Energy economics group (EEG) at Vienna University of Technology (TU WIEN) is part of the school of electrical engineering. In teaching and research EEG is focusing on:

• energy modelling, scenarios, and energy policy analysis;
• electricity markets: regulation and liberalization, new market designs
• renewable energy sources: Potentials, costs, promotion strategies, market integration;
• sustainable energy systems (Heating electricity, transport)

Moreover EEG is organizing winter/summer schools since about 7 years and a post-graduate programme in cooperation with Continuing Education Center of Vienna University of Technology since 10 years.

EEG employs currently approximately 35 persons, of which about 20 are PHD students.

Vienna University of Technology in general has experienced professors from virtually all technical subjects and if needed they will be included in this project. EEG has so far led and participated in more than 200 national and international projects on electricity markets, promotion of renewable energy sources and their potentials and costs, smart grids, zero-emission buildings, etc.

EEG can also disseminate knowledge and results using its wide network of research institutes, universities and other organisations. This network has been built up in more than 200 national and international research projects.

Website: https://www.crethidev.gr/

University of Novi Sad is the second biggest University in Serbia and reputable educational and scientific institution, providing teaching and research. Having invested considerable efforts in intensifying international cooperation and participating in the process of university reforms in Europe, the UNS has come to be recognized as a reform-oriented university in the region. UNS is multidisciplinary, committed to excellence, and produces well-qualified and competent graduates, who find their place in the labour market. All three levels of studies at UNS are attended by more than 50,000 students on 14 Faculties and on around 400 accredited study programs. In teaching process is enrolled around 4 000 teaching stuff, domestic and foreign. The University of Novi Sad is leading institution in the Western Balkan region in implementation of Knowledge triangle mechanisms and activities.

Faculty of Technical Sciences – FTS is the biggest faculty within the UNS according to the number of students (over 12 000) at all three levels of studies organized as a unique complex institution comprising smaller organizational units such as departments, chairs, research centers, registrar offices, etc. for appropriate scientific fields and laboratories. Faculty was founded in 1960 and till now it has developed 13 departments, 10 administrative services and 33 research centres. With more than 1 100 employees, covering the area of over 35 000 m2 divided into 8 buildings, the Faculty ranks among the largest and most developed faculties in the region. The activities of the FTS have been divided in education, research and development and applied research in cooperation with Industry. The Faculty has been issued the certificates EN ISO 9001:2015, EN ISO 14001:2015 and EN ISO 45001:2018 and is accredited as a research and scientific institution.

Website: https://www.uns.ac.rs/index.php/en/science/projects/projects-erasmusplus

CRE.THI.DEV is a not-for-profit company, established in 2012, by Mr. Dimosthenis Papakonstantinou, Managing Director, for more than 20 years, of ELKEDE TECHNOLOGY & DESIGN CENTER SA, a Research and Technology Institute of the public sector and member or president of many national and European committees and associations.

CRETHIDEV focuses on the transfer of knowledge, technology and innovation, through research, studies, training and consultancy activities. It establishes close cooperation with local, regional and national authorities, universities, technological centers and organizations, vocational training centers, companies and business associations in order to promote innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development.

The staff, members and collaborators of CRE.THI.DEV come from different disciplines and have great experience on coordinating and implementing national, European and International projects of a wide spectrum.

Since 2015, CRETHIDEV has participated in many ERASMUS+ CBHE projects with regard to the Development of the Higher Education sector within society at large (Knowledge Triangle and University-Enterprise Cooperation categories).

From 2015 to 2018 CRETHIDEV participated in ERASMUS+ project: “INVENT – Promotion of Innovation Culture in the Higher Education in Jordan”. In the framework of this project CRETHIDEV was responsible for the training of students and staff from Jordan on the subjects of innovation, entrepreneurship, fundraising, project planning and management and for the Quality Plan.

