From December 9 to 11, 2024, members of the Erasmus+ SMART project student team visited Fan S. Noli University in Korca, Albania. The Miniplacement program brought together students from both universities with the aim of connecting theoretical insights of Smart Specialization Strategies (S3) with their practical applications, strengthening institutional cooperation, and promoting regional innovation.
On the first day, our students were welcomed by the Vice-Rector for Teaching, the Dean, and the Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Economics, as well as fellow students. After the welcome session, students toured the University and Faculty of Economics facilities, including the library and SMART Innovation Center. This was followed by a lecture on digital marketing on the topic of branding strategies in the global digital market, after which a moderated session and discussion took place, focusing on the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in branding and creating brand strategies.
The second day was dedicated to various lectures and workshops on digital economy and ICT. During the lectures and workshops, students had the opportunity to gain practical knowledge about internet marketing platforms, develop initial entrepreneurial ideas, all within the environment of innovation centers and hubs in the city of Korca.
The final day was intended for networking, exchanging experiences, and discussions between students from both universities. In both formal and informal settings, students had the chance to share impressions and key takeaways gained during the previous two days of activities, as well as to discuss future cooperation and joint initiatives and projects.
In addition to the formal activities defined by the program, students had the opportunity to visit the cultural landmarks of Korca, including youth centers, museums, and theaters. These cultural activities further enriched the experience, allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of Korca’s heritage and social life.