, however, few positive developments have taken place. They concern legislation and policy enactments and international support streaming in for research and development. On 29 August 2011, the Law No. 04/L‐037 on Higher Education was promulgated by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Kosovo. A working group set up by the MEST is working on the amendments to the Law on Scientific Research Activity. Moreover, MEST has established the National Research Fund and its Board decides on applications related to research projects in accordance with the National Research Programme. As noted in the report, Kosovo lacks large scale

222 Social Sciences & Humanities research projects in the field of social sciences and humanities. In an effort to advance research and promote scientific inquiry, MEST organised the fourth conference entitled “The Week of Science,” in May, 2012 in Prishtina. The Conference was attended by around 200 researchers across disciplines and sciences from Kosovo and abroad, mostly from Albania. Kosovo has the smallest level of expenditure for research activity in the region of South Eastern Europe. It amounts to about only 0.1% of GDP and it is far below the European average. Indeed the intervention of the European Commission (EU) through the IPA grant of one million Euros for research and development that was announced in January 2012 is, of immense importance in advancing the research agenda in Kosovo and developing the skills and capacities of research institutions. In the long run interventions like this will enable Kosovo to join the major European research projects such as the FP7. Having said this, and as the report has pointed out, Kosovo’s research and development capacities will thrive through internationalisation of research agenda and cooperation and exchanges (mobility of researchers) with the research institutions of the European Union. A major concern remains the poor data and information on research activities, outputs and funding. The positive initiative for support of research activities through the National Research Fund should be made transparent to ensure a fair and professional distribution of public financing of research projects. Criteria for support should be developed and distributed widely to reach different sectors and researchers in Kosovo. Moreover, in order to democratise the decision‐making and legitimacy of the National Research Fund special attention should be given to women and minority representation in decision‐making. Secondly, the data base of research and projects at the national level is of great importance together with the information of research project financed with public money to which the broader public should have free access.

6.2. Social Sciences and Humanities Research Priorities in Kosovo The research priorities in Kosovo has been based on six fields of science and technology according to the Frascati Manual173 that include: • Natural Sciences • Engineering and Technology • Medical Sciences • Agricultural Sciences • Social sciences and • Humanities. Indeed, the five research priorities set out in the National Research Programme for Kosovo comprise the following thematic research priorities:

173 Frascati Manual ‐ Proposed standard practice for surveys on research and experimental development, ECD, 2002. 223 Social Sciences & Humanities

1. Natural Resources, Energy and Environment 2. Agricultural Production and Food Safety 3. Medical Research 4. Social and Economic Studies 5. Linguistic, Cultural and Historic Studies.174In the research priorities on social and economic studies there are five clusters: (1) international markets and finances; (2) foreign investment; (3) economic development and European Integrations; (4) education and development of research institution; and (5) studies of governance.

Below is the list of research topics related to the theme of Social and Economic Studies.

Theme: Social and Economic Studies Research Priorities 1. Studies on the identification of factors that impact on the most effective use of human, natural and financial resources in Kosovo toward developing a new knowledge based society, including but not limited to the following: • research on promoting value chains (from primary production, processing, and marketing of domestic products) that includes studies in the field of production and consumption • Research on factors impacting the integration of Kosovo into international markets • Research on incentives that attract foreign investment • Research into factors that impact on the development and nurture of relationships with foreign partners Research on the impact of institutional stability and the rule of law in economic development and European integration 2. Studies on the development of education and research institutions that provide an integrated framework of the effective education‐research‐ innovation triangle 3. Studies on governance including the following: • Research on economic governance, both at a macro and micro level • Research on the rule of law within the framework of European integration • Research on public security, both for institutions and individuals • Research on electronic governance and electronic services to the public • Research on financial governance and reduction of wasteful expenditure

174 The National Research Programme of the Republic of Kosovo, National Research Council, March 2010. 224 Social Sciences & Humanities

• Research on resolving social problems such as poverty and unemployment, as well as studies for the development of the labour market and the production and services, • Research on the development of social cohesion, solidarity and inclusion. 4. Studies on the trends of social norms and behaviour to facilitate integration in the European Union.

Theme: Linguistic, Cultural and Historic Studies

The research priorities for the theme of Linguistic, Cultural and Historic Studies focus on (1) identity: national identity, language, history; (2) nation‐hood (Albanian identity, Diaspora, national movements); (3) culture (cultural politics; literature; folklore; heritage; art; space and communication; gender and social representation); (4) transnationalism (multiculturalism and integration), and (5) history (ancient, medieval, and contemporary).

The following is the list of research priorities on Linguistic, Cultural and Historic Studies.

1. Studies on the practical aspect of effective communication at all levels and political and social structures, as a strategic function of all other fields, including but not limited to the following: • Creation of a database for the large electronic corpus of Albanians as basis for any research and solution of different problems in the field of lexicography, structural research and many other practical needs (including human resources, infrastructure, hardware and the adoption and development of software, etc.). • Research into language used in the media and public relations, education, culture, politics, science, and business in relation to existing standards, strata and varieties, and with regards of further developments in the frame of new horizons of European Kosovar society. • Language variation and identity: the relationship between our identity as members of groups and the language varieties important to each group. • Research on structural, lexical and other resources of Albanian, especially with regard to the new horizons within the frame of European and western societies (terminology in economics, finance, law, society and in other fields of importance for economic and social development). • Research on relations between Albanian and other Southeast European languages with special regard to closer contacts between respective societies in the region (research and language learning).

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• Language use and language learning in educational settings. • The learning of languages for children of Diaspora. • Linguistic studies among Arbëresh and Albanians in countries such as Turkey, Greece, Italy, Egypt, Romania, etc. • Linguistic studies in the field of information and technology. • Studies in the field of scientific terminology and standardization of terminology in Albanian. • Linguistic studies in the field of history of the language and classical philology.

2. Multidisciplinary studies of Kosovar society from the cultural, literary, artistic and folklore perspectives: • Research of values, attitudes, perspectives and changes in lifestyle and thinking. • Research into social, cultural, sub‐cultural and multicultural identities in the era of integration and globalization. • Research in the field of gender and social representation. • Research in the field of arts (music, visual arts, literature, theatre, film, etc.), popular culture, tradition and folklore. • Studies in literature from a historical, critical and theoretical perspective. • Philological studies and the publication of heritage works and comparative studies in literature. • Research in the field of sports and games. • Research in the field of environment, urbanization and urban planning. • Research in the field of media, public communication and social representation.

3. Historic studies that will promote the national identity and the history of Kosovo • Research on the pre‐historic periods. • Research on ancient and middle ages. • Research on modernity, national movements, statehood and democracy. • Research on auxiliary sciences of history (Archaeology, archival research, etc.). • Studies in the field of socio‐economic, spiritual and oral history.

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6.3. Regional Comparison of Research Priorities in Social Sciences and Humanities

The standardized methodology for the background country reports adopted in all countries of South East Europe ‐ Albania, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo, and Serbia ‐ has enabled a cross country comparison of the overall situation: policies and infrastructure, trends, as well as priorities and strategies in social sciences and humanities. Even though it is impossible to represent the wealth of data in a relatively short country report of this character, it nevertheless allows to make an overview of national research priorities by themes and compare and analyse the in relation to priorities in other countries and at regional level. In addition, this report includes a study and a list of research priorities in social sciences and humanities, by country. Although there are many and diverse topics and approaches to the research priorities in social sciences and humanities among the countries in the region, the analysis here suggests that they can be organized in six themes/topics. The first – resting on the general theme of social and economic development encompassing research priorities of demography and aging; unemployment and employability; health; diversity and social cohesion; knowledge and economy; resilience; education and social innovation; and business and social innovation. Research priorities under this theme make up the bulk of issues prioritized in the countries of South East Europe and many of these are found across the seven country reports. This discovery is, however, not surprising taking into account the urgency that these societies have for solutions on interdependent and shifting dynamics and for economic betterment and social development. However, this does not downplay the role history and identity plays in the national research priorities and strategies. Indeed, these issues are well represented and include topics and themes such as national history, national identity, and language, art, literature as major vectors of the nation and national history. Another theme present concerns administration and governance, especially topics dealing with the rule of law and EU integration. Whilst a global transformation and integration is especially present in research priorities in Croatia and Kosovo, together with the importance of ICT in research, archives and libraries are among the research priorities of Serbia. However, the similarities and prevalence of themes in research priorities in the field of social sciences and humanities does not in any way imply that the seven countries in South Europe are uniform, rather it is contended that the trends show a similar trajectory stemming from the region’s aspirations to join the European Union. Thus an underlying premise in this rationale, indeed is the Europeanization of the region, even though and at the same time regional cooperation and exchanges have yet to gain salience in the national agendas in social sciences and humanities. Looking at the research priorities in social sciences and humanities in Kosovo in relation to those of other countries in the region one can but notice that Kosovo’s research priorities match with the regional ones. This shows that Kosovo is not

227 Social Sciences & Humanities faced with policy limiting factors in social sciences and humanities. Indeed policies aimed at lifting barriers and promoting research in social sciences and humanities have to yet take into consideration the effects of the policies and research priorities in the overall development of the Kosovo society and reduction of social inequalities. As noted earlier, here is a presentation of research priorities in social sciences and humanities in countries in South East Europe.

