As part of the dissemination activities of the project “Initiative for Cooperation, Research and Innovation in Western Balkan Universities” (ICRI-WB), funded by the National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation (AKKSHI) and coordinated by the Canadian Institute of Technology (CIT), a new Scopus-indexed scientific article has been published in the Journal of Educational and Social Research, Vol. 16, No. 4 (July 2026).
The article, titled “From Research Capacity to Innovation Impact in Practice: What Enables Knowledge Transfer in Western Balkan Universities?”, is authored by Llambi Prendi, Oliana Sula, Bledar Komina, Luftim Cania, and Ermira Qosja, representing Aleksandër Moisiu University and the Canadian Institute of Technology (CIT). This publication reflects the collaborative research efforts of partner institutions involved in the ICRI-WB project.
The research examines the relationship between research capacity, knowledge transfer, and innovation impact in Western Balkan universities. Using data collected from 555 academic staff members and PhD students, the study applies hierarchical linear regression to evaluate the influence of research capacity, regional innovation ecosystems, institutional cooperation, and organizational barriers on innovation performance.
The findings demonstrate that successful knowledge transfer depends on strong institutional support, effective innovation infrastructure, and policies that enable universities to transform scientific research into practical, innovative, and socially valuable outcomes. The study provides important evidence for strengthening research and innovation ecosystems across higher education institutions in the Western Balkans.
This publication represents a significant scientific achievement of the ICRI-WB project and reinforces the commitment of the Canadian Institute of Technology (CIT) to advancing research excellence, innovation, international collaboration, and knowledge transfer within the Western Balkan region.vation, digital technologies, and sustainable development. The successful outcome also highlights the expertise, research capacity, and interdisciplinary collaboration of the university’s academic staff in delivering impactful projects that contribute to Albania’s technological and economic development.