WEB-INUNION · Bringing Western Balkans closer to Innovation Union: An example of EURAXESS Regional Collaboration

More than a decade ago, Lisbon Strategy highlighted the importance of investing in R&D as crucial factor of social development. Nowadays, though, in a period of economic instability, the investment in Research and Innovation is even more required and has been proposed as a reliable solution to major societal challenges. EU Member States renewed their commitments towards an Innovation Union by 2020. To this end, WeB-InUnion proposal will contribute in realising three of the Innovation Union (IU) commitments in the Western Balkan region so as to be an example of successful regional collaboration towards European integration. Specifically, nine (6 partners + 3 associated partners) Western Balkan EURAXESS member organisations with different experiences and expertise will seek to promote Commitments #1, #4 and #30 of the IU flagship in Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, FYRoMacedonia, Greece, Montenegro and Serbia. Commitment #1 will be implemented by promoting the C&C principles and bringing research organisations closer to Human Resources Strategies respecting the C&C principles. Commitment #4 will be achieved by exploring the current situation on mobility issues in the region and preparing recommendations to stakeholders. Special emphasis will be given on the promotion of the EURAXESS Jobs portal as a tool to establish open recruitment practices. Finally, commitment #30 will be achieved by initiating or maintaining a dialogue with Diaspora researchers, investigating possible motives for their return in Europe and proposing relevant recommendations at national policy makers. In parallel with the above mentioned actions, the consortium, through its promotional activities, aims at adding value to the EURAXESS initiative by raising awareness of its services. The successful collaboration of the project’s partners is likely to set an example to other European regions that, if followed, could lead to a European-wide implementation of the Innovation Union’s commitments.""