1. Albania

1.1 SSH Research priorities on the basis of country’s readiness Priority 1: Sustainable Development Priority 2: Diversity and Cohesion Priority 3: Energy security and efficiency

1.2 SSH Research priorities on the basis of future potential Priority 1: Health and Quality of Life Priority 2: Ageing society Priority 3: Food Security

2. Croatia

2.1 SSH Research priorities on the basis of the country’s readiness Priority 1: Unemployment and economic growth: the peril of a jobless society Priority 2: Mapping Knowledge Clusters in Croatia: Building a Sound Analytical Framework for Innovation Policy Priority 3: Knowledge economy in the less developed countries: the role of post‐industrial innovation paradigm.

2.2 SSH Research priorities on the basis of future potential Priority 1: Public administration deficit: a quest for new governance models of knowledge and innovation in the less developed countries Priority 2: Social cohesion and integration under globalisation.

3. Bosnia

3.1 SSH Research priorities based on the country’s readiness Priority 1: Research that contributes to economic, legal, cultural and spiritual development of society and systems; Priority 2: Research that ensures scientific basis for understanding the past and future changes in society;

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Priority 3: Research that contributes to directing the society towards innovations, creation of cultural setting and education; Priority 4: Research that defines pointers of optimal model of economic development and future creation of market based economy; Priority 5: Research that defines conditions and human ability to adjust to the work and constant changes brought about by modern technology.

3.2 SSH Research priorities on the basis of future potential Priority 1: Research that reveals historical development and cultural identity of BH people comparing to the proximity and in the context of European and world civilization Priority 2: Research that pertains to cultural‐civilization heritage of BH people Priority 3: Research related to arts and literature

4. Macedonia

4.1 SSH Research priorities on the basis of the country’s readiness Priority 1: Economy and law Priority 2: Education, skills, knowledge and life‐long learning Priority 3: EU integration and democratisation of society Priority 4: Identity, religion, language, cultural heritage

4.2 SSH Research priorities on the basis of future potential Priority 1: Establishment of appropriate research infrastructure that can allow internationalization of the SSH research in the country Priority 2: Competitiveness and innovations are the main priorities in the national policy documents Priority 3: Multiculturalism is a big challenge for the Macedonian society since different cultures live in the country

5. Montenegro

5.1 SSH Research priorities on the basis of the country’s readiness Priority 1: Fostering economic growth and employment Priority 2: Building competitive innovation and a research oriented education system Priority 3: Strengthening the relationship between science and businesses

5.2 SSH Research priorities on the basis of future potential Priority 1: Development of knowledge society – promoting innovation and research 229 Social Sciences & Humanities

Priority 2: Keeping national identity and cultural uniqueness in globalized world Priority 3: Facing demographic challenges

6. Kosovo

6.1 SSH Research priorities on the basis of the country’s readiness Priority1: Studies on identification of factors make for the most effective use of human, natural and financial resources of Kosovo on the course of development of a new knowledge based society Priority 2: Studies on governance Priority 3: Studies on the trends of social norms and behaviour to facilitate integration into the European Union Priority 4: Historic studies that will promote the national identity and the history of Kosovo Priority 5: Multidisciplinary studies of Kosovar society from the cultural, literary, artistic and folklore perspectives

6.2 SSH Research priorities on the basis of future potential Priority 1: Demographic changes and transition Priority 2: Social innovation for growth and employability Priority 3: Social cohesion, governance and urban contexts Priority 4: Regionalisation, Integration, and Transnationalism Priority 5: Research on the new role of education (through economy, information, fundamentalism, environment, globalism challenges)

7. Serbia

7.1 SSH Research priorities on the basis of the country’s readiness Priority 1: Affirmation of the role of social sciences in formulating public policies; Priority 2: Support to integration processes; Priority 3: Completion of projects of the national importance; Priority 4: Affirmation of national history and culture heritage; Priority 5: Digitalization and higher degree of ICT use of libraries and archives.

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Conclusion The development of research policies and strategies in Kosovo has been premised largely on the framework of the European Union higher education and research policies. The key legislation, policy and national strategies mirror both the short‐ term needs and strategic objectives for the advancement of the research agenda in relation to the overall social, political and economic development of Kosovo. However, as it has already been observed in the report, further steps are needed to enhance research activity to address the societal issues for a balanced and sustainable development. These steps include, among others, an increase of the budget for research activity, transparency in funding of research projects and opening up publicly funded research projects to the broader public; and ensuring a monitoring and evaluation mechanism of the implementation of the National Research Programme. Moreover, special attention should be paid to the inclusion of women and minorities in decision‐making, as well as in planning and evaluation of national strategies and policies on science, research and development.

Indeed, a dialogue among researchers, policy makers, enterprises, and social activists is crucial for broadening the research agenda in Kosovo and enabling social innovation to emerge. Regulation of research policy and infrastructure is effective only when a wide array of actors take part and challenge assumptions. Only the science and research activity that is democratic and inclusive leads to social innovation and change.

Last but not least, if Kosovo continues to have limited access to the research and development programmes of the European Union, it renders Kosovo’s progress in science and development uneven compared to the countries in the region, and deteriorates conditions for innovative research.

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Legislation cited in the report Law No.2004/42 On Scientific and Research Activity, available at http://www.assembly‐Kosovo.org/common/docs/ligjet/2004_42_en.pdf , (accessed 19 July 2011). The Law no. 02/L‐51 on Publishing Activities and Books, available at http://www.gazetazyrtare.com/e‐ gov/tr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=45&Itemid=28&lang=en, (accessed 23 July 2011). Law No.04/L‐037 on Higher Education in Kosovo, available at http://www.masht‐ gov.net/advCms/documents/RReg_dhe_Ligji%20mbi%20arsimin%20e%20Larte‐ %20ANGLISHT.pdf, (accessed 27 June 2012).

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References European Commission, Kosovo 2010 Progress Report http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/pdf/key_documents/2010/package/ks_rapport_ 2010_en.pdf

Higher Education in Kosovo, European Commission, Tempus, available at http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/tempus/participating_countries/reviews/kosovo_review _of_higher_education.pdf, (accessed 24 July 2011).

Innovation in Transition: A comparison of the innovation potential of incumbent firms and innovative start‐ups in the Western Balkans, Stephen Roper, available at http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/wbs/research/csme/research/working_papers /wp106.pdf, (accessed 25 July 2011).

The Census 2011 in Kosovo Preliminary Results, available at http://esk.rks‐ gov.net/rekos2011/?cid=2,1, (accessed 24 July 2011).

The National Research Programme of the Republic of Kosovo 2010‐2015.

Kosovo Strategic Plan (USAID) 2010‐2014, http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PDACQ298.pdf (accessed 4 August 2011).

The Strategy for Development of Higher Education in Kosovo 2004‐2015 of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of the Government of Kosovo, available at http://www.masht‐gov.net/advCms/documents/Strategy_EN.pdf, (accessed 23 July 2011).

Kosovo Human Development Report 2010, UNDP, available at http://www.kosovo.undp.org/repository/docs/HDR‐2010‐English.pdf, (accessed 24 July 2011).

Kosovo Poverty Assessment 2007, World Bank, available at http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/ECAEXT/KOSOVOEXTN/ 0,,contentMDK:21761784~menuPK:297788~pagePK:64027988~piPK:64027986~the SitePK:297770~isCURL:Y,00.html, (accessed 24 July 2011).

Puls Report 2011, United Nations Development Fund (UNDP), available at http://www.kosovo.undp.org/repository/docs/public‐pulsenglish‐web.pdf, (accessed 24 July 2011).

The Strategy 2009‐2013 of the University of Prishtina, 2009.

Social Sciences and innovation available at http://www.keepeek.com/Digital‐Asset‐ Management/oecd/science‐and‐technology/social‐sciences‐and‐ innovation_9789264192836‐en.

233 Social Sciences & Humanities

Annex 1. List of summary of the consultation process respondents

Type of Name of contact Organisation/Institution Responded175 organisation person Academy of Science and Public Shpresa Shala Yes Arts of Kosovo American University of Private Tefik Iseni No Kosovo (AUK) Centre for Humanistic Private Shkelzen Maliqi No Studies “Gani Bobi” GIZ Donor Ekrem Hyseni Yes Index Kosova Private Visar Berisha Yes Institute of Albanology Public Sebush Demaku, Yes Lulzim Lajqi Institute of History Public Arben Arifi Yes Institute of Pedagogy Public Nezir Çoçaj No Institute Riinvest Private Alban Hashani No Saxhide Mustafa Kosovar Centre for Gender Private Sibel Halimi Yes Studies Kosovo Civil Society Private Taulant Hoxha Yes Foundation Kosovo Institute for Policy Private Krenar Gashi Yes Research and Development Kosovo Public Policy Private [email protected] No Centre Kosovo Women’s Network NGO Alba Loxha No Ministry of Education, Government Nuri Bexheti Yes Science and Technology/Minister’s Office Ministry of Education, Government Murteza Osdautaj Yes Science and Technology/ Department of Science and Technology

175 From total number of 29 organizations and institutions contacted, 20 (69%) responded to research. The Governmental bodies and donors responded 100%. 234 Social Sciences & Humanities

Ministry of Public Government Bajram Kosumi Yes Administration/ Department of Registration and Liaison with NGOs Ministry of Trade and Government Florent Bakija Yes Industry Social Research Kosovo Private Teuta Osmani Yes UNDP Donor Mytaher Haskukaj Yes University “Dardania” Private Uni‐ No [email protected] m University “Iliria” Private [email protected] No Universum University Private Alejtin Berisha Yes College University of Public Artan Muhaxhiri Yes Prishtina/Faculty of Philosophy/Department of Sociology University of Prishtina, Public Shemsi Krasniqi Yes Faculty of Philosophy/Institute for Social Studies and Humanities University of Public Valon Murati No Prishtina/Faculty of Law/ Centre for Human Rights USAID Donor Arjeta Dushi Yes World Bank Donor Flora Kelmendi Yes WUS Donor Alfred Marleku Yes

235 Energy

Energy

NATIONAL BACKGROUND REPORT ON ENERGY RESEARCH FOR KOSOVO

Naser Sahiti, PhD, Associate Prof., Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Prishtina

Pristina, March 2012

237 Energy

Acknowledgements I am grateful to Prof. Dr. Dukagjin Pupovci (Kosova Education Center) for his constant inputs and support throughout the process of preparing this report. Special thanks are due to members of the Expert Team, Sabit Gashi (MED) and Skender Isufi (KEK), for the proofreading and for their valuable inputs. I also highly appreciate the contribution of Avni Sfishta (GIZ), Murteza Osdautaj (Ministry of Education, Science and Technology) and Kushtrim Kaloshi (ATRC).

