UBT Strengthens Academia–Industry Collaboration through IoT-ECO Project in Kosova

17/07/2025

Prishtina, July 17, 2025 — The University for Business and Technology (UBT) hosted a high-impact roundtable and workshop as part of the IoT-ECO (IoT Green Transformation for Academic Society and Business Oriented Ecosystem in Western Balkans) project, bringing together stakeholders from academia, vocational education, and the private sector to discuss the future of digital and green transformation in the Western Balkans. 

Held at the UBT Dukagjini Innovation Center in Prishtina, the event was part of the IoT-ECO Summer Week and marked a key milestone in fostering cross-sectoral partnerships. A highlight of the event was the official signing of seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between UBT and leading local technology and innovation companies, including BizBase, Bridge X Solutions LLC, Dev Solution, DN Tech, iCodik LLC, Kreahub LLC, and Procurri Lifestyle Services. 

The roundtable was opened by UBT’s Rector, Prof. Edmond Hajrizi, who emphasized the critical importance of aligning academic programs with market demands. He noted that “real transformation happens when academic knowledge is tested and applied in real-world environments.”
One of the most tangible outcomes of the event was the signing of seven Memoranda of Understanding between UBT and prominent technology companies in Kosova. These agreements represent a strategic step toward long-term collaboration, focusing on areas such as co-designing IoT and AI modules, offering student internships, organizing joint tech events, and creating employment pathways for UBT graduates. These partnerships are expected to directly influence the quality and relevance of academic programs and strengthen ties with the private sector. 

Throughout the discussions, industry representatives emphasized the importance of aligning university programs with real-world demands. They highlighted the need for more practical and project-based components within academic curricula, especially in fields like IoT, software development, and artificial intelligence. There was also strong interest in developing joint certification programs that combine academic knowledge with professional standards, ensuring students are fully prepared for the labor market.
All participating companies expressed a clear commitment to supporting work-based learning. By offering internships and mentorship programs, they aim to provide students with valuable exposure to real-world work environments. These experiences are seen as essential for boosting employability and helping students apply their knowledge in practical settings. Companies also welcomed the idea of participating in university life through guest lectures, company visits, and technical bootcamps.
The roundtable created space for meaningful dialogue around the co-creation of innovation. Partners began discussing potential pilot projects that could test smart and green solutions in real contexts. Areas of interest include smart logistics systems, energy optimization, and IoT applications in agriculture and healthcare. These initiatives reflect a shared vision for innovation that goes beyond the academic setting and addresses real societal and business challenges.
Representatives from vocational high schools and training institutions showed strong interest in integrating IoT-related content into their programs. They expressed a need for support in methodology and teaching tools, and they welcomed the idea of collaborating with UBT on teacher training and shared learning resources. This engagement aims to better prepare students in vocational tracks for careers in digital and green technology sectors, creating a more inclusive and future-ready education ecosystem. 

UBT’s Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering has begun follow-up activities with all signed partners, including internship planning for Fall 2025, curriculum input from industry experts, and guest speaker engagements. In response to strong interest, UBT also announced plans to organize a “Digital Skills Career Week” in October 2025 featuring company exhibitions, workshops, and student competitions. 

The event demonstrated the growing momentum of the IoT-ECO project—funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ program—as a driving force for digital transformation, sustainability, and youth employability in the Western Balkans. 

For more details about the project and upcoming activities, visit: https://iot-eco.eu