Smart Balkans: Shaping Skills
for a Sustainable, Competitive Future –
Navigating VET in a Digital and AI World

9 October | Hotel Avala, Budva, Montenegro & Online

Please note: Onsite participation in Budva is by invitation only due to limited capacity.

Online registration is open to all interested participants.

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Register for Online Attendance

Welcome to the

RCF FLAGSHIP EVENT

Duration

From 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the conference will gather policymakers, VET providers, businesses, and international partners to explore how dual education in the Western Balkans can adapt to the digital and AI era, foster sustainable skills development, and build competitive career pathways that respond to the evolving needs of industries.

Panels

Expert-led discussions will highlight how digitalization, artificial intelligence, and sustainable skills are transforming vocational education and training across the Western Balkans.

onsite&online

Whether in person or online, the hybrid format ensures inclusive access to ideas and strategies for navigating VET in the digital and AI age.

Meet our speakers
AGENDA

RCF Annual Regional Conference

WHY JOINS US?

As the region advances toward EU integration, this event provides a vital platform to exchange ideas and shape the future of skills – especially in digital transformation, AI, and sustainability.

  • Connect with leading businesses, policymakers, VET professionals, researchers, and donors
  • Explore how digital, AI, and sustainability skills are shaping the WB6's future.
  • Engage in dynamic panel sessions, workshops, and discussions on topics such as:
  • Smart Bridges: Connecting Skills, Business & Europe’s Future in the AI Era
  • AI, Automation & Skills: Is the Western Balkans Ready?
  • Strategic Partnerships: Meeting Business Demands on the Road to the EU
  • Green Skills for Growth: Aligning with EU Sustainability Standards
SAVE THE DATE
Register for Online Attendance

Update & Shine

NET4VET CHALLENGE FOR RCF-AWARDED CONSORTIA

RCF offers its awarded consortia the opportunity to showcase their work, highlight their achievements, and secure spots for onsite participation at our flagship event: the RCF Annual Regional Conference, taking place in Budva. Up to twelve winning consortia will secure their spot at the RCF Annual Regional Conference by participating in a challenge. All they need to do is make their profiles on Net4VET shine! Are you representing an RCF-winning consortium? Don’t miss the chance to showcase your consortium and connect with peers across the region.

Learn more

AGENDA

09.00-09.30H
09.00-09.30H

Registration and Networking

09.30-09.50H
09.30-09.50H

Conference Opening and Welcoming Statements

• Marija Gošović, Director General of the Directorate for General Secondary and Vocational Education at the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation of Montenegro
• Heike Backofen–Warnecke, Head of Division for South-Eastern and Eastern Europe, German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
• H. E. Peter Felten, Ambassador, Embassy of Germany in Montenegro
• Katrin Ochsenbein, Deputy Head of Cooperation, Embassy of Switzerland, Swiss Cooperation Office in Serbia
• David Piegazki, Secretary General, Western Balkans 6 Chamber Investment Forum, Western Balkans 6 Chamber Investment Forum

09.50-10.20H
09.50-10.20H

Inspirational Talk Smart Bridges: Connecting Skills, Business & Europe’s Future in the AI Era

Dr. Scott Harrison, Researcher, TIB – Leibniz Information Centre for Science and Technology and AI4VET4AI project

10.20-11.00H
10.20-11.00H

Panel Session I Strategic Partnerships: Meeting Business Demands on the Road to the EU

  • Albin Gega, General Director of Employment, VET and Soial Insurance Policies, Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation, Albania
  • Filip Iliev, VET Technical Advisor at the Cabinet of the Ministry od Education and Science of North Macedonia
  • Jasna Duraković, Federal Minister of Education and Science of the Federation of BiH 
  • Mirjana Kovačević, Director of Business Academy and Sector for Dual Education and Education Reform, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia

Moderator: Viktoria Kuzmits, Educational Coordinator, Regional Cooperation Office Sarajevo, OEAD