238 Energy

List of abbreviations AUK American University in Kosovo DH District Heating EEA Energy Efficiency Agency EI Energy Intensity ERO Energy Regulatory Office ESD Energy Service Directive EU European Union FEE Faculty of Electrical Engineering FME Faculty of Mechanical Engineering FMM Faculty of Mining and Metallurgy FP7 The EC Seventh Framework Programme HERD Norwegian Programme for Higher Education Research and Development HPP Hydropower Plant IMF International Monetary Fund KEEP Kosovo Energy Efficiency Plan KEK Kosovo Energy Corporation KOSTT Kosovo Transmission System and Market Operator LPG Liquefied Petroleum Gas MED Ministry of Economic Development MEM Ministry of Energy and Mining MEST Ministry of Education, Science and Technology NRC National Research Council NRP National Research Programme RES Renewable Energy Sources Tempus EU Trans‐European Mobility Programme for University Studies TPP Thermal Power Plant UNDP United Nations Development Programme

239 Energy

Executive Summary The main objective of this report is to provide an overview of research activities in the field of Energy in Kosovo and identification of national research priorities in order to facilitate the interaction between the WBC INCO‐NET and EU member states in the European Research Area (ERA). In the first sections, the report provides an overview of the energy policy. The focus is given to the electricity supply sub‐sector, which, despite large lignite reserves, is still characterised by poor performance. Due to inadequate maintenance of existing power capacities, high losses and dramatic increase of demand, electricity outages are very frequent. As a result, financial assistance from the government to the Kosovo Energy Corporation (KEK) for electricity import was a common practice in the past couple of years. In order to change this situation, government engaged in drafting and promulgating legal documents and upgrading institutional capacity needed to cope with this problem. The report shows that a solid legal and institutional framework in the field of Energy is already in place. The report further describes government activities to upgrade the existing power capacities and the associated discussions. As far as research in the field of Energy is concerned, the report underlines the insufficient and inadequate institutional treatment of this issue. It shows that the budgetary appropriation for research and development in general was far below the strategic objectives set in relevant documents. The major research activities, performed so far were basically driven by the needs for emergency interventions and for the further development of the Energy Sector. The report shows that for upgrading of existing research capacities and stronger integration of research and development in the ERA, a long term planning and consistency of institutional engagement is indispensable. Furthermore, the country specific SWOT analysis indicates that apart from certain advantages such as solid legal framework, institutions must deal with numerous weaknesses and challenges in order to establish a sustainable system for research and development in the Energy Sector. Based on the analysis of the current needs in the Energy Sector, existing research potential and assessment of perspective developments, last section of this report provides the immediate and future priorities in the field of Energy.

240 Energy

Introduction Energy Sector along with Mining and Agriculture have been traditionally basic pillars of Kosovo economy. These sectors are currently far from performing at satisfactory level. Consequently large unemployment rates and poverty continue to be regularly reported.

Kosovo has significant potentials for electricity production. The lignite reserves of Kosovo with approximately 12.5 billion tones, of which 10.9 billion are exploitable, are considered to make up the largest lignite reserves in Europe176,177. Despite some improvements, Kosovo is facing serious problems in meeting popular demands for electrical power during the last decade. Even with a yearly increase of approximately 6 %, the electricity production does not yet meet the consumer demands. The poor electricity supply has been considered as one of major obstacles to economic growth of the country over the past decade. Due to this lack of electrical power foreign investments continue to avoid Kosovo and moving towards other countries in the region. As a result, local companies operate under very difficult circumstances and very often barely within the limits of being economically liquid. The Electricity Sector was, in the past years, the major drain of the public budget as a result of constant need for subsidies and for electricity imports. The negative impact of the unreliable and deficient electricity supply is reflected, not only in the normal development of the economy, but also in other sectors like public health, education system and daily activities of the people. Because of this, the electricity supply is considered the poorest performing of the public services. A recent UNDP publication178 shows that only 14 % or respondents are satisfied with electric power supply.

1. Purpose of the national background report and methodology/ summary of the consultation process This national report is prepared within the framework of WBC‐INCO.net with the primary objective to highlight the existing situation, weaknesses and the potential for participation and contribution of Kosovo in regional R&D projects and activities in the field of Energy. The report analyses also the overall state of the Energy Sector including the related socio‐economic aspects in order to provide the background of the current developments in the R&D in the field of Energy. Furthermore, the report aims to identify the R&D priorities in the field of Energy

176 MEM, Energy Strategy 2009‐18 177 R. P. Stoll et. al (Hrsg): Der Braunkohlentagebau, Springer, 2009 178 UNDP: Public Pulse Pull, Fast Facts III, March 2012 241 Energy which would support setting up and maintenance of a sustainable Energy Sector and hence contribute to the overall economic development. The specific data, statements and conclusions in the report are based on an extensive analysis of available studies, reports, existing legal framework and strategic documents. The report reflects also the opinion of key stakeholders among public institutions, energy companies, donors and non‐governmental organizations.

2. Energy S&T System in Kosovo Setting the research as one of priorities, the government has contributed to a limited progress related to establishing a well‐designed and functional Scientific Research System. The National Research Council established in 2007 developed the National Research Programme (NRP) which was approved by the Parliament in 2010. Research in the field of Energy was identified as one of the top priorities in the NRP. However, there are still many barriers which prevent the implementation of identified priorities in NRP. Although the Government initially allocated 1 million € for financing the projects within the 6 identifies priority areas, due to public budget reallocations, only 0.4 million were invested in research projects. On the other hand, participation in the 7th European Research Framework Program (FP7) has slightly increased in terms of submissions, but with limited success in terms of funded projects. Few small research projects financed by public budget or donors have been implemented but they aim to support primarily the development of Energy Sector. In general, the scientific research is, to a large extent, still dependent on voluntary action and individual initiatives, with little or no technology transfer to the Economy.

2.1. Kosovo and Energy policy framework On 17th of February 2008, the Assembly of Kosovo declared Kosovo an independent and sovereign state. When it declared independence, Kosovo pledged to implement the Comprehensive Proposal for the Kosovo Status Settlement, developed by U.N. Special Envoy, Martti Ahtisaari. The provisions of the plan have been incorporated into Kosovo’s new Constitution, which came into effect on 15 of June 2008. Meanwhile a considerable number of laws and strategic documents have been approved by the Assembly. The entire institutional and in particular legal framework of Kosovo is being upgraded in line with EU’s Acquis Communautaire. In the past four years Kosovo has been recognized by 91 countries, joined the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank and is aspiring to become a full member of the European Union (EU).

242 Energy

2.1.1 The overall energy policy framework Institutional and Legal framework The basic institutions responsible for governing the Energy Sector in Kosovo are the Ministry of Economic Development (former Ministry of Energy and Mining‐MEM) and the Energy Regulatory Office (ERO). Other important responsibilities in the field of Energy rest with the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, Ministry of Infrastructure and Kosovo Environmental Protection Agency. Numerous legal documents drafted and implemented by these institutions tend to regulate the Energy Sector and to provide the basis for planning of strategic activities in the Energy Sector. The most relevant laws, administrative instructions, regulations and strategic documents promulgated up to date are:

Laws • Law 03/L‐184 on Energy • Law 03/L‐201 on Electricity • Law 03/L‐185 on Energy Regulator • Law 03/L‐165 on Mines and Minerals • Law 04/L‐016 on Energy Efficiency • Law 03/L‐133 on Natural Gas • Law 03/L‐116 on Central Heating • Law 2004/5 on Trade of Petroleum and Petroleum Products • Law 04/15 on Construction • Law 03/L‐025 on Environmental Protection • Law 2003/14 on Spatial Planning • Law 03/L‐230 on Environmental Strategic Assessment • Law 03/L‐214 on Environmental Impact Assessment

Administrative Instructions • Administrative Instruction No. 02/2011 on Rules • Administrative Instruction No. 01/2012 on Energy Audits • Administrative Instruction Nr. 07/2012 on the Rules for Energy Balance • Administrative Instruction Nr. 01/2010 on Security of Supply in the Natural Gas Sector • Administrative Instruction Nr. 04/2009 on Opening of the Electricity Market for all Non‐household Costumers • Administrative Instruction Nr. 09/2012 on the Labelling of Energy Related Products

243 Energy

• Administrative Instruction on Procedures for the Collection of Mining Royalties

Regulations • Regulation No. 01/2012 on Establishment and Functioning of the Commission for Certification of Energy Auditors and Managers • Regulation No. 08/2011 on Internal Organization of the Kosovo Agency for Energy Efficiency • Technical Regulation No. 03/2009 on Thermal Energy Saving and Thermal Protection in Buildings • Regulation No. 04/2011 on the Mining Sector Community Treatment • Regulation No. 02/2011 on the Content of the Geological Investigations Program and Elaboration of the Geological Survey Results

Strategy and Program documents • Energy Strategy of the Republic of Kosovo 2009‐2018 • Kosovo Energy Efficiency Action Plan 2010‐2018 • Kosovo Heating Strategy 2011‐2018

Apart from state authorities other entities with a strong influence in the Energy Sector are large energy companies. The dominating companies in this sector are: Kosovo Energy Corporation (KEK), Kosovo Transmission System and Market Operator (KOSTT) and District Heating Companies (in Prishtina, Gjakova and Mitrovica). Currently all relevant energy companies have a public status and are governed by central or local institutions. However, the government is committed to complete formal procedures for privatization of Public Supply and Distribution System Operator. The privatization is planned also for TPP Kosova B, based on a specific public private partnership for its revitalization and construction of the TPP “Kosova e Re”.

