USAID’s Private Sector Partnerships to Strengthen Higher Education Activity is laying the groundwork for supporting university-business collaborations in applied research. 

Over the course of this five-year initiative, three universities in Kosovo – the University of Prishtina, the University of Peja, and the University of Prizren – will receive guidance on integrating applied research activities into their curricula. This will directly address the needs and challenges of agriculture and ICT businesses, supporting them with advanced knowledge and expertise from professors and students.

The implementing partners of this activity – the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and the Kosovo Education Center – are collaborating closely with private sector partners and universities in Kosovo. Together, they are designing research initiatives that engage students as researchers and creative problem solvers, producing solutions tailored to the needs of businesses.

By the end of this summer term, professors from partner universities in Kosovo will collaborate with their counterparts from Iowa and relevant ICT or agriculture businesses in Kosovo. Together, they will supervise student-led research aimed at providing scientific solutions to enhance the productivity and market presence of these businesses. 

Currently, the activity team is in the process of identifying topics and needs for applied research requested by agriculture and ICT businesses, as well as university staff. A survey has been conducted to gather data from businesses, professors, and students, to determine potential research priorities for each respective sector, followed by meetings with university program leaders and professors to discuss the survey results.

To prepare for applied research initiatives in agriculture, Professor Curtis Youngs from Iowa State University has visited Kosovo. While in Kosovo, he engaged with agriculture businesses to discuss future research collaborations. Based on the research priorities survey results, the team approached businesses in areas focusing on food processing, safety, quality, sustainable agriculture, improvement of animal-origin food production, and agriculture and resource economics.

Led by Youngs, the activity team visited several new businesses to explore partnership opportunities. These businesses expressed interest in engaging in applied research activities to address their needs and offer learning opportunities for students. 

Representatives from these businesses shared their enthusiasm for collaborating with students and professors, emphasizing the mutual learning of such collaborations and expressing their interest in exploring innovative solutions to improve quality and streamline production processes.

"For two decades, we've specialized in producing feeding and pharmaceutical products from and for bees. Our ongoing exploration of beekeeping and honey-based products has led us to continuously deepen our scientific understanding. Embracing new technologies and innovative solutions, we streamline production processes while maintaining quality standards.

We're passionate about sharing our knowledge with students and bee enthusiasts, recognizing the reciprocal nature of learning. Looking ahead, we're excited about engaging in applied research with students and encourage businesses to seize these mutually beneficial opportunities for growth and learning."
– Fehmi Mahmuti, Apikos

"At Sofra Hasi, we're committed to upholding our reputation for high-quality cakes and pastries. We continuously seek to pursue innovation and cutting-edge food technology and overcome challenges in food testing and storage. Leveraging advanced machinery, we ensure compliance with quality certifications and streamline production processes, facilitating our expansion into new markets. We enthusiastically welcome collaborations with professors and students, recognizing their invaluable contributions in finding solutions that could save us time and further elevate our standards." 
– Arijana Sharani, Sofra Hasi

Impressed by the commitment and ambition demonstrated by the private sector in Kosovo, the activity team sees these businesses as exemplary models for future professionals in agriculture and food production. Youngs expressed his eagerness to involve fellow professors from Iowa in collaborating with their counterparts in Kosovo to support these promising businesses and inspire the next generation of professionals in the sector.

"It is amazing to see agriculture and food production companies in Kosovo working up against challenges and yet setting a high standard for quality, innovation, and expansion. This dedication serves as an inspiration for students, encouraging them to witness and emulate such entrepreneurial drive. By bridging students with these visionary agriculture entrepreneurs, we ignite a sense of hope and enthusiasm for the sector's development in Kosovo. I'm thrilled to be part of this initiative, alongside fellow professors from Iowa State University, as we collaborate with our counterparts in Kosovo to directly support these promising businesses and aspiring young professionals." 
– Curtis Youngs, Professor of Animal Science, Iowa State University

The Private Sector Partnerships to Strengthen Higher Education is a USAID-funded initiative implemented by the University of Iowa, in partnership with Iowa State University and the Kosova Education Center (KEC).