11.00-11.30H
11.00-11.30H

Coffee Break & RCF Awarded Projects Marketplace

11.30-12.45H
11.30-12.45H

Panel Session II: AI, Automation & Skills: Is the Western Balkans Ready

  • Jakim Nedelkov, President of the Independent Trade Union for Education, Science and Culture of the Republic of North Macedonia, and coordinator of “AI Navigator” Project
  • Edmond Hajrizi, Rector of UBT University, Prishtina
  • Mario Kazazi, Expert in operations management, technology strategy and R&D across high-tech sectors

Moderator: Milutin Pavićević, Chief Creative Officer at Alicorn, and CEO at AI Association Montenegro

12.45-13.30H
12.45-13.30H

Panel Session III Green Skills for Growth: Aligning with EU Sustainability Standards

  • Malte Schmidthals, Senior Researcher, IZT – Institute for Futures Studies and Technology Assessment, Berlin
  • Stefan Thomas, ETF – European Training Foundation, Turin.
  • Ergi Kadiu, Technical Expert for Environmental and Social Management, Regional Challenge Fund

Moderator: Ana Popović, Professor and Sustainability Expert, the Academy of Applied Studies Polytechnic in Belgrade

13.30-14.30H
13.30-14.30H

Networking Lunch

14.30-16.00H
14.30-16.00H

Workshops

Workshop 1: Project Management in the AI and Digital Age

Tools & Best Practices. Hands-on session for VET and business partners on leveraging digital tools for effective project delivery.

Facilitator: Julian Demeti, Co-Founder & CEO at HyreTech, Albania

Workshop 2: ESG Essentials: AI-Driven Certification and Governance for Western Balkans Businesses.

Practical guidance on ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) standards.

Facilitator: Kemal Hadžagić, Expert in sustainable finance, ESG, and circular economy, Senior Advisor at GIZ Kosovo

