DUALKO Kick-Off Meeting in Elbasan | 11–12 December

The DUALKO project — “Strengthening of Relations between Higher Education Institutions and the Industry Sector through Dual Education in Albania and Kosovo, with a Focus on ICT” — officially started with its Kick-Off Meeting held on 11–12 December in Elbasan, hosted by the University of Elbasan “Aleksandër Xhuvani”.

Representatives from all consortium partner institutions and associated industry stakeholders came together to launch the project and begin coordinated implementation. The meeting marked the formal start of cross-institutional collaboration aimed at strengthening dual education approaches, enhancing university–industry cooperation, and improving ICT-related skills and employability in the region.

Over the two days, partners introduced their institutions and project teams, reviewed the project objectives and expected results, and aligned on the implementation roadmap. Dedicated working sessions were held on project management and quality assurance, development of the Dual Higher Education model, digital learning platform and pilot actions, stakeholder engagement, and dissemination and exploitation activities.

The Kick-Off Meeting established a shared operational framework, clarified roles and responsibilities, and set the timeline for the first phase of deliverables and national activities. It also reinforced the consortium’s joint commitment to building sustainable dual education pathways and stronger partnerships between higher education and the private sector.

The consortium now moves forward with coordinated work across all work packages and partner countries.