The Current situation in Energy Supplies The primary role of the entire Energy Sector infrastructure in Kosovo is to provide sufficient and uninterrupted end‐use energy supply. The basic primary energy source used in Kosovo to satisfy energy needs of different economic sectors is lignite. Other primary energy sources are imported oil products (mainly for transport), imported heavy fuel oil (for heating purposes), electricity import, firewood and a small amount on hydro energy. The Kosovo primary energy mix is presented in Fig. 1. 244 Energy

Petroleum products 19.1 %

Biomass (firewood) 9.7 % Electricity import 1.6 %

Hydro, Solar, Wind 0.03 %

Lignite 69 %

Fig. 1 Primary energy mix for Kosovo in 2010179

While the import of Liquefied Petroleum Gas LPG and oil products are being managed without big troubles, the situation with electricity and heat supply is problematic. The electricity generation sector is dominated by KEK which owns and operates the two lignite fired power plants ”Kosova A & B”. The thermal power plant (TPP) Kosova A consists of five units with a total installed capacity of 800 MW and TPP Kosova B of two units with an installed capacity of 678 MW. Table 1 summarizes data on existing thermal power generation capacities in Kosovo. The total installed capacity of 1478 MW of both TPP’s would be sufficient to meet even the peak electricity demands amounting of approximately 1300 MW in the winter periods. However, due to the degradation and underinvestment in the lignite mines and TPP sector in Kosovo during 1990‐1999, lack of maintenance, lack of necessary periodical rehabilitations and aged TPP’s, the technical availability is far below installed capacities and this situation has not been substantially improved despite several major overhauls performed in the last 10 years. A reliable operation and production which would be sufficient to cover basics electricity demands is not possible with outdated and poorly maintained TPP capacities.

179 MEM: Republic of Kosovo’s Energy Balance for the Year 2010 245 Energy

Table 1: Existing thermal power generation capacities in Kosovo180

Power plant Power plant unit capacity (MW) Year of unit Commission Installed Net available

TPP Kosova A

Unit A1 65 0 1962

Unit A2 125 0 1964

Unit A3 200 115 1970

Unit A4 200 115 1971

Unit A5 210 125 1975

TPP Kosova B

Unit B1 339 250 1983

Unit B2 339 270 1984

The transmission system is managed by KOSTT. Kosovo is a Contracting Party to the regional Energy Community and is linked to the regional system via interconnections with Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Albania (Fig. 2). The electricity transmission system is interconnected with all neighbouring systems at the 400 kV level, except for the interconnection with Albania which is currently at 220 kV level. However, this situation will be substantially improved in the near future since the construction of a new 400 kV interconnection with Albania is already in the tendering phase. With the new line current capacities of Kosovo for electricity exchange will be substantially upgraded. On the other hand the line will contribute towards optimization of the cooperation between Kosovo’s thermal power based system and Albania’s hydropower based one. The 400 kV line will also evidently enhance electricity exchanges in the region. Apart from upgrading their transmission capacities, KOSTT is actively working in reducing the transmission losses which actually are in the range of 2‐2.5 %181.

180 MED: Energy Strategy of the Republic of Kosovo 181 ERO: Statement of Security of Supply for Kosovo, 2011 246 Energy

Border 400 kV Line 220 kV Line 110 kV Line Planned Line‐400 kV Fig. 2 Kosovo Transmission System 400/220/110 kV182

One of major problems in Kosovo’s electricity system in the past decade is high level of losses in the distribution system, currently managed by KEK. The distribution losses consist of technical and commercial (non‐technical) losses. Even though a slight reduction of such losses is recorded recently, they still represent approximately 38 % of total supplied electricity. A particular issue of concern for the distribution system of the KEK remains the high proportion of commercial losses which represent over 21 % of total distribution losses. Such losses have also a technical background (metering problems) but primarily are generated due to electricity theft and non‐payment of electricity bills183. Kosovo has no other fossil fuel sources (oil, gas) than lignite and hence no TPP based on such sources. However Kosovo has certain potential on renewable energy sources (RES). Currently, there are very limited generation capacities based on RES which consists of the hydro power plant (HPP) Ujmani/Gazivoda (=32 MW),

182 KOSST: Annual Report 2009 183 UNDP: Energy for Development, 2007 247 Energy

Lumbardhi (=8 MW) and few small HPP (= 2 MW) with a total of 42 MW available generation capacity184. Three small wind power units of very limited capacity (approximately 1.3 MW) were built which are currently out of operation due to some divergences with the Energy Regulatory Office related to the feed‐in tariffs. Other generation capacities on wind, solar and geothermal sources with exception of few cases in households and small enterprise level have not yet been developed. In relation to the development of renewable energy, MED implemented a number of pilot projects for sanitary hot water by using solar energy in public buildings. In addition, solar energy was promoted through a number of pilot projects (installation of solar panels in the University Clinical Centre of Kosovo and Student Centre in Prishtina). In this context, solar energy can become a source of hot water supply, regardless of the high cost of the equipment and the scarcely developed market. Agricultural biomass has high energetic potential. However, the agricultural sector in Kosovo is insufficiently prepared to develop this commercial potential185. Important conclusions in relation to addressing problems and challenges of Energy Sector in Kosovo can be derived based on the analysis of sector‐based breakdown of energy consumption.

Services 10 % Agriculture 2 %

Industry 22% Household 40 %

Transport 27 %

Fig. 3 Breakdown of energy consumption by sectors in 2010186

As presented in Fig. 3 the largest energy consuming sector is household sector. On the other hand, electricity takes place with approximately 30 % in the total energy consumed by households. Therefore a substantial improvement in electricity supply system is only possible, if electricity consumption by households is reduced.

184 ERO: Statement of Security of Supply for Kosovo, 2011 185 MED: Heating Strategy of Kosovo 2011‐2018 186 MEM: Republic of Kosovo’s Energy Balance for the Year 2010 248 Energy

This can be achieved primarily by reducing the commercial losses, since addressing the non‐metered electricity, theft and non‐payment of bills will considerably reduce the consumption. Another issue to be addressed is the extensive use of electricity for space heating. Analyses show that over 50 % of electricity consumption in households is used for heating purposes187,188. Fig. 3 also shows that households and service sector account for 50 % of the total energy consumption in Kosovo with most of it, approximately 66 %, being used for heating purposes189. The high level of energy consumption indicates the high potential for rationalization of energy consumption in residential and public buildings. In this respect, the government was quite active in addressing energy efficiency primarily in the buildings of public sector as recommended in the EU Energy Services Directive (ESD)190. The aim of such activities was to establish a legal basis in line with EC directives, upgrading of human capacities and establishing of the institutional framework to address all relevant aspects of energy efficiency. The revised version of the Law on Energy and the promulgation of the Law on Energy Efficiency in 2011, including few bylaws recently promulgated, have substantially improved the legal basis for energy efficiency. Following the Energy Strategy goals and based on the requirements of the Energy Community, Government of Kosovo prepared the Kosovo Energy Efficiency Plan 2010‐2018 (KEEP) as an implementation platform for energy efficiency improvement measures. Pursuant to ESD and taking into account the three EU targets to be achieved by 2020, namely to improve energy efficiency by 20%, to reduce greenhouse gases by 20% and to have 20% of the total energy consumption covered by Renewable Energy Sources (RES), Kosovo set in KEEP an indicative target of 9% reduction of energy consumption until 2018, thus accomplishing an improvement of energy efficiency in the range of 1% per year. Meanwhile a methodology for monitoring, verification and evaluation of energy savings based on EU harmonized methods has been established. Regarding human capacities, different programs for training energy auditors have been implemented resulting in 55 certified energy auditors. Two programs on energy auditing have been completed and the implementation of energy efficiency measures recommended by energy auditors is ongoing. A further improvement of institutional framework is going to take place soon by establishing the Energy Efficiency Agency (EEA). One of basic activities of the EEA is to provide support to local authorities to develop energy efficiency local plans and reporting system. The background of extensive use of electricity for heating in single family houses is assumed to be primarily in abusing the electricity. However, many households in multi‐story buildings do not have other alternatives, since many of such buildings neither have their own heating system nor have access to a district heating system.