16.00-16.30H
16.00-16.30H

Coffee Break & RCF Awarded Projects Marketplace

16.30-17.00H
16.30-17.00H

Concluding remarks

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MEET OUR SPEAKERS

Stefan Thomas
Senior Human Capital Development Expert European Training Foundation (ETF), Turin
About
Stefan Thomas is a Senior Human Capital Development Expert at the European Training Foundation (ETF) in Turin, Italy. The ETF’s mission is to help transition and developing countries to harness the potential of their human capital through the reform of education, training and labour market systems in the context of the EU's external relations policy. Stefan’s responsibilities at the ETF include working with governments, social partners, international organisations and development agencies to improve work-based learning and apprenticeship systems. Centres of vocational excellence are another focus of his work at the ETF.
Filip Iliev
VET Technical Advisor at the Cabinet of the Ministry of Education and Science of North Macedonia
About
Filip Iliev is a Vocational Education Specialist with more than 7 years of experience in reforming vocational training systems, advancing dual education and aligning labour market needs with education supply. He has collaborated closely with the Ministry of Education and Science in North Macedonia, Helvetas, USAID and other donor-funded initiatives to strengthen youth employability, establish regional VET centers and promote inclusive and market-relevant education.
Malte Schmidthals
Senior Researcher, IZT - Institute for Futures Studies and Technology Assessment, Berlin
About
Malte Schmidthals has been working for the IZT in Environmental Education since 2017. He focuses on the development of teaching and on the greening of educational institutions. His work usually connects user behaviour with technical and organisational measures. Since 1992, he worked as head of the "Climate Protection and Environmental Education" department and as part of the management team at the Independent Institute for Environmental Issues. There he was responsible for the development and implementation of practical climate protection education projects.
Mario Kazazi
Expert in operations management, technology strategy and R&D across high-tech sectors
About
Mario Kazazi is an engineering leader with extensive experience in operations management, technology strategy, and R&D in high-tech sectors. Currently serving as Technology Advisor at Kineton, overseeing leadership and operational excellence. Former CEO at JV Engineering, responsible for driving business strategy and technological innovation in BMS/IoT. Extensive background in advanced research roles at ETH Zurich, CERN, and CEA, specializing in magnet systems, power electronics, and sensor technologies. A results-driven professional with strong project management skills, combining academic expertise and practical industry experience
Kemal Hadžagić
Expert in sustainable finance, ESG, and circular economy | Senior Advisor at GIZ Kosovo
About
Kemal Hadžagić is an expert in sustainable finance, ESG, and circular economy. He works as a Senior Advisor at GIZ Kosovo within the Circular Urban Development / Kosovo4Green programme, supporting reforms and the green transition. He has more than 12 years of international banking experience in Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a strong focus on MSME finance, compliance, and sustainable investment. In addition, he has collaborated with the European Union, including the EU Delegation, on aligning sustainability and regulatory frameworks. He is a Certified Expert in Climate & Sustainable Finance (Frankfurt School of Finance & Management) and speaks English, Serbian, Albanian, Macedonian, with working knowledge of Ukrainian.
Ana Popović
Professor of Applied Studies in environmental engineering and sustainability, Academy of Applied Studies Polytechnic in Belgrade
About
Ana Popovic serves as a Professor of Applied Studies in environmental engineering and sustainability at the Academy of Applied Studies Polytechnic in Belgrade, Serbia. She earned her Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from the University of Belgrade and a Master Class Diploma in Environmental and Social Sustainability Management from the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management. With more than 20 years of international experience, her expertise encompasses various dimensions of sustainability and the implementation of innovative, sustainable practices in both educational and business settings. Her professional journey includes work across Southeastern and Central Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, along with participation in Erasmus+ programs and consultancies for organizations such as UNDP, SIDA, ESG360, and EU funds.
Edmond Hajrizi
President, CEO, Rector and full-time Professor at the University for Business and Technology (UBT), Prishtina
About
Prof. Dr. Edmond Hajrizi is a full-time professor and the Rector of the University for Business and Technology (UBT), which he also founded and leads as President and CEO. His academic background covers mechanical engineering, informatics, intelligent systems, and complex systems design and management. Prof. Hajrizi is a member of Europen Academy of Science. With over 30 years of experience in entrepreneurship, management, teaching, research, and innovation, Prof. Hajrizi’s expertise spans complex systems, intelligent systems, AI, healthcare, resilience, sustainable development, and quality management. He has founded numerous academic, research, and professional organizations, including UBT’s hospital, polyclinic, and innovation park, as well as initiatives in robotics, smart city development, and technology transfer. His research and initiatives span artificial intelligence, robotics in medicine, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, intelligent manufacturing, and sustainable innovation ecosystems. He has led numerous international projects and served as a consultant to noumerous organizations. A recognized assessor and examiner for international project and quality management bodies, Prof. Hajrizi has published extensively, edited journals, and participated in numerous scientific committees and conferences worldwide. His contributions to education, science, and innovation have earned him multiple awards, including the Personality of the Year in Kosovo, the Excellence Award in Teaching, Univeristy Leader of the Year by ACEEU and the Leadership Excellence Award for Education, Science, and Technology. He is also Member of European Academy of Sciences (EurASc).
