Albania has taken a significant step towards digitalization and European integration with the official launch of “Digital Valley Albania” (DiVA), the country’s first European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH). This project, co-funded by the European Commission, aims to drive digital transformation in key sectors such as tourism and agriculture, positioning Albania as a key player in the regional innovation ecosystem.
The launch event occurred at the University Metropolitan Tirana and gathered a wide range of national and international stakeholders. Attendees included representatives from the European Commission, the Delegation of the European Union to Albania, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, GIZ & EU4Innovation, the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Startup Albania Agency, the National Tourism Agency, and business representatives from the tourism and agriculture sectors.
The ceremony began with welcoming speeches from key figures, including Prof. Dr. Nikolla Civici, Rector of UMT; Mr. Andrea Ferrero from the EU Delegation to Albania; Ms. Irena Malolli from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy; Ms. Ilva Gjuzi, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Environment; Mr. Ervin Hajdaraga, Director of the Technology Transfer Center at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; and Mr. Michael Oos, Project Manager at EU4Innovation.
Through a virtual connection, Mr. Livio Rubino, EU Project Officer, highlighted the strategic importance of DiVA EDIH in the development of key sectors in Albania. He emphasized that this project will help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) gain access to advanced technology and empower them through training and various facilities offered by DiVA.
Consortium Commitment to Ensuring Success
In his presentation, Dr. Igli Hakrama, Director of Innovation at UMT and Coordinator of DiVA, outlined the project’s objectives, key phases, and benefits for SMEs, inviting them to become part of this initiative.
DiVA is an initiative carried out by a prestigious consortium, with the University Metropolitan Tirana playing a key role as one of the leading institutions. As an academic center dedicated to innovation and technological development, UMT contributes its expertise in education, scientific research, and technology transfer, helping to build a sustainable ecosystem for digital development in Albania.
Together with other consortium partners, including ALBICT, DigitSapiens, Cyber Morfosis, ABSL, and ConsciESG, UMT aims to ensure the project’s success by providing support for SMEs, advancing digital skills, and implementing new technologies in Albania’s key economic sectors.
The event concluded with a commitment from consortium partners, including Mr. Kushtrim Shala from ALBICT, Mr. Fation Losha from DigitSapiens, Ms. Edlira Martiri from Cyber Morfosis, Ms. Elona Poga from ABSL, and Ms. Briseida Gjoza from ConsciESG, who expressed their dedication to ensuring the sustainability and success of this project.
