The Regional Innovation Center of the European Institute of Technology and Innovation for Raw Materials – EIT RawMaterials Regional Innovation Center is established in Albania.
EIT RawMaterials, the largest raw materials network in Europe, opened on April 23, 2024, the first and only innovation and technology center for raw materials in Albania – the Regional Innovation Center in Albania – RIC Albania.
The center will focus on promoting scientific research in the mining sector, exchanging experiences, and enhancing cooperation between our professionals and those of the European Union in the exploration and processing of mineral materials, particularly those of strategic importance, based on the latest technological developments. The center has been established in Elbasan, within the premises of the University of Elbasan "Aleksandër Xhuvani." The inauguration ceremony of the center was addressed by:
- Ms. Belinda Balluku, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy
- Mr. Bernd Schäfer, CEO and General Director, EIT RawMaterials
- Mr. Silvio Gonzato, Ambassador of the European Union to Albania
- Ms. Ledi Moisiu, Director of the Regional Innovation Center in Albania
This important event was attended by representatives from the Albanian Government, key players in the raw materials sector in Albania, representatives from the National Agency of Natural Resources, the Albanian Geological Service, AlbEITI, the Faculty of Geology and Mining, the Polytechnic University, and others.
The raw materials sector has been identified as one of the priority sectors in the Albanian Government's Smart Specialization Strategy. The Regional Innovation Center in Albania will serve as a hub for revitalizing innovation, education, and promoting businesses in the raw materials field for Albania and the broader region.
The center will play a key role in modernizing the extractive and processing industries of raw materials, through the promotion of green technology, with the aim of increasing the supply of raw materials from Albania to the European market.
The center also aims to foster entrepreneurial and innovative skills among specialists, students, as well as promote STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) to develop the skills needed for the future demands of the raw materials industry in Albania and potentially in the region.
This partnership marks the first agreement of its kind between EIT RawMaterials and a government in the Western Balkans, laying the foundations for successful cooperation in the country and the region.
This initiative is in line with the European Commission's ‘Growth Plan’ for the Western Balkans, which aims to provide the region with some of the benefits of EU membership, foster economic growth, and accelerate socio-economic convergence through priority reforms.
This joint journey between EIT RawMaterials and the Albanian Government aims to advance the goals of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans and the Innovation Agenda for the Western Balkans, with the purpose of promoting regional development and sustainable innovation.
The center will be open every day to support those interested from various sectors of the industry, universities, research centers, investors, and innovators in the raw materials value chain in Albania.
The full press release regarding the opening of the center by EIT RawMaterials can be found here and on the website of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy .
For more information about the center, visit our website www.rawmaterialsalbania.al and on our social media platforms: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIN, Twitter