doi: 10.56294/sctconf20241011

 

Categoría: Finance, Business, Management, Economics and Accounting

 

ORIGINAL

 

Economic evolution of Durres University: A historical perspective from 1803 to 2030

 

Evolución económica de la Universidad de Durres: Una perspectiva histórica de 1803 a 2030

 

Ermir Shahini1  *

 

1Alexander Moisiu University of Durres. Department of Economic Sciences. Durres, Albania.

 

Cite as: Shahini E. Economic evolution of Durres University: A historical perspective from 1803 to 2030.  Salud, Ciencia y Tecnología - Serie de Conferencias. 2024; 3:1011. https://doi.org/10.56294/sctconf20241011 

 

Submitted: 17-02-2024          Revised: 23-04-2024          Accepted: 28-06-2024          Published: 29-06-2024

 

Editor: Dr. William Castillo-González  

 

ABSTRACT

 

The purpose of this study was to examine the history of the development of Alexander Moisiu University of Durres to form recommendations for its future development. It also remained important to form advices in the context of the future development of universities to ensure the improvement of the entire field of education. The main methods that were used in the framework of the study were analysis, forecasting, and comparison. The paper considered the features of the development of the city of Durres, its role for the country, and the main areas of activity. Subsequently, the history of the main local Alexander Moisiu University, which was founded in 2006, was evaluated. It was concluded that, despite significant successes, there are still difficulties and problems in its development. In this regard, actions were proposed (from the standpoint of the university’s management staff) to improve the quality of the university’s development in the future. Special attention was paid to components of innovation, digitalisation, and sustainable development. The conclusions showed that close cooperation between the municipality and the university will lead to mutually beneficial consequences, which is why representatives of both sides should be interested in this. The conclusions generated within the framework of the study can be used both to develop the future strategy of Alexander Moisiu University and to form a state strategy in the field of education in general.

 

Keywords: Innovation; Education; State Development; Digitalisation; Economy of Albania.

 

RESUMEN

 

El objetivo de este estudio era examinar la historia del desarrollo de la Universidad Alexander Moisiu de Durres con el fin de formular recomendaciones para su futuro desarrollo. También seguía siendo importante formular consejos en el contexto del futuro desarrollo de las universidades para garantizar la mejora de todo el ámbito de la educación. Los principales métodos que se utilizaron en el marco del estudio fueron el análisis, la previsión y la comparación. En el documento se consideraron las características del desarrollo de la ciudad de Durres, su papel para el país y las principales áreas de actividad. Posteriormente, se evaluó la historia de la principal universidad local, la Universidad Alexander Moisiu, fundada en 2006. Se llegó a la conclusión de que, a pesar de sus importantes éxitos, sigue habiendo dificultades y problemas en su desarrollo. En este sentido, se propusieron acciones (desde el punto de vista del personal directivo de la universidad) para mejorar la calidad del desarrollo de la universidad en el futuro. Se prestó especial atención a los componentes de innovación, digitalización y desarrollo sostenible. Las conclusiones mostraron que una estrecha cooperación entre el municipio y la universidad tendrá consecuencias mutuamente beneficiosas, por lo que los representantes de ambas partes deberían estar interesados en ello. Las conclusiones generadas en el marco del estudio pueden utilizarse tanto para desarrollar la estrategia futura de la Universidad

Alexander Moisiu como para formar una estrategia estatal en el ámbito de la educación en general.

 

Palabras clave: Innovación; Educación; Desarrollo Estatal; Digitalización; Economía de Albania.

