The launch of EIT RawMaterials Regional Innovation Center in Albania
Elbasan, 23.4.2024
EIT RawMaterials, the largest raw materials partnership in Europe opened in 23 April 2024 the first and the only innovation and technology centre for raw materials in Albania- Regional Innovation Center in Albania-RIC Albania. The main focus of centre will be promotion of scientific research in the mining sector, exchange experiences, and enhance of cooperation between our professionals and those of the European Union in mineral exploration and processing, especially those of strategic importance, based on recent technological developments. The centre is established in Elbasan, located on the premises of the University of Elbasan. The opening remarks of the centre were addressed from:
- Belinda Balluku, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy
- Bernd Schäfer, CEO and Managing Director, EIT RawMaterials
- Silvio Gonzato, EU Ambassador to Albania
- Ledi Moisiu, Director of the Albanian Regional Innovation Centre
The inauguration ceremony of the Centre was attended by representatives of the Albanian Government, key stakeholders in the raw materials sector in Albania, including representatives from National Agency of Natural Resources, the Albanian Geological Survey, AlbEITI, Faculty of Geology and Mining part of Polytechnic University of Tirana etc.
The raw material sector has been identified as one of the priority sectors under the Government of Albania’s Smart Specialization Strategy. The centre will act as a hub to catalyse innovation, education and business creation in the raw materials for Albania and the wider region.
The centre will play a critical role in modernising the extractive and processing industries related to raw materials, including introducing green technologies and expanding Albania’s primary resource offerings to the European market.
The centre will also focus on building skills and entrepreneurship, particularly among students and researchers, while promoting STEM education tailored to the industry’s future needs.
This partnership marks the first of its kind between EIT RawMaterials and a Western Balkan government, laying the groundwork for future collaborative initiatives in the region.
The new partnership complements the European Commission’s recent Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, which aims to provide the region with some preliminary advantages of EU integration, boost economic growth and accelerate essential socio-economic advancements. By working together, EIT RawMaterials and the Government of Albania are determined to advance the goals of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans and the Western Balkans Innovation Agenda and to charter a course for regional development and sustainable innovation.
The centre will be open daily to support stakeholders from universities, research institutions, industry, investors, and innovators of the raw materials value chain in Albania. See full press release for the launching of RIC Albania from EIT Rawmaterials here and in the webpage of Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy.
For more information on the centre visit our website https://www.rawmaterialsalbania.al and follow us in our social media platforms: Instagram , Facebook, LinkedIN, YouTube, Twitter