187 ERO: Statement of Security of Supply for Kosovo, July 2011 188 WB: Development and Evaluation of Power Supply Options for Kosovo, December 2011 189 MEM: Energy Consumption in Kosovo, 2010 190 EC: Directive 2006/32 249 Energy

Furthermore, the electricity is extensively used for heating even by families living in multi‐story buildings which are connected to a district heating since the district heating systems are actually facing serious problems and therefore the heat supply does not nearly match the demand. District heating (DH) exists in four cities (Prishtina, Gjakova, Mitrovica and Zvecan) and meets only 5 % of the total demand for heating in Kosovo. The operational capacity of DH in Prishtina is 134 MW, in Gjakova 20 MW, in Mitrovica 16.9 MW and in Zvecan 1.6 MW191. The DH systems are operated by public companies under the responsibility of corresponding municipal authorities. All DH plants are equipped with boilers which operate mainly by using imported heavy fuel oil (kerosene) and provide space heating only. Since the DH systems provide no hot water, they are operational only in winter periods. The existing DHs are quite obsolete, not well maintained and characterized with high generation and distribution losses. The generation losses are estimated between 20 and 30 % while the distribution losses in the primary network between 15 and 20 %. Billing of costumers is still based on heated area with exception of few cases which are charged with costs accounted based on metered heat. This form of billing does not motivate consumers to change their behaviour in order to rationalize their energy usage for heating purposes. Furthermore, the poor quality and not stable heat supply impacts negatively the bill payment which is reported to be approximately 57 %.192 Development perspectives As described above, the current power generation capacities are limited, some of them very outdated (TPP Kosova A), not well maintained and therefore not reliable in operation. On the other hand, as might be expected, the total electricity consumption has been continuously increasing during the past decade resulting in an average yearly increase of 8.6 %193. Consequently the electricity imports (approximately 10 % of the total electricity consumption) under very unfavourable conditions were, often, inevitable. Due to the critical situation in the Energy Sector, Kosovo is currently facing difficult strategic decisions which will influence the future development of this sector for at least 40 years. Different scenarios for development of the Energy Sector proposed by the government, international institutions, civil society and independent experts, differ with regard to which of the factors, namely large lignite reserves, environmental and social impact, existing potential on renewable energy sources and eventually electricity export, should be given priority. Discussions are also driven from different viewpoints regarding the financing of new generation capacities, capacity of new generation units, maintenance of existing power capacities and managing of existing and new lignite mines. Several studies were

191 ERO: Annual Report 2007 192 ERO: Annual Report 2010 193 ERO: Statement of Security of Supply for Kosovo, July 2011 250 Energy carried out in order to assess the potential of Kosovo on energy related resources and to find the best option to overcome the energy crisis194,195,196,197. A World Bank study23 tends to synthesize all studies and evaluations produced in the past in order to provide the lowest cost option for a sustainable Energy Sector while observing all actual provisions on environmental protection. According to that study, the best option for Kosovo would be to upgrade the current generation capacities based on lignite by construction of a new TPP with a total capacity of 600 MW supported by a HPP of approximately 300 MW and power generation capacities based on renewable energy sources with a firm capacity of approximately 170 MW. The scenario recommended by the WB study is in line with government projections for consolidation of the Energy Sector namely building of a lignite based TPP named “Kosova e Re” with two units x 300 MW, developing of a new lignite mine near the new TPP and overhaul of Kosovo B power plant which is going to be included within the privatization package offered to the investors. The operation of “Kosova e Re” should start by the end of 2017 and meanwhile the activities related to building of a new HPP with a capacity of 305 MW should be continued. In spite of strong opposition of civil society198 which claims that the government plans will monopolize the electricity market, the government is committed to stick to their plans. The civil society is in favour of promoting the power plant unit based on RES. According to government plans, the tendering procedures for the new TPP should be finalized in coming months and before the end of 2012 the responsible consortium for developing of new lignite TPP should be formally selected. Arguments that Kosovo should primarily develop lignite based power generation capacities to cover basic energy demands, and quasi parallel start with development of capacities based on RES, seem to be widely accepted by most of the key players. Even though currently underdeveloped, there is sufficient potential on RES in Kosovo to support basic energy needs and to reach the set targets on reduction of greenhouse gasses and in parallel to increase the share of RES in the overall energy production. Up to now, the authorities have mostly been active in studying the hydro‐potential for electricity production. A feasibility study for construction of an HPP with capacity of approximately 305 MW in Zhur (near Prizren) is finalized and authorities are currently planning to commence procedures for construction of the HPP. There is also a feasibility study which shows that Kosovo has the potential for construction of additional 77 small HPP‐s of a total capacity of 128 MW. With exception of some basic studies, there are no detailed and reliable data and a wind map of Kosovo potential for utilization of wind energy. Preliminary top‐down

194 NEK: Wind Resource Assessment‐Kosovo, December 2010 195 KIPRED&FIQ&GAP Institute: Energy Projects in Kosovo, September 2011 196 WB: Development and Evaluation of Power Supply Options for Kosovo, December 2011 197 University of California: Sustainable Energy Options for Kosovo, January 2012 198 KIPRED, FIQ and GAP Institute: Energy Projects in Kosovo, September 2011 251 Energy assessment conducted by Mercados199 shows that Kosovo has a wind generation potential of more than 1000 MW installed capacity with a capacity factor of 25%. However, another study carried out by consultants NEK Technologies (Zürich)200 concluded that Kosovo has moderate wind resources with very few areas characterized by wind speeds exceeding 6 m/s, a minimum needed for commercial utilization of wind energy. The composition of wind map based on detailed field measurements and derivation of corresponding data is one of the objectives of MED for developing of power capacities based on wind energy. In relation to RES, the public perception is that Kosovo has a considerable potential of solar energy. Nevertheless, currently there are no solar maps and the available data based on measurements are very scarce. Mercados estimated a potential equivalent to about 77 MW installed capacity with a capacity factor of 22‐25%. In order to reduce the demand for electricity in the winter peak periods, institutions were active in upgrading the heat generation capacities particularly in Prishtina which owns the largest district heating system. A feasibility study to support the district heating in Prishtina with co‐generation of energy in TPP Kosova B has been finalized. According to the study, co‐generation will provide up to 120 MW of thermal energy and thus will substantially improve the capacity and heating quality of existing district heating. The project is financed by EC with 13.8 million €, by KfW with 11 million € and by Prishtina Municipality with 2 million €. The selection of the company for supervision of works is in the final phase and the tendering procedures for selection of implementing company are expected to commence fairly soon. The finalization of the project is expected within 2 years.

2.1.2 The elements of Energy research policy making The background of the research policy in Kosovo is provided by the Law Nr. 2004/42 on Scientific Research Activity, Strategy for Development of Higher Education in Kosovo 2005‐2015 and The National Research Programme of the Republic of Kosovo (NRP). According to the Law on Scientific Research Activity, public institutions (Academy of Science and Arts, Scientific institutions and Universities) and private organizations are entitled to carry out research activities and receive public funds for this purpose. Article 7 of the Law states that up to 0.7 % of state budget shall be allocated for research activities. Further, the Law promotes upgrading of scientific human capacities by training of new R&D personnel in order to address the shortage of young scientific researchers. Advancing capacities for research and scientific work was identified as one of strategic objectives in the Strategy for Development of Higher Education in Kosovo 2005‐2015. Indicating the low budget as primary reason for an unsatisfactory level of scientific research, the Strategy foresaw an increase of budget for scientific

199 Mercados Energy Markets International, Kosovo ‐ Regulatory Framework for RES – Procedures and Methodology for RES Electricity Pricing Task 1 Report, May 2009. 200 NEK UMWELTECHNIG AG: Wind Resource Assessment ‐Kosovo, December 2010 252 Energy research and transfer of knowledge up to 3.5 % of GDP in line with the Bologna Process objectives. However, the actual allocated budget is under 0.1% of GDP and thus far below the EU average. The key institution for establishing and implementing the overall research policy in Kosovo is the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) respectively its Department for Science and Technology. Pursuant to the Law on Scientific Research Activity, based on a recommendation by MEST respectively Government of Kosovo, Kosovo Assembly established in 2007 the National Research Council (NRC). In line with its primary obligations, NRC developed a National Research Programme (NRP)201 which was approved by the Kosovo Assembly in July 2010. The two most important outcomes of the NRP are (i) setting (the six) research priorities and (ii) developing the implementation plan. Priorities were selected based on the most suitable approach for Kosovo circumstances. Environment, Energy and Natural Resources have been identified among the key priorities. The implementation plan describes research activities, time‐schedule and the budget estimation for each activity. NRP also provides a mid‐term budget plan to implement the planned research activities. An average annual budget increase of approximately 1 million Euros is foreseen, starting from 2010, to reach a stable level of budget appropriations after 2015 in the range of 4.5‐6.5 million Euros. Following recommended budgetary projections by NRP, MEST allocated 1 million Euros for research activities in 2011, but due to budget reallocations only 0.4 million were practically available for research projects. This is equivalent to 0.03 % of GDP and hence far from the budget aspired by the provisions of the Law on Scientific Research Activity.

2.2. Overview of Energy research activities The only institution performing typical scientific research activities in Energy is the University of Prishtina, respectively the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Faculty of Electrical Engineering. However, most of activities with exception of few cases are of small scale nature for which no institutional support is provided. Such research activities are driven basically by the young researchers needs for further professional development. There is no central database of projects, results and published work in the field of Energy. As stated above, trying to remedy this situation MEST supported in 2011 with 0.5 million Euros research activities in various fields, including also a project on Analysis of Renewable Energy Sources with 25, 000 Euros. An increased interest has been noted on the part of institutions to participate on large scale projects such as FP7, but so far the applications have not been successful.

201 Republic of Kosovo: The National Research Programme, 2010 253 Energy

2.2.1 Energy research projects In spite of the small number of scientific research projects, numerous studies, investigations and other research activities have been undertaken mainly driven by economic considerations. These activities were implemented by institutions like MED, INKOS, Riinvest Institute, American University of Kosovo and donors. The basic data on some of the implemented or ongoing R&D projects in the field of Energy are provided in Table 2.