Website: https://www.crethidev.gr/kalcea

The University of East Sarajevo is an interdisciplinary, independent and self-governing institution, consisting of 15 faculties and two academies. UES has 1000 professors, 15000 students, 96 study programs I and II cycle, 6 PhD programs. The University of East Sarajevo has over 50 bilateral agreements signed with partner universities from Europe. These bilateral agreements regulate different types of cooperation, such as work on subjects and projects of common interest, exchange of scholars and students, joint publications, exchange of information and other activities in order to improve the academic cooperation.

UES is a member of several university networks and international associations (EUA, Danube conference). UES participated in TEMPUS projects since 2000, FP6 programmes; and other international projects – such as project dealing with Brain Drain in West Balkan Countries, USAID projects, Horizon 2020, Erasmus+, World Bank programmes, IPA projects.

UES is the largest institution in the geographical area it occupies (8 towns) and regional reference in the field of teacher education, pre-school education, defectology, medicine, health care. UES possess great human resources and infrastructural capacities at Faculty of Medicine, and Faculty of Teacher and Pre-school education (study program).

UES is first accredited HEI in Bosnia and Herzegovina (2013). UES got HR excellence in research code by European Commission as committed university which striving to adopt European Charter principles and Codes for employment of researchers.

Website: https://www.ues.rs.ba/en/science/projects/international-projects/erasmus/#1663060834083-7e8a6ea0-a5190ee7-97532f54-6120

International Burch University was established in 2008 in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Lectures are organised at 3 faculties and 12 departments; including Department of electrical and electronic engineering and Information technology department. The Laboratory infrastructure consists of advanced labs for Genetics and Bioengineering, Electrics and Electronics, Information Technologies, Architecture, Stock Exchange Simulation and Language Labs Total campus area is 30 000 square meters while university uses 10 000 square meters of closed space. Teaching process is organised according to the Bologna requirements (3 + 2+ 3). Currently, there are 1200 students enrolled at the University.

In accordance with its vision to achieve excellence in education, excellence in research and development and excellence in innovation and entrepreneurship International Burch University plans to establish a thematic techno park which would serve as platform to connect its student body young men and women and its academic staff with companies from the private and public sector. One of the main objectives of Institutional development Plan is establishing strong connection and cooperation with external stakeholders including the industry sector.  Burch University has also employed professors from local electric distribution company to demonstrate its students concrete examples and problems from energy sector.

Burch has experienced professors from power engineering, telecommunication, software and education area. These professors have participated in smart grid, smart house, renewable energy resources related projects. Some of our professors have already participated in developing smart home with smart energy management software which optimize energy usage of home appliances and renewable energy resources according to information retrieved from smart grid, devices in the building, weather stations and renewable energy resources by using intelligent algorithms.

IBU electrical engineering staff is involved in the 4 COST actions and more than 20 Erasmus mobility projects. IBU is also Deputy Coordinator and Dissemination Work Package leader within Erasmus + CBHE project titled ELEMEND (Electrical Energy Markets and Engineering Education).

Website: https://www.ibu.edu.ba/explore/projects

Dzemal Bijedic University of Mostar is a public higher education institution, established 1977, as one of the pillars of the development of the Herzegovina region. It consists of 8 faculties and several university study programmes. Faculty of Mechanical Engineering is one of the most important faculties of this University.  It is educational and research institution whose basic activities are teaching process, research, development, professional work and innovations in the fields of technical sciences, including the fields of mechanical engineering, energy and computing. An interdisciplinary approach enables the formation of competent research teams for above mentioned research fields.

Recently, the Faculty has been paying special attention to renewable energy sources. In this sense, a new one master program Renewable Energy Sources has been launched, and for the purposes of this program, a hybrid system for energy production for own needs has been developed. This system uses solar energy to heat water and produce electricity (solar collectors and photovoltaic panels), wind energy for production of electricity (small horizontal or vertical wind turbines), and heat pumps that use geothermal energy of underground water in the surrounding area. By this experimental facility we analyse the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the system and its individual components.