Jakim Nedelkov
President of the Union of Education, Science and Culture of North Macedonia (SONK) and the coordinator of AI Navigators project.
About
Jakim Nedelkov is the President of the Union of Education, Science and Culture of North Macedonia (SONK) and the coordinator of AI Navigators project. With more than two decades of experience as both a teacher and union leader he has been actively involved in improving working conditions for teachers, advancing the digitalisation of education and supporting adaptation to new technologies. At the panel “AI, Automation and Skills: Is the Western Balkans Ready?” Mr. Nedelkov will share his views on the impact of AI on education, the skills needed by teachers and students and the role of trade unions in digital transformation. His contribution will also bring a perspective from the field – how these changes are experienced in schools and what the real challenges for the region are.
Mirjana Kovačević
Head of the Center for Education, Dual Education and Education Policies at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and Director of the Chamber’s Business Academy.
About
Mirjana Kovačević is the Head of the Center for Education, Dual Education and Education Policies at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and Director of the Chamber’s Business Academy. Since 2013 she has been engaged in developing and implementing vocational education with elements of the dual model, contributing from the very beginning to the establishment of the system in Serbia. She has been a member of all key working groups for drafting the legislative framework on dual education, including the Law on Dual Education (2017), its amendments (2020) and the Law on Dual Studies (2019). She is also active in adult education programmes, policy development in education and employment and in supporting the private sector in workforce development.
Ergi Kadiu
Technical Expert for Environmental and Social Management
Regional Challenge Fund
About
Ergi Kadiu is an experienced trainer and expert in energy management, sustainability and environmental practices. With a background in civil engineering and more than 14 years in facility management, he combines practical expertise with a strategic approach to optimising energy efficiency. Certified as an Energy Manager and Energy Auditor since 2019, Mr. Kadiu has specialised in delivering training on energy auditing, sustainable solutions and resource optimisation. His work is focused on empowering professionals with the knowledge and skills to implement effective energy strategies and foster sustainability within their organisations.
Viktoria Kuzmits
Austrian Educational Coordinator
Austrian Federal Ministry of Education
About
Viktoria Kuzmits has served since 2022 as the Austrian Educational Coordinator on behalf of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, leading the Regional Cooperation Office for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia within Austria’s Agency for Education and Internationalisation (OeAD). In this role, she is responsible for fostering educational cooperation and supporting reform-oriented educational projects, with a strong emphasis on vocational education and training (VET). Before taking on this role, Viktoria worked 6 years as a teacher at a VET school in Austria, specializing in tourism and economics. Her professional path also includes active engagement in youth policy through her earlier involvement with the Austrian National Youth Council. Combining practical classroom experience with strategic oversight of international educational initiatives, she brings a comprehensive understanding of both policy and practice to her work across the region.
Milutin Pavićević
Executive Director of the Montenegrin Association for Artificial Intelligence (MAIA)
About
Milutin Pavićević is an entrepreneur and researcher with 15 years of experience in the field of artificial intelligence. He is the co-founder of the digital agency Alicorn and the startup ZUNO Games. With decades of expertise in user experience design, he works on creating products that make the most advanced algorithms simple and easy to use. He is a teaching assistant at the Faculty of Information Systems and Technologies at the University of Donja Gorica, in the postgraduate program in artificial intelligence. His specialties include workflow automation and forecasting on time-series data sets. At the financial startup PAID-T, he serves as Head of Scientific Approach to Software Development. He holds a Master’s degree in Information Systems and Technologies from FIST (UDG), where he is currently pursuing his PhD. Since this year, Milutin has also been serving as Executive Director of the Montenegrin Association for Artificial Intelligence (MAIA), which brings together over 40 Montenegrin scientists and engineers in the field of AI. The association’s mission is to provide education in artificial intelligence and to raise awareness about the opportunities and challenges that this set of technologies will bring in the years ahead.
Dr. Scott Harrison
AI Competence and Skills Researcher
Leibniz Information Center for Science and Technology University Library in Hannover
About