Table 2: Energy projects

Nr. Project Name Status/ Donor Implementing Project imp. year Institution value (€) 1 Study of Kosovo Hydro‐ 2005 KPB INKOS 3,900 potentials 2 Prefeasibility study for 2006 DANIDA Albanian 50,000 identifying hydropotentials for Energy and small scale hydropower plants Environmental Association for Sustainable Development 3 ESTAP III‐3 2006 WB ‐ 500,000 4 ESTAP III‐4 2006 WB ‐ 245,702.5 5 Assessment of geological 2007 KPB ‐ 50,000 reserves of lignite in Kosovo 6 Kosovo Energy Sector ‐ Heat 2007 WB ELC‐ ‐ Market Study Electroconsult / ERM 7 Energy for Development‐Kosovo 2007 UNDP ‐ ‐ 8 Assessment study on renewable 2008 EC COWI 350,000 energy sources in Kosovo 9 Promotion of utilization of solar 2008 KPB TERMO 350,000 energy in UCCK and Students Centre in Prishtina 10 Preparation of politics and strategies for regional geological investigations 2008 KPB ‐ 44,950 11 Compilation of strategy for 2009 KPB ‐ 47,000 promotion of mineral resources 12 Promotion of utilization of solar 2009 KPB GESER 150,000 energy in UCCK

254 Energy

13 Evaluation of hydro energy 2010 KPB 140,000 potential for mini HC 14 Application of energy efficiency 2010 EC Kantor 1,300,000 measures in public buildings 15 Study on preparation of 2010 KPB B2B 60,000 projecting data for utilization of Consulting solar energy in Kosovo 16 Study on energy consumption 2010 KPB MPR/Group& 57,995 distribution in the industry Euro Service sector in Kosovo and possibilities for improvement of energy efficiency 17 Application of energy efficiency Ongoing KPB&GIZ Monten,Termo 452,494 measures in public institutions montimi and in framework of implementation ELEN of national program on EE in the line with EC and ECT requirements 18 Study of public building stock Ongoing KPB Eleganca 12,296 for energy auditing 19 Assessment of wind potential 2010 American NEK ‐ University Umwelttechnik in Kosovo AG 20 Study on implementation of Ongoing EC AlaNet 15,600,000 energy efficiency measures in municipality level 21 Study on consumption Ongoing KPB INTECH 50,000 distribution in the household sector and possibilities for improvement of energy efficiency 22 IPA 2008 ‐ Supervision for Ongoing EC 179,555 Implementation of Energy Efficiency Measures in Public Buildings 23 IPA 2008 ‐ Implementation of Ongoing EC 1,163,713 Energy Efficiency Measures in Public Buildings 24 IPA 2010 ‐ Energy Sector Reform Planned EC 2,000,000 25 Renewable Energy – Kosovo Ongoing Norway 851,735 26 Environmental Assessment for Ongoing USAID 432,900 Thermal Power Plant‐Kosovo B

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27 Centre for Energy and National Ongoing USAID 254,224 Resources 28 Lignite Power Technical Ongoing WB 8,118,138 Assistance Project

2.2.2 Key competencies in Energy research field Kosovo underwent massive institutional changes after 1990 which directly affected research and innovation sector. Due to a protracted tense political situation, the intensive institutional cooperation among regional R&D institutions phased out. Individual projects in different regional institutions came fast to an end and no new actions were initiated. In return, the intensive cooperation with economy and solid technology transfer were seriously affected. Almost one decade of the parallel education system was a handicap for maintaining and further developing of existing competencies in Kosovo. The only possibility to develop new competences was through individual research activities of young researches in different European Countries. This situation however started to look up after the war of 1999 and, during the last decade, a significant number of young researchers have returned and are contributing in various ways to upgrade R&D capacities of Kosovo Institutions. Meanwhile, even more young students started their Master and PhD work in cooperation with universities abroad and some of them continued to cooperate with the University of Prishtina. On the other hand, University of Prishtina has signed over 80 cooperation agreements with different universities all over the World. Strengthening of R&D capacity is one of the major objectives of such agreements. As far as energy field is concerned an improvement has been noted regarding the cooperation with economy. As a result of complex developments in the Higher Education sub‐sector in the past two decades, following key competences in Energy research field can be highlighted: 1. Power generation technology • Improvement of energy transformation efficiency • Combined power generation • Reduction of emissions 2. Renewable energy sources • Upgrading of HPP potentials • Establishing of detailed wind map and developing of wind power plants • Establishing of detailed solar map, developing of solar power plants, upgrading of capacities for solar water heating,

256 Energy

• Research of potentials on geothermal energy and developing of geothermal systems • Developing of bio‐energy based systems 3. Energy Efficiency • Improvement of energy efficiency in all sectors of economy • Strengthening of system for monitoring and evaluation of energy savings • Analysis of interrelation between socio‐economic factors and energy efficiency 4. Energy Resources • Research of current potentials of lignite reserves • Integration of socio‐economic and environmental aspects in opening of new lignite mines and rehabilitation of depleted mine areas • Utilization of environmental friendly lignite production technology 5. District heating • Improvement of efficiency of existing district heating • Introducing of smart heat metering system • Upgrading of district heating capacities (construction of new district heating systems in larger urban areas)

2.2.3 Energy research infrastructure Energy research infrastructure in Kosovo comprises public and private institutions. Key public institutions responsible for financing of R&D in energy field are: • Ministry of Education, Science and Technology • Ministry of Economic Development Key public institution for performing research in Energy is Prishtina University with corresponding Faculties: • Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (FME), • Faculty of Electrical Engineering (FEE), • Faculty of Mining and Metallurgy (FMM). The three faculties, responsible for research and development in the field of Energy, have more than 45 years of experience in education and research activities. The studies in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering started in 1967 as sections of 257 Energy former Faculty of Engineering but as separate academic units FME and FEE were established in 1988. Both of these faculties provide three levels of study programs in the line with Bologna Agreement: Bachelor, Master and Doctoral Studies. They own few laboratories and quite a limited number of equipment dedicated mainly for basic research activities. Non‐public institutions involved in research activities in the energy field are: • Institute INKOS • Institute Riinvest • American University in Kosovo (AUK) INKOS Institute was founded in 1979 as part of KEK responsible for research and development activities. In the process of KEK unbundling, in 2006 INKOS was transformed to Joint Stock Company. It consists of six units with a quite good research infrastructure comprising laboratories and equipment as well as competent and experienced research potential. However, the unclear legal status prevents INKOS management to make long term planning necessary for their future activities, for investment in advanced research equipment and for ensuring a normal knowledge transfer to young researchers. Clarification of the legal status and full reorganization of the institute appear to be necessary and urgent to make INKOS work as a viable and effective research institution. Two other non‐public institutions (Riinvest and AUK) are basically higher education institutions. Regarding the energy field they conducted several studies and analyses, mainly based on evaluation of existing data and administration of surveys using newly task designed questionnaires.

2.3. Key drivers of Energy research

2.3.1 Main Energy sector trends in Kosovo One of most relevant indicators in following energy trends of a country is Energy Intensity (EI). Kosovo is characterized with a relatively high EI index being the highest in the region after the EI of Bulgaria202 . In order to predict the future development of Energy Sector in Kosovo, two basic scenarios are assumed for the Gross Domestic Production (GDP) growth rate in the period 2009‐2018 (Table 3).

Table 3: GDP grow rate assumptions (in %) in the period 2009‐2018

Scenario 2009‐2010 2011‐2014 2015‐2018 Medium 3.20 3.10 3.00 High 6.20 5.29 5.00

202 MED: Energy Strategy of Kosovo 2009‐2018 258 Energy

Primary energy demand: The primary energy demand forecast is based on “top‐ down” approach for all sectors of Economy. As far as the main energy consumption sector is concerned, namely the household sector, major energy sources are electricity, firewood and oil by‐products. According to the demand forecast, the electricity consumption will increase in absolute terms, but it will undergo a relative decrease in consumption. This relative decrease will be compensated by increased consumption of LPG and firewood. In the services sector, energy consumption will gradually increase, along with the increase of number of customers and improvement of services themselves. Structural changes are also envisaged, such as lower increase in coal consumption and increased role of oil products in energy consumption structure. The primary energy demand increase is foreseen also in industry, transport and agricultural sector. Fig. 4 and 5 shows graphically the total energy demand from 2003 up to now and the energy demand forecast up to 2018.

2200 100% 2100 95% Agriculture 2000 90% Transport 1900 85% 1800 Industry 80% 1700 Serv ice 75% 1600 Households 70% 1500 1400 65% 1300 60% 1200 55% 1100 50% 1000 45% 900 40% 800 35% 700 30% 600 Agriculture 25% 500 Transport 20% 400 Industry 300 15% Serv ice 200 10% 100 5% Households 0 0% 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Figure 4: Total energy consumption in the Figure 5: Total energy consumption in the past and demand forecast for the future past and demand forecast for the future by by all sectors for the high growth scenario all sectors for the high growth scenario (ktoe) (%)

Final energy demand: The two final energy forms significantly influencing future developments in the Energy Sector in Kosovo are electricity and heat. The medium demand scenario for electricity envisages a modest increase of demand in the household sector, whereas high increase of demand is projected for the services and industrial sectors. Electricity demand in 2018 is projected at 6,939 GWh/year (Table 4), associated this with a peak load of 1,543 MW in the power system. 259 Energy

Gradual reduction of commercial losses down to 5% during the period 2009‐2011 was assumed in this scenario. The high demand scenario envisages the demand of 7,431 GWh/year in 2018, with a peak load of 1,671 MW. Gradual reduction of commercial losses down to 5% during the period 2009‐2015 was assumed in this scenario. Table 4: Electricity demand and peak load forecast for 2009 – 2018

Year / 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Scena.