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

In modern conditions, the education sector plays a key role in the development of a sustainable society and a dynamic economy. Education is a fundamental tool for training qualified personnel who are able to effectively participate in the modern labour market. In addition, it promotes the development of critical thinking, innovation, and a creative approach to problem solving: highly qualified specialists who receive modern knowledge and skills become engines of technological progress and scientific research. Considering that all countries of the world focus on the creation of the latest technologies by private companies, ensuring a high level of education in the country is one of their priorities. At the moment, the Albanian higher education system is in the process of continuous transformation. This is conditioned by the fact that the system adopted back in the times of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) turned out to be insufficiently effective in market conditions. Changes and transition, as in other areas of development, are still taking place. In addition, constant changes in the world complicate this process, which leads to the need to adapt to them. Although the development of education is often considered primarily at the state level, however, the development of individual universities is no less important. In this regard, the study of the history of their establishment, the current state and prospects of development remains relevant. Within the framework of this study, special attention is paid to the Alexander Moisiu University of Durres (UAMD), which is the only one in the city and one of the major ones in the region.

A significant number of researchers have been involved in the study of the education sector in Albania. M.J. Vieira et al. investigated the possibilities of transition to sustainable development in Albania.(1) The researchers noted the importance of this component for the future development of the environmental and social component of the country, and also considered one of the projects that should contribute to sustainable development. A.P. Moczek, in turn, considered the higher education system in the country.(2) The researcher noted that there is a problem in local institutions related to ensuring a balance between procedures and the goals and values of the organisation, which is why some universities or faculties, under the slogan of academic freedom, may incorrectly use situational models, neglecting procedures and structures. In this regard, the researcher offered some recommendations for solving this problem, but they are rather superficial to have a sufficient effect in the country.

The problems of the development of the education sector as a whole were considered by J. Bonilla-Freirea et al.(3) Although researchers described the existing difficulties and recommendations for their possible solution in the current conditions, they did it without diving into details or providing clear methods. The study of the features of the development of the city of Durres and the UAMD in the context of the concept of “smart cities’ was conducted by S. Wilhelm et al.(4) The researchers described in sufficient detail the concept of a “smart city” and how it can be applied in the city of Durres in cooperation with the local university. Nevertheless, they paid little attention to other components of the development of these facilities, namely social and economic. The features of the development of UAMD in terms of its advantages and the level of teacher training were considered by S. Weiland et al.(5) The researchers conducted a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis and showed that the university is quite competitive compared to other institutions of this type.

Thus, the purpose of the study was to examine the history of the development of Alexander Moisiu University of Durres to form recommendations for its future development. This will allow forming recommendations on the further development strategy of the university, providing an opportunity to better understand the current situation in the country in the context of the development of the education sector.

 

METHOD

The main source of statistical information for the study was the official EduRank website.(6) In particular, information from it was used to evaluate the university in Durras, in particular, data on the number of publications and citations of papers written at the university, including some other general data characterising the state of the university compared to its main competitors. However, at the moment, there is a shortage of resources that could provide sufficient information on the development of universities in Albania. Another source that was used to conduct the study was the legislative framework of Albania. In particular, data from the Law of the Republic of Albania No. 119/2014 “On the Right to Information” was used, since its provisions are partially related to the activities of UAMD.(7) Separate information from the annual report of the university’s directorate was also used, in which they explained the internal structure of its structure and operation. From the Annual Report 2021-2022, it was determined what goals the university’s leadership sets for itself in the context of future development.(8) A financial analysis of the state of UAMD in comparison with other universities was also carried out. The data also was used from an Annual Report 2021.(9) For a fair assessment of the state of UAMD in comparison with others, the average value of the average value of individual indicators among all educational institutions was calculated, and subsequently, the ratio of the Durres indicator to the average was found. All calculations were carried out within the framework of Microsoft Excel software suite.

The main approach that was used in the framework of the study was systematic. It helped to consider the factors influencing the development of UAMD within the framework of a single system in which they interact with each other. This allowed improving the effectiveness of the conducted research due to a more correct selection and assessment of influence factors. A significant number of scientific methods were used in the study. Thus, the analysis helped to evaluate quite large amounts of information about the development of both UAMD and the level of education in Albania as a whole. In turn, forecasting helped to draw conclusions about the future development of the university based on available data on the current state of affairs in it. Using the historical method, in turn, an assessment of the features of the development of Albania and the level of education in it, in particular, in the city of Durres, was carried out. In addition, this method allowed considering the factors affecting the state of education in the country at the moment based on known information about it in the past, that is, in retrospect. The comparison allowed evaluating the experience of other countries in university development approaches. Quantitative information was evaluated using statistical analysis methods. The graphical method simplified the process of understanding information, which, in fact, allowed depicting individual data in the form of graphs.

 

RESULTS

Durres is the second largest city in Albania, which serves as a vital economic and transport hub of the country. The strategic geographical location of the city and the interconnected networks of roads and railways have contributed to economic growth, but also created serious environmental and management problems. As the main coastal and maritime tourist destination in Albania, Durres faces increased pressure on the local public infrastructure due to its status as a major transportation hub. The increasing role of the city for the development of the country was conditioned by the attraction of foreign direct investment from Italy, which led to the expansion of Durres in terms of population and size. However, despite all this, the city still has a significant number of difficulties associated, in particular, with the exit from the bloc of the USSR. Durres continues to struggle with water shortages, unpaved streets, and inadequate sewer networks, especially in newly urbanised peripheral areas. The population that began to arrive in large numbers in the city, as a whole, turned out to be less educated, which is why at one point this led to a situation where more than 50 % of its population had only primary education. All this has become the reason for ensuring more sustainable development of the city, in particular, its educational component.

In 1990, Albania announced a reorganisation plan to extend compulsory education from 8 to 10 years. Initial attention was paid to exchanges with Western countries, the adaptation of curricula, and the opening of higher education institutions (universities) in various districts. The number of students gradually increased, but education remained relatively elite: admission was based on difficult tests. However, the major economic and political crisis of 1991 had a serious impact on the education system, which led to widespread vandalism, a shortage of textbooks, and the destruction of schools. Financial assistance from countries such as Italy has helped to solve these problems, and the government has taken measures to restore education.(10) The discipline of teachers remained a problem, and cases of violence on their part were often reported. In view of this, the state authorities have made attempts to switch to Western models of education, in which the emphasis is on students. In the late 1990s, efforts were made to rebuild and renovate schools, especially in large cities such as Tirana, although overcrowded classrooms still remained. Notable changes were the removal of communist propaganda from the curriculum and increased attention to mathematics, natural sciences, and humanities. The opening of private universities has also allowed significantly increasing the efficiency of providing such services; it has also helped to attract foreign students to the country. The school week was shortened to five days, and computers appeared in some wealthy schools, but many lacked the necessary materials for laboratory classes. At the university level, in addition to public universities, private universities have appeared in Albania, providing a variety of educational opportunities.(11,12) E-learning programmes have been introduced to allow students to access online courses. Despite the problems, these initiatives were aimed at improving and modernising the Albanian education system.

One of the first universities that was built in Durres was the University of Dyrrhachium (Durres), which served as a theological institution under the Venetian administration during the period of the Venetian Republic. Founded around 1380, it later moved to Zadar in 1396 due to the growing threat from the Turks in South-eastern Europe. This step led to its transformation into the University of Zadar. It is noteworthy that the University of Dyrrhachium is the oldest university with roots in historical Venice, and ranks among the first European universities. The University of Zadar ceased its independent activities in 1807, but in 1956 it was transformed by the University of Zagreb into an additional campus, and then became part of the University of Split. In 2002, the Croatian Parliament passed a law contributing to its full restoration. The University joined the Bologna Process in 2005-2006, which gave positive results for its international reputation. It has concluded cooperation agreements and student exchange programmes with European and world universities, including universities in South America and the USA. Paying special attention to scientific, educational, and professional excellence, the University of Zadar made a significant contribution to the intellectual and cultural development of Croatia.