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Mostar is one of the oldest higher education institutions in Herzegovina and as such has a certain influence on the formation of public opinion and within professional groups as well as on the development of new policies in the field of industry and energy. Through its many years of cooperation with the public and private sector, the Faculty has provided numerous partners in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also in the countries of the region. The experiences gained in these jobs and projects can be a significant contribution and guarantee the successful implementation of this specific project. The key technical competencies required for realization of this project and achievement of the set objectives are as follows:

• expertise in design and optimisation of mechanical structures, as well as experience in industrial production and knowledge transfer,
• experience in designing and commissioning of power plants for renewable energy sources, such as small hydro power plants and wind turbines,
• relevant knowledge of the local energy market, local energy policies and regulations,
• relevant knowledge of the potential and resources for development of renewable energy sources,
• significant experience in the coordination, administration and execution of projects financed by the EU.

Website: https://mf.unmo.ba/fakultet/projekti/kalcea-knowledge-triangle-for-a-low-carbon-economy/

Albenecon Ltd. is a consultancy firm established in 2018 from the merge of three engineering and management companies; QM consulting P.F. (established in 2006) and EM Consulting P.F. (established in 2010), and Mettelco P.F. (established in 2004), which were specialized in different aspects of engineering designs, project and procurement management, construction supervisions, energy efficiency, environmental impact assessments, and quality management systems.

Together these companies have successfully carried out over 150 projects in Albania, Kosovo, and Northern Macedonia. Albenecon Ltd. has a pool of experts with unique experiences in the private, public and international assignments and can offer a wide spectrum of services from legal, technical, environmental, managerial, and any other support. The range of services include; feasibility studies, detailed structural and electrical designs, construction estimations, risk assessments, environmental assessments, tendering support, construction supervision, quality management, technical support and assistance, institutional strengthening, technical and management training, and product development programs.

Albenecon Ltd. was created with the intention to create synergies and offer better solutions to increasingly intricate projects. Albenecon is striving for a deeper insight into the local business situation, so that it may respond better to the expectations and mindsets of the business clients, whether they are private investors, international corporations, or governmental and intergovernmental agencies.

Albenecon has a well-developed Quality Management System in conformity with ISO 9001:2015. This system ensures that services will answer the specific needs of the client, beneficiary and executing authority, according to accepted norms and standards. Whether you need to use our legal services, human resource management capabilities, or other support services, we aim to be your local firm of choice in Albania and the nearby region.

In addition, Albenecon Ltd. is a full-service solar systems provider for Residential and Business clients. Our team includes engineers and technicians that combine 10 years of experience in the calculation, installation, and service of solar power systems in Albania. We offer solar power systems to the highest engineering standards while making the switch simple for our customers. We study our customers’ energy usage and analyze the available space for solar installations to provide a tailored solar power solution. Albenecon is performing the entire process, from planning through installation, and providing ongoing monitoring and maintenance services for your solar system. The performance monitoring technology that we offer provides our customers with a real-time view of their net energy consumption and the reduction of their carbon footprint.

Website: https://albenecon.com/

University of Mitrovica (UPKM) is state-owned public higher education and research institution founded in 1969. Today it consists of ten faculties and more than 10000 students attending first, second or third cycle studies in ten faculties: Faculty of Technical Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics,

Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Philosophy, Teacher Education Faculty, Faculty of Sport and Physical Education and the Faculty of Arts.

Curriculum reform, guided by the Bologna process, has reached into every department and faculty of UPKM. All study programmes are accredited and adapted to the newest requirements and standards. In 2008, UPKM was granted full membership in European University Association (EUA). University participates in various scientific, research and educational national and international projects, including several projects from TEMPUS and Erasmus programmes.

Faculty of Technical Sciences (FTS) in Mitrovica, with 1400 students, is accredited higher education and research institution with the capacity of legal entity within the UPKM. FTS, alone, offers 21 different accredited study programs at three levels in the following fields of technical and technological