GWh MDS 4994 5226 5418 5621 5834 6059 6295 6500 6715 6939 HDS 5299 5514 5713 5929 6164 6422 6662 6898 7153 7431 MW MDS 1130 1174 1212 1251 1297 1343 1403 1449 1506 1543 HDS 1210 1257 1302 1349 1389 1434 1515 1566 1618 1671

As far as the required generation capacities are concerned in order to meet the electricity demands, different analysis and scenarios are being discussed. The study of the WB203 on different power supply options fits more than all other options to the government plans. Based on this study Kosovo will need about 950 MW of new firm capacity by 2017. This need grows to about 1000 by 2019 and about 1500 MW by 2025. In order to fill the current gaps, WB recommends the construction of new TPP “Kosova e Re“ by 2017 with a base load capacity of 600 MW, construction of HPP Zhur with an installed capacity of 305 MW and construction of generation capacities based on renewable sources with a firm capacity of roughly 170 MW. As stated in section 2.1.1, Government is committed to go ahead with necessary actions to build the TPP “Kosova e Re“. Hence, these days the authorities of MED announced that the corresponding tendering pack is approved and the interested companies may provide their offers till the end of September 2012. The related works should start in 2013.

The fact that for a considerable number of households the electricity is used for heating purposes makes the prediction of the future needs for heating crucial for stabilization of the electricity sector. According to Heating Strategy of Kosovo204 the annual net consumption of energy for space and sanitary water heating in the period 2012‐2018 will increase in average by approximately 3 % annually.

203 WB: Development and Evaluation of Power Supply Options for Kosovo, December 2011 204 MED: Heating Strategy of Kosovo 2011‐2018 260 Energy

Thus, if the heating Energy Sector does no undergo any changes, the net heating energy consumption is predicted to increase from approximately 5000 GWh/year in 2012 to ca. 6000 GWh/year in 2018. During the same period of time the gross heating energy consumption is predicted to increase from 9500 GWh/year to 11500 GWh/year. Pursuant to Heating Strategy, Kosovo will not be able to meet the indicative targets set in KEEP. Therefore, a part of measures foreseen in KEEP, additional actions are required. In case, that energy efficiency and technological improvement actions are implemented the net heating energy consumption is going to increase from 4750 GWh/year in 2012 to 5500 GWh/year in 2018. The gross heating energy consumption is going to increase from 9250 GWh/year in 2012 to 10500 GWh/year in 2018.

2.3.2 Main socio‐economic challenges in Kosovo The rapid institutional progress of Kosovo has not been followed by adequate macro‐economic changes necessary for the economic development. The steady economic growth in a yearly average of approximately 5 %205 was not sufficient to reduce the unemployment rate and poverty of the population. Low economic progress is reflected in the living standard of the population. According to the WB reports, 34 % of Kosovo population lives below the poverty line whereas the unemployment rate is 45.4 %206. Although all groups in the working age population display poor employment outcomes, the youth unemployment rate of 74 per cent is of particular concern because Kosovo has the youngest population in Europe. Consequently young people are concerned about their future in Kosovo, seeing migration as a potential solution. Trying to tackle some of the main impediments to employment and to slightly improve the socio‐economic situation, the Government of Kosovo adopted and has begun implementation of the Employment Strategy in 2010. In labour policies, the Government launched a modernization of the Public Employment Services which could provide better integration between employment offices, vocational training centres, and social assistance offices; it also initiated a public work program employing 845 workers; and it increased social assistance benefits and pensions. In spite of presented governmental measures, current trends indicate that poverty and unemployment will continue to be one of major challenging issues for the Government also in the near future.

3. Integration of Kosovo in the European Energy research The integration of the Western Balkan Countries in the European research area is considered of central importance for research policy, both for the region and for the European Union. As international cooperation partner, research entities of

205 http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG 206 WB: World Bank‐Kosovo Partnership, September 2011 261 Energy

Kosovo have the possibility to apply for research projects under the Seventh research Framework Programme (FP7). In this respect, Kosovo has organized a number of information sessions and nominated contact points for FP7. The EU funded mobility programmes directed in higher education and research have contributed to increase the researcher’s mobility. Researchers’ mobility was significantly improved in 2011 also by implementation of NRP. In spite of recent progress in research and innovation, no substantial improvement of Kosovo integration to the ERA has been made so far. At present, no serious R&D project or program in the area of energy is going on in cooperation with European partners. Some applications to the FP7 or HERD were noted, although not successful up to the moment of writing this report.

4. SWOT analysis

4.1. Strengths • Consolidated legal framework in science and higher education • Legal framework on energy in place • National Research Programme approved • Strategy on Energy and on Heating completed • Energy Efficiency Action Plan approved • Active participation of Institutions in ECT meetings and other energy related events • Setting the R&D in the Energy Sector within top priorities by the government

4.2. Weaknesses • Insufficient budget for Research and Development • Poor interaction between research and economical activities • Low level of R&D project management skills • No experience in writing proposals for EU‐funded research programs • Dominantly an education profile of higher education institutions • No full utilization of existing environmental research equipment • Poor maintenance of existing research infrastructure

4.3. Opportunities • Setting the development and research in the Energy Sector within top priorities by the government

262 Energy

• Implementation of the National Research Programme, in particular regarding the recommended budget allocations • Implementation of Energy Sector relevant strategies • Implementation of Energy Efficiency Action Plan • Increasing the awareness in institutions in respect to the impact of R&D in Energy Sector on the overall development • Strengthening the capacities for successful application in EU funded projects • Participation in EU research programs • Advocating for active support of R&D activities in Energy Sector by international organizations • Utilize all opportunities for strengthening of the regional cooperation in energy research issues

4.4. Threats • Budgetary shortage and reallocations due to shifting of priorities • Poor knowledge and technology transfer to the industry • Brain drain • Poor institutional organization and cooperation in R&D activities • Lack of socio‐economic stability

5. Energy research priorities for Kosovo The institutional contribution in establishing well organized and effective research infrastructure so far was mainly related to development of the necessary legal framework. Certain promotion campaigns for different EU R&D programs were also provided. However, in financial and practical terms, the institutional support was very low. There are no action plans on research activities that would substantially improve the overall R&D policy. The occasionally promoted programs often cannot be attributed to a country research strategy but rather to intentions for achieving short term political advantages. Poor integration of Kosovo in regional and international R&D programs is a consequence of inadequate and insufficient research work performed in the past by relevant institutions. Hence, the R&D priorities in the energy field preferably should support the fulfilment of the priorities specified in the energy strategy and should be in line with the research framework offered by EU ore EU countries, such as FP7, Tempus, HERD etc. Based on the Kosovo strategic objectives and research fields offered in EU programs, following priorities in the field of Energy can be highlighted:

263 Energy

1. Energy security • Optimization of existing lignite mines and existing TPP • Socio‐economic impact of new lignite TPP and lignite mines required to cover base load • Promotion and advancing of co‐generation systems • Development of centralized heating systems on urban areas • Development of liquid fuel sector and establishing of gas supply network 2. Renewable electricity generation • Detailed investigation of potential for solar, wind, geothermal and hydro energy and compiling of corresponding detailed maps • Optimal utilization of hydro potential for electricity generation • Development of large scale wind power systems • Promotion of decentralized photovoltaic systems • Development of concentrated solar power systems 3. Renewable fuel production • Development of renewable fuel production systems • Promotion of renewable fuel for transport and heating 4. Renewable for heating and cooling • Development of geothermal heating and cooling systems • Optimization and upgrading of solar heating and cooling systems • Innovative integration of renewable energy supply and energy efficiency in multi‐story residential and multipurpose buildings

5. CO2 capture and storage technologies for zero emission power generation

• Opportunities and alternatives of CO2 capture an storage systems in Kosovo

• Integration of CO2 capture systems to the new TPP 6. Clean coal technologies • Introducing of technology for a substantial improve of efficiency of TPP • Advancing of pollution control technologies 7. Smart energy networks • Integration of variable distributed resources in electricity distribution networks • Enhancing electricity networks through use of distributed intelligent monitoring and control systems 264 Energy

• Support to the coordination of stakeholders activities in the field of Smart Grids 8. Energy efficiency and energy storage • Analysis of consumer attitudes and behaviour • Research, development and promotion of net zero‐energy houses • Development of energy efficient technologies in industry • Promotion of efficient transportation technology, transport demand management and restructuring of urban transport system • Development and promotion of thermal energy storage systems

5.1. Energy research priorities on the basis of the country’s readiness Based on existing infrastructure, human resources, recent performance and the current trends, the top fields in the Kosovo energy research sector include: 1. Optimization and upgrading of existing power capacities 2. Promotion of co‐generation and centralized heating systems in urban areas 3. Development of geothermal and solar heating and cooling systems 4. Developing of alternative sources (water, wind, solar and geothermal) for electricity production 5. Improvement of energy efficiency and transformation of energy market

5.2. Energy research priorities on the basis of future potential In order to cope with advanced research priorities, Kosovo needs a systematic and target‐oriented strengthening of their institutional and legal framework for R&D on energy. Further, specific programs on upgrading of human capacity buildings are indispensable. Among advanced research priorities to be tackled in the future may be emphasized:

1. CO2 capture and storage technologies for zero emission power generation 2. Clean coal technologies 3. Smart energy networks 4. Establishing of an integrated energy and climate policy 5. Establishing of a sustainable and regionally integrated energy supply system

265 Energy

6. Post‐Report Situation 6.1. Update on the situation The national report on Energy is the latest report written within the project WBC‐ INCO.NET. Only 2 months have passed from the publication of the report and its update. Therefore no substantial changes have been noted regarding the Kosovo’s potential on R&D in the field of Energy. Nevertheless, some activities related to using of opportunities highlighted in the SWOT analysis have been identified even in this short period of time. First of all, a certain progress is noted in implementation of Energy Sector relevant strategies as one of highlighted opportunities. As noted in the report, the major concern of the authorities in Kosovo regarding the energy is electricity supply and meeting the 20‐20‐20 EU objectives. Two major reasons for the lack of electricity are the limited generation capacities and the extensive use of electricity for heating. As already emphasized in this report, in order to change this situation one should reduce commercial losses and, in parallel, upgrade existing district heating capacities. When describing the development perspectives, the study noted that Prishtina Municipality with the support of donors has started the project for energy cogeneration in TPP Kosova B, which will substantially improve the capacities of existing DH. In the time between the report was written and the current update, the company for supervision of works has been selected. However, to reach a balance between electricity demand and supply in the long term, new electricity generation capacities (on fossil and renewable) as well as development of new DH systems in urban areas are required. As far as the 20‐20‐20 objectives are concerned, the authorities have taken several steps. A substantial improvement in the field of Energy efficiency is noted in the last 3‐4 years: three basic laws namely Law on Energy, Law on Electricity and Law on Energy Regulator have been revised and completed. Moreover, after a long history of discussions, the Law on Energy Efficiency was approved in 2011. The key issues which are addressed by this law are: Energy Efficiency Agency, Establishing of Commission for Certifying of Energy Auditors and Energy Managers, Developing of Municipal Energy Efficiency Plans and some issues related to Municipal Energy Offices. The most important activity was considered to be the establishing of Energy Efficiency Agency (EEA) which was completed in 2012. Actually, the EEA has four members of staff. EEA will start its activities with specific trainings aimed to build knowledge and skills required to address specific issues related to the duties of EEA. Such trainings have already started. The other relevant issue that took place in the meantime is the further unbundling of KEK after privatization of the Public Supply and Distribution System Operator. The latest development in this regard is that the government Commission for Privatization announced the most favourable offer provided to the Ministry for Economic Development and the government approved this recommendation. It is expected that the Assembly will also approve this recommendation and the winner

266 Energy of the Public Supply and Distribution System Operator may be soon officially announced. Another issue raised meanwhile is the unexpected decision by KEK to overhaul and take again in operation the Unit A2 which is one of its oldest units (see Table 1 of this report). The reason provided by KEK for this decision is that they do not receive sufficient subsidies to import additional electricity needed to meet the existing demand gaps as well as demand growth. By bringing A2 into operation, KEK claims to be able to provide additional 100 MW of net capacity at peak times and thus will reduce the reliance on high cost electricity imports. In order to keep the emissions within the limits allowed by corresponding EU directives, KEK also states its commitment to include electrostatic precipitators as part of the A2 reactivation project. However, there is a strong opposition against the KEK plans within the civil society, political structures in opposition but also within the European Commission. The common denominator of such reactions is that the reconstruction of A2 is not in line with Energy Strategy of Kosovo which states that the currently active blocks of Kosova A, namely Blocks A3, A4 and A5 may remain in operation until end of 2017. It means that according to Energy Strategy no re‐activation of most outdated blocks is foreseen. Rather the Strategy stipulates the decommissioning of existing blocks of TPP Kosova A by the end of 2017 in order to meet the provisions of EU Directives on the emissions from Large Combustion Plants.

6.2. Energy in the National Research Program 2010‐2015 The role of the R&D in the field of Energy within the NRP has been already discussed throughout this report. Therefore, no additional comments related to this issue are given here.

6.3. Alignment with regional priorities The main objective of the project WEB‐INCO.NET is to support the enhanced integration of the Western Balkan Countries in the European Research Area. In this respect several National Background Reports in different fields of R&D were provided so far from participating countries. Regarding the R&D in the field of Energy reports are provided by Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. Each of such reports provides the national R&D priorities in the field of Energy. The priorities of Kosovo are presented in the section 5 of the current report. A summary of key priorities identified at least in one of other Western Balkan countries participating in the WEB‐INCO.NET is presented below: Energy research priorities on the basis of the country’s readiness: • Renewable electricity generation, • Renewables for heating and cooling • Innovative integration of renewable energy supply and energy efficiency in large buildings 267 Energy

• Solar energy • Knowledge tools for energy related policy making • Flexible use of coal • Energy efficiency • Smart grids • Establishment of a functional legal framework in the field of Energy in accordance with the EU Acquis Communautaire • Clean development mechanism • Energy security improvement • Environmentally friendly thermal power plants • Smart grids and Information technologies implementation in Energy Sector Energy research priorities on the basis of future potential: • Cogeneration of energy • Energy efficiency in building sector • Development of environmental technologies and eco‐design products • Development of model buildings and sustainable cities • Promotion of the future carbon‐free energy • Establishing of new methods for production of biofuels • Improvement of engine combustion vehicles towards vehicles with low emitters of CO2 • Energy neutral buildings • Polygeneration • Smart metering • Integrated energy control of buildings • Electric vehicles and their deployment • Eco‐innovation • Integration of energy and resource flows • Structural reforms • Modernization of the coal sector • Natural gas sector progress

268 Energy

• Oil industry sector promotion • Smart grids and information technologies implementation in Energy Sector • Environmentally friendly power plants • Energy storage systems • Power generation in the low temperature range Since one of the final objectives of WEB‐INCO.NET project is also strengthening of regional cooperation and successful participation in relevant EU projects, identification of joint R&D priorities by analysing of national background reports is one of outcomes expected during project implementation. For this purpose, two meetings of WB countries were organized in the margins of “European Energy Conference E2C” in Maastricht on 17 and 18 of May 2012. During the discussions in Maastricht, five possible topics from the FP7 Energy Work Programme 2013 were identified based on the interest and the strengths of the Western Balkan countries described in the Background reports. For each of the five topics, one or two “Follow‐Up” Coordinators have been nominated by the group to work further on a possible proposal submission under a future call of the Work Programme 2013.

The FP7 ‐ Topics of Energy Work Programme 2013 which should be targeted are: 1. ENERGY.2013.10.1.4: Development of a European platform to mobilise the research and educational capacities of Europe’s universities 2. ENERGY.2013.3.7.1: Developing regional and pan‐European schemes for the sustainable delivery of non‐food biomass feedstock in a pan‐European integrated market 3. ENERGY.2013.2.4.1: Exploration and assessment of geothermal reservoirs 4. ENERGY.2013.7.1.1: Development and validation of methods and tools for network integration of distributed renewable resources 5. ENERGY.2013.7.2.3: Large‐scale demonstration of innovative transmission system integration and operation solutions for (inter)connecting renewable electricity production

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Annex I: Classification of Energy research fields The most appropriate classification scheme to which fits the energy research fields, tackled within the current report, is found to be the classification provided in the UK Energy Research Centre (Table 5)207.

Table 5: Classification of energy research fields Area Sector Topic Industry Residential and ENERGY EFFICIENCY Commercial Transport Other Enhanced oil and gas production Refining, transport and storage of oil and gas Oil and Gas Non‐conventional oil and gas production Oil and gas combustion Oil and gas conversion Other oil and gas FOSSIL FUELS: OIL, GAS AND COAL Coal production, preparation and transport Coal combustion Coal Coal conversion (excluding IGCC) Other Coal

CO2 capture/separation

CO2 transport CO capture and storage 2 CO storage 2

207 http://ukerc.rl.ac.uk/cgi‐bin/erccats.pl#ECAT 270 Energy

Solar heating and cooling (including daylighting) Solar Energy Photovoltaic Solar thermal power and high‐temp. applications Wind Energy Ocean Energy Production of transport biofuels (incl. Production from wastes) Production of other RENEWABLE ENERGY biomass‐derived fuels Bio‐Energy SOURCES (incl. Production from wastes) Applications for heat and electricity Other bio‐energy Geothermal Energy Large hydropower (capacity of 10 MW and Hydropower above) Small hydropower (less than 10 MW) Other Renewables Light‐water reactors (LWRs) Other converter reactors Fuel cycle Nuclear Fission Nuclear supporting NUCLEAR FISSION AND technologies FUSION Nuclear breeder Other nuclear fission Nuclear Fusion

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Hydrogen production Hydrogen storage Hydrogen transport and distribution Hydrogen Other infrastructure and HYDROGEN AND FUEL systems R&D CELLS Hydrogen end uses (incl. combustion; excl. fuel cells) Stationary applications Fuel Cells Mobile applications Other applications Electric power OTHER POWER and conversion STORAGE Electricity transmission TECHNOLOGIES and distribution Energy storage

OTHER CROSS‐CUTTING Energy system analysis TECHNOLOGIES or Environmental, social RESEARCH and economic impacts

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Priority Setting to Structure Participation in the 7th Framework Program, Background Country Reports – Kosovo

Prepared for the project WBC‐INCO.NET

WBC‐INCO.NET is a project (Contract Number: 212029) co‐funded by the European Community‘s Programme for International Cooperation under the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (2007‐2013). The sole responsibility for the content of this report lies with the authors. It does not represent the opinion of the Community. The European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.