Alexander Moisiu University of Durres is a public non-profit educational institution located in Durres, Albania, founded in 2006. It was named after the Austrian-Italian actor Alexander Moisiu, who was born into a family of Albanian immigrants. He is known for his contribution to the development of Albanian theatre and cinema in the early 20th century. Moisiu was one of the founders of the first Albanian troupe in Shkodra and actively participated in the creation of the first Albanian film “Maratona e Kombit” (Marathon of the Nation) in 1911. This film was a short documentary describing the first marathon in Albania. The actor’s contribution to Albanian culture and theatre left an indescribable mark, and several educational and cultural institutions in Albania were named after him, in fact – this includes the university in Durres. UAMD is one of the youngest in the region; it is a member of various conferences and councils, both nationally and internationally. The university provides tuition assistance through financial assistance programmes available to both local and international students.

The UAMD’s goal is to bring the best Western academic experience to Albania through student-centred education, where all aspects of university life give priority to students. The university strives to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a sense of responsibility towards humanity, community, culture, and social issues. One of the goals of the institution is to achieve internationalisation: in research, modernisation of teaching methods, increasing academic professionalism. Initially, the university had three main divisions, including two faculties (economics and management, education) and a vocational secondary school. The latter provides specialised diplomas for at least two years of study. The university is already playing a crucial role in the development of the region and, in particular, its educational component. It serves as a professional training platform for individuals, institutions, or organisations interested in education, and implements a Master’s degree programme. The Directorate at the University works as an administrative academic support structure under the Rector to help implement and support teaching, research and institutional activities.(8)

The University has implemented a Transparency Programme in accordance with the Law of the Republic of Albania No. 119/2014 “On the Right to Information”.(7) The programme aims to increase transparency, honesty, and institutional accountability with a focus on the public interest. Information is distributed through the official website and public admissions offices, including organisational details, credentials, governing bodies, student guides, electronic access, staff information, and employment opportunities. In connection with the programme, the university must provide detailed information on its website through administrative channels and displays lists of registered students and their grades, while maintaining confidentiality. The categories of information published without a request include the organisational structure, approved documents, procedures for requesting information, information about the office, and data on education and salaries of officials. In addition, the information released includes monitoring and control mechanisms, budget details, procurement procedures, services offered, and mechanisms for submitting requests and complaints.(13) However, it is worth noting that at the moment not all of the information described above is publicly available at the moment, which makes it difficult to track the activities and development of the university. The nature of the data submission may also become a barrier, for example – some information is submitted only in Albanian, without even having English translation options.(14) In this line, the university should still develop in order to obtain the opportunity to attract students in the future.

In general, the university has many aspirations about its future development. Thus, it seeks to internationalise educational programmes by organising and offering joint and/or double degrees with partner universities, in connection with which several agreements have been signed with selected foreign universities, including the University of La Sapienza in Rome, Italy, and the University of Genoa in Italy.(8) In addition, cooperation with universities of the EU countries continues, international agreements are signed within the framework of student exchange programmes, and active activities are undertaken in various research and innovation conferences. In addition, there are active efforts to implement real scientific projects in various fields such as research, technology, innovation, and technology transfer. The university strives to develop cooperation and partnership at the local, national, Balkan and international levels. Numerous cooperation agreements have been signed with various institutions promoting public-private partnerships, cooperation with business communities, think tanks, and civil society.(15)

There is little information about how successful the development of the university is in the open access: conclusions on this issue can be drawn primarily on indirect grounds. A certain trend in the development of the university can be tracked by determining the number of publications from the university and citations of local research papers. These data are shown in annual terms in the framework of figure 1.

 

Source: compiled by the author based on Best university in Durres.(6)

 

Figure 1. Data on the number of citations and publications of research papers of UAMD, 2006-2022

 

 

As can be seen from figure 1, the number of citations, publications, and research papers written by teachers and students of UAMD is gradually increasing. This may indicate the gradual development of the university in terms of its investment in science and education in Albania. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of freely available data on other indicators of the development of both UAMD and educational institutions in Albania as a whole. Thus, the state authorities should make efforts to increase the level of openness of such data. It is possible to partially assess the economic condition of UAMD by analysing its financial condition in comparison with other institutions of higher education. These data are shown in table 1.