Dr. Scott Harrison is a multidisciplinary researcher who completed his PhD in Economics at the University of New England, Australia. His areas of expertise covered mathematical and econometric modelling of educational data sets, which led him to take up a postdoc position at the University of Siegen, Germany as a Marie Curie Fellow. He has since gone on to work with DIPF in Frankfurt, where he used psychometric models used to analyse student test scores from the PISA tests to understand the impacts of digital assessment on student performance. He now currently works with the Leibniz Information Center for Science and Technology University Library in Hannover, where he’s currently analyzing the skills required to support the adoption of AI in the modern workforce, especially in the VET sector. His key publications to date include Coauthoring the German PISA national report 2019, covering the mode effects chapter; “Microeconometric Approaches in Exploring the Relationships Between Early Alert Systems and Student Retention” in the Journal of Learning Analytics in 2021, and the “Transnational research report: Regional and national AI-related skill gaps” for the AI4VET4AI Project in 2024.
Marija Gošović
Director General of the Directorate for General Secondary and Vocational Education
Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation of Montenegro
About
Marija Gošović worked for over a decade as a school psychologist at the “Slobodan Škerović” Gymnasium, where she coordinated the Student Parliament and contributed to expert teams focused on exams, competitions, student protection and school evaluation. She also attended national and international trainings on digital education, adult learning, and crisis intervention. Since 2023, she has been employed at the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, where she first served as Director General of the Directorate for Gymnasium and Vocational Education, and later as Director General of the Directorate for Higher Education. Within her role at the Ministry, she took part in drafting key strategic documents for the development of education in Montenegro, most notably the Education Reform Strategy 2025–2035 with its accompanying Action Plan.
Katrin Ochsenbein
Deputy Head of Cooperation
Embassy of Switzerland, Swiss Cooperation Office in Serbia
About
Katrin Ochsenbein has worked for many years at the State Secretariat of Economics of Switzerland on economic development cooperation, mainly on areas macroeconomic support and trade promotion. From 2018 onwards, she spent four years in Pristina, where she acted as the Regional Advisor for Swiss Development Cooperation in the Western Balkan on Inclusive Economic Development. After a short return at SECO, she assumes the position of Deputy Head of Cooperation at the Swiss Embassy in Belgrade since August 2024.
Jasna Duraković
Federal Minister of Education and Science
Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
About
Jasna Duraković is the Minister of Education and Science in the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Associate Professor at the Faculty of Political Sciences, University of Sarajevo, Department of Communication/Journalism. She studied Communication at the University of Washington and earned her master’s and doctoral degrees at the University of Sarajevo. She has extensive professional and academic experience in communication, public relations and image creation and is the author of four books, a co-author of one, as well as numerous scientific and expert papers. From 2014 to 2018, she was a member of the House of Representatives of the Parliament of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where she also chaired the Committee on Gender Equality. From 2018 to 2022, she served as a representative in the Sarajevo Canton Assembly and in December 2022 was re-elected to the House of Representatives of the Federation Parliament. Throughout her career, she has been engaged in education reform, higher education policy and initiatives promoting gender equality and the fight against discrimination and violence against women and girls.
Julian Demeti
Co-Founder & CEO at HyreTech, Albania
About
Julian Demeti is a dynamic CEO and ICT consultant with over 15 years of experience leading digital transformation, project management, and innovation across Southeast Europe. As Founder and CEO of Albanian Business Partner (ABP) and co-founder of two tech-service companies, he has spearheaded large-scale healthcare and education IT, VET, and AI-driven projects while facilitating international partnerships with organizations such as ILO, UNDP, GIZ, and Swiss Contact. Recognised for bridging education, business, and policy, Julian brings expertise in AI integration and cross-sector collaboration to empower institutions and enterprises in the digital age.
Albin Gega
General Director of Employment, VET and Soial Insurance Policies, Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation, Albania
About
Mr. Albin Gega currently holds the position of Director General at the General Directorate for Employment, Skills, and Social Insurance Policies within the Ministry of Economy and Innovation of Albania. With a distinguished career and notable achievements, particularly in the field of Education and Vocational Training, Mr. Gega has made significant contributions across several key institutions. His leadership has been instrumental in initiating a series of reforms aimed at advancing employment policies and vocational training. His performance and efficiency in these roles have been widely recognized and positively evaluated by both domestic and international partners. Mr. Gega’s academic background includes degrees in Law and Political Science from the University of Tirana, as well as a Master’s degree in European Studies from the Institute of European Studies, in partnership with the University of Catalonia, Spain.

RCF Annual Regional Conference is a platform for regional dialogue and the exchange of best practices among key stakeholders in vocational education and training.

Take a look at previous RCF conference held in tirana

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LOCATION

  • Hotel Avala, Mediteranska 2
  • Budva 85310, Montenegro

Get In touch

  • info@rcf-wb6.org

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