Cassie L. Barnhardt, project director, with Armand Krasniqi, rector of the University of Peje “Haxhi Zeka.”

Private Sector Partnerships to Strengthen Higher Education

Advancing Systemic Reform in Kosovo’s Higher Education Sector

The University of Iowa in collaboration with three public universities in Kosovo (University of Prishtina, University of Peja, and University of Prizren), 59 private sector partners, and supported by The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), spent the past three years implementing strategic approaches to strengthening higher education in Kosovo. This work focused on developing employer-informed curricula, enhancing experiential learning opportunities and career services functions, data-driven leadership and reform, and fostering stronger linkages between universities and the private sector.

Notably, the USAID portion of UI’s work in Kosovo preemptively concluded on February 26, 2025 (3 years prior to its planned end date) on account of the US government’s closure of USAID.

University of Iowa's work continues in Kosovo with existing and new partners. Together we are working to expand the prior successes.

USAID-funded Agreement Details

Notable Highlights 2023-2025

2,009 project participants (academics, professionals, students)–nearly 3x above the target for participation
59 private sector partners in 2 years (5-year goal was 48)
Industrial Board private sector participation grew from 25 to 96 people, supporting 5 Faculties
12 new student academic clubs formed, offering students programming and connections to companies/professionals
79 university staff engaged in corporate panels and curricular reform practices, with 49 professionals contributing input on study program learning outcomes and skills
395 people utilizing the KosovaLEARN platform to pursue online professional development- addressing self-assessment, mentoring, and internship preparation.

Strategies for Reform

Data & Evidence
Increase universities’ analytic capabilities and access to labor market data in partnership with the private and public sector
Curricula Reform
Enable universities to develop/revise curriculum according to market demand
Student Experiential Learning
Enhance interconnectivity and effectiveness in student experiential learning
Research & Innovation
Strengthen partnerships between universities and the private sector to enable demand-driven applied research
Governance & Quality Assurance
Build universities’ capacities for strategic management and data driven-decision making
Teaching & Learning
Foster faculty capabilities to capitalize on digital learning platforms to promote active learning

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Partners

“Remarkable talent resides within universities, research institutions, and businesses in Kosovo. Our goal is to empower these institutions to facilitate prosperity for Kosovo's youth and its workforce.”

Cassie L. Barnhardt, Project Director and Associate Professor at the University of Iowa College of Education

Universities

We are incredibly excited to partner with the University of Iowa and Iowa State University in exploring sustainable practices and strategies that will strengthen the link between our university and the private sector, ultimately benefiting our Agriculture and ICT students." Qerim Qerimi, Rector of University of Prishtina, “Hasan Prishtina.”

Partners: University of Prishtina, Hasan Pristina; University of Peja, Haxhi Zeka; University of Prizren, Ukshin Hoti.

Businesses

“We are committed to developing strong, long-lasting relationships with young agricultural talent, enabling them to grow with us and become essential contributors to our production. Hence, we view this activity as a phenomenal opportunity to further our commitment to this goal” Fejzullah Berisha, Winery Manager at Stone Castle

Partners: Cacttus, Cacttus Education, Digital School, IBAS, KODE Labs, Makerspace, Meka Hallall Meats, PBC, Starlabs.