 

Table 1. Main financial data for the development of six universities in Albania as of 2021-2022, million EUR

Category /

Subcategory

Luigj Gurakuqi University of Shkodër

University of Tirana

Aleksandër Xhuvani University of Elbasan

Fan S. Noli University of Korçë

Alexander Moisiu University of Durres

Polytechnic University of Tirana

Average

Alexander Moisiu University of Durres to average

Personnel expenses

305,95

80,82

383,69

243,79

533,19

744,18

381,9

1,4

Investments

9,47

344,99

26,38

41

15,77

51,45

81,51

0,19

Goods purchases

46,1

45,63

49,49

20,28

43,43

48,14

42,18

1,03

Service assurance

50,03

169,92

76,58

26,92

32,43

67,55

70,57

0,46

Transfers and subsidies

2,07

34,08

3,25

2,47

11,38

13,66

11,15

1,02

Other

50,79

0,42

105,92

44,21

62,15

101,14

60,77

1,02

Total

464,42

675,85

645,3

378,67

698,35

1026,11

648,1

1,08

Source: compiled by the author based on data Annual Report 2021.(9)

 

As can be seen from table 1, the cost values for certain types of services/goods differ significantly between universities. To assess the status of UAMD in comparison with others, it was decided to evaluate the ratio of university indicators to the average value among these six. Thus, it can be noted that various kinds of employee payments (this includes salaries, travel expenses) in Durres are significantly higher than the average for universities, which is primarily due to higher wages. This may indicate that the university is trying to attract more qualified staff in this way than other institutions. As for investments (in the construction of new facilities, equipment, cars), the value of the university is relatively low. This is conditioned by a slightly inadequate average due to the high level of the University of Tirana in view of the fact. Comparing the university level without considering the values of Tirana, then the indicator is lower, but not by much (by 46 %). Nevertheless, this may indicate that in order to maintain the competitive state of the university, it is worth paying more attention to investments in various kinds of buildings.

As for the purchases of universities directly, the value of UAMD is at an average level, as with transfers and subsidies, and other types of costs. Nevertheless, the university spends significantly less money on warranty services than others, which (as in the case of investments) is associated with an abnormally high level of costs for the University of Tirana. UAMD should strive for such levels of service and provision of services for its students. Overall, however, the overall rate is at 1,08 compared to the university average. This may indicate the existence of competitive abilities of the educational institution in the long term, however, the above two problematic factors are still worth paying attention to.

At the moment, the UAMD is one of the main potential sources of future technology development in the region. Since its foundation in 2006, UAMD has grown into a major centre of higher education and research, which currently enrols about 20 thousand students. In the future, it is relevant to develop this university as a “smart” one, that is, one in which innovative technologies are integrated, internal processes are digitalised both at the level of administration and presentation of material. New technologies are making higher education more democratic and accessible by changing the way people interact in the university context, and the digitalisation of academic and administrative services (through innovation) allows students and staff to access a wide range of services through smart devices.(16) The future area of the university’s development should definitely be related to the digitalisation of its internal processes and activities in general.

UAMD has been involved in projects for the future development of the city since its foundation, including assistance in the creation of local urban development plans and economic plans. However, the cooperation between the university and the municipality of Durres was intermittent. Joint work between the municipality and the university can lead to significant positive results in terms of its development, at least the creation of high-tech information and communication infrastructure, the training of higher-quality personnel who will remain working in the city. The Faculty of Information and Technology of Alexander Moisiu University of Durres has significant experience in building and maintaining digitalisation processes, which will greatly simplify the process of digitalisation of government agencies and private enterprises (if entrepreneurs deem it necessary to seek help from the university), in particular, through the use of technologies such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT).

At the moment, UAMD does not offer a sufficiently extensive and long-term plan for its development. Nevertheless, considering the information analysed above and the recommendations already outlined, an indicative development plan can be proposed. First, in the short term (up to 3 years), the university should take care to modernise its internal classrooms, invest in equipment and learning technologies. In addition, it is important to continue to increase the quality of professors’ training. In the medium term (4-7 years), it is worth taking care of international cooperation, although it is worth starting to establish it now. After this period, it is worth ensuring that students of UAMD have the opportunity to attend various international conferences, study on exchange. In the longer term (up to 7 years or more), it is necessary to achieve a level of relationship with local authorities that could secure their transition to a high level of digitalisation of internal management processes. This also applies to cooperation in the field of achieving sustainable development goals. In the context of the development of the university, it is important to continue to pursue such a strategy that could attract a significant number of new potential students. This can be done, in particular, by opening new branches in other cities.

 

DISCUSSION

Thus, there are several main ways in which Alexander Moisiu University of Durres influences the economic development of the country. These include: the creation of new personnel, innovative development, and improvement of the quality of life in the city (since universities are often the reason for the increase in the number of young people in a locality, and therefore, the arrangement of the necessary infrastructure for it). In the future, it is expected that the role of this educational institution will only increase in connection with its growth and development, as described in their “roadmap”. The management staff of the university should only adhere to its strategy and continue to conduct educational activities for the benefit of the country and its citizens.(17)

The role of higher education in the national development of the country was investigated by N.T.H. Trinh.(18) The researcher noted that its role is very high, especially for finding work, improving the state of the ecosystem, solving social difficulties. In addition, ensuring the autonomy of universities to provide truly high-quality education plays an important role. In the context of the globalised labour market and the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the study emphasised the need to adapt and reform higher education teaching methods to increase competitiveness. The researcher offered recommendations for promoting the future role of higher education, including promoting cooperation between universities, linking learning with practical experience, internationalising teaching staff and curricula, and emphasised social responsibility through funding and technology development. In the study of UAMD above, it was also noted that its role for the development of the country and the region is very significant. In particular, it not only provides the local population with a higher level of education, but also allows obtaining an appropriate level of profession. Over time, the role of universities in society will only increase, given how they influence the possibilities of creating the latest technologies.

The role of education in social development was investigated by G.G. Genelza.(19) The researcher showed that education plays a crucial role in social innovation and evolution, contributing to progress in an environment where existing structures do not meet current needs. It improves interpersonal communication skills, contributing to social development and well-being. Education is vital to human development by removing constraints, empowering and promoting social, economic, and selective participation. The study highlights the need to create a student-friendly educational system that meets the needs of society and promotes success and responsibility. This highlights the role of education in changing attitudes, strengthening social connections, and promoting social change. In addition, it was noted that the purpose of education in society changes over time, which should also be considered when forming both public policy (on the part of state representatives) and own life path. A study of the state and development of UAMD also noted that its role in society increases significantly over time. Such institutions not only improve the social development of society, but also contribute to economic development. This is especially reflected (and will be in the future) in the way the innovative component of the country’s development takes place.

The impact of universities on economic development was considered in the framework of the study by A. Valero and J.V. Reenen.(20) The researchers have investigated a fairly extensive data set in about 1500 regions in 78 countries since 1950. They showed that there is a stable correlation between an increase in the presence of universities and an acceleration of economic growth. The positive impact of universities goes beyond the region of their creation, especially affecting geographically close regions. It is estimated that the economic benefits of expanding universities outweigh the costs. However, the researchers suggest that these estimates may underestimate the long-term impact of universities on economic growth through contributions to human and intellectual capital. As part of the study above, it was also shown that the university in the city of Durres, although it has been functioning for a fairly short period of time, has already significantly influenced the features of the country’s development. It has a positive impact on the economic and social well-being of the region, and can also be the key to ensuring its future digitalisation. This makes it relevant to strengthen cooperation between the university and municipal authorities in the future.

On the other hand, the development of universities was investigated by M. Klofsten et al.(21) They point that the historical evolution of universities leads to the fact that they begin to function like business entities. In addition, the researchers drew attention to the changing features of their development depending on the level of local and international competition, and the need to adapt to the international environment. In general, modern universities really have all the characteristics of development similar to those observed by companies in the market: they create products (knowledge) and compete for the target audience (students). Such development features generally have a positive impact on their functioning, and on the country as a whole. E. Abad-Segura and M.D. González-Zamar, in turn, considered the trends of sustainable economic development in higher education institutions, noting the exponential growth in this area in recent years, paying closer attention to it from both scientists, as well as states and enterprises.(22)

The role of teaching the importance of sustainable development goals in universities was noted in the framework of the study by A. Alvarez-Risco et al.(23) They noted that it is important to assess students’ views on sustainable development goals in the context of the role of this component for the future development of countries around the world. The researchers make a general conclusion that focusing on sustainable development goals in universities in the long term should lead to better results in terms of achieving these goals. It is worth noting that as part of the study on the state of Durres University, it was also noted that one of the components of its long-term development should be the accompaniment of sustainable development in the country. One effective way to ensure this is to introduce subjects related to sustainable development goals, green economy. Their more active implementation in the educational process should help to more effectively achieve the main goals of sustainable development in the country due to the fact that students, realising the importance of this concept, are more likely to behave in a way that contributes to sustainable development in the future workplace.(24)

Thus, the development of UAMD plays an important role in ensuring the well-being of the region. In order to ensure the best level of education in it, several recommendations can be offered, by implementing which the functioning of the university will significantly improve. Thus, the continuous professional development of local professors will allow them to keep their level of knowledge and learning opportunities at a high level, which will improve the level of training. Special attention is paid to the need to use innovative technologies in this process, and to introduce them into the daily activities of the university as a whole. In particular, they can be used to assess and test students’ work, distribute and analyse necessary materials. In order to ensure sufficient quality of education, special attention is paid to ensuring the connection between the theory and practice of those subjects that students’ study at faculties. In addition, the programmes themselves should be more prepared for the current realities of the market, and therefore, allow learning skills such as flexibility, the ability to adapt to different situations in the workplace, and communicate competently with other participants in the workflow. It is also important for the university to maintain relations with other educational institutions and government agencies to provide opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. In general, some of these recommendations are already being implemented by representatives of the management of the educational institution, which is described in their annual reports. Nevertheless, the process of implementing these principles is extremely important. The university management should monitor the extent to which the company follows the described recommendations.

 

CONCLUSIONS

The study examined the history and development of Alexander Moisiu University of Durres (UAMD) in Albania, highlighting its establishment in 2006 against the backdrop of a long educational tradition dating back to 1380. While assessing UAMD’s development trends and recent achievements, the study identified ongoing issues but noted the university’s involvement in local development projects. It concluded that continued collaboration between the university and state authorities could yield significant benefits, such as high-tech infrastructure and advancements in artificial intelligence through the Faculty of Information Technology. The study also highlighted a lack of transparency in publishing information about university developments in Albania, suggesting the need for more detailed future reporting. A seven-year “roadmap” was proposed to guide UAMD’s long-term development, aiming for substantial positive impacts on both the university and the Albanian economy. Future research should focus on the historical development of other Albanian universities and strategies to enhance the education sector.

 

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6.  Best university in Durres. (2024). https://edurank.org/geo/durres/ 

 

7.  Law of the Republic of Albania No. 119/2014 “On the Right to Information”. (2014). https://www.rti-rating.org/wp-content/uploads/Albania.pdf 

 

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FINANCING

The author did not receive financing for the development of this research.

 

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The author declares there is no conflict of interest.

 

AUTHORSHIP CONTRIBUTION

Conceptualization: Ermir Shahini.

Data curation: Ermir Shahini.

Formal analysis: Ermir Shahini.

Research: Ermir Shahini.

Methodology: Ermir Shahini.

Project management: Ermir Shahini.

Resources: Ermir Shahini.

Validation: Ermir Shahini.

Drafting - original draft: Ermir Shahini.

Writing - proofreading and editing: Ermir Shahini.