Modeling Growth – Challenges and Opportunities: “The Growth Plan for Albania”

Abstract

The Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, presented by the European Union, aims to accelerate the region's integration into the European Single Market through structural reforms and alignment with EU policies. As a candidate country for EU membership, Albania faces significant challenges in reforming the education and scientific research systems, which are essential components of its long-term model for economic growth and development. This study focuses on the impact of Chapter 25 “Science and Research” and Chapter 26 “Education and Culture”, on Albania's European Integration process and how these chapters align with the objectives of the Growth Plan. Chapter 25 emphasizes increasing investments in research and innovation, improving scientific infrastructure and strengthening collaboration between universities and the private sector. On the other hand, Chapter 26 addresses the harmonization of the Albanian education system with the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and ensuring mutual recognition of qualifications. The paper analyzes the concrete measures undertaken by the Albanian government in the fields of education and scientific research, along with the progress and continuity of the reforms outlined in the Growth Plan. Although, Albania has made strides toward aligning with European standards, it continues to face persistent challenges, including underfunding of research and innovation, weak academia-industry linkages and the lack of sustainable frameworks for human capital development. The Growth Plan represents a strategic opportunity to accelerate reform implementation and enhance Albania's competitiveness within the EU context. This study seeks to identify the key actions Albania is undertaking to fully leverage the Growth Plan, ensuring a sustainable transformation of its higher education and research systems as critical drivers of economic development and European integration.