USA Today: UBT, the “Silicon Valley of the Balkans,” Featured at the Heart of Kosovo’s Economic Success Story
11/07/2026UBT has been highlighted in the special report “Kosovo: A Balkan Success Story,” published by USA Today in collaboration with One World Media, as one of the leading institutions driving Kosovo’s transformation into a knowledge-based, innovation-driven, and technology-powered economy.
In the chapter dedicated to the development of the knowledge economy, the report describes UBT as the “Silicon Valley of the Balkans,” emphasizing the institution’s role in building an advanced ecosystem of technology, innovation, laboratories, technology parks, and business incubators that are preparing new generations of professionals for the global marketplace.
The report notes that, beyond the traditional model of higher education, UBT develops its academic programs in close collaboration with international technology companies and partners, aligning them with the real needs of the labor market and the evolving global economy.
UBT Founder and Rector, Prof. Dr. Edmond Hajrizi, stated in the report that the world’s greatest challenge is not a shortage of workforce, but a shortage of the specific skills demanded by today’s economy.
“Western companies are not facing only a shortage in the number of employees; they are facing a shortage of specific and adaptable skills. By aligning our academic outcomes with real-time market demands, we are positioning Kosovo as an important reservoir of highly qualified talent,” said Prof. Dr. Edmond Hajrizi.
The report further highlights that Kosovo is building a new competitive advantage through its human capital, while UBT is presented as one of the institutions leading this transformation by educating professionals with expertise in artificial intelligence, technology, engineering, innovation, and other strategic fields.
According to the report, Kosovo’s workforce is distinguished by its flexibility, multilingual capabilities, and ability to integrate successfully into international business environments.
In this context, UBT is recognized as a model of modern higher education that successfully integrates education, scientific research, technology, and industry collaboration, making a direct contribution to the development of the knowledge economy and strengthening Kosovo’s international competitiveness.
Through this recognition by one of America’s most renowned media outlets, UBT once again confirms its position as a leader in higher education, innovation, and human capital development, helping place Kosovo on the global map of education, technology, and the economy of the future.
Read the full USA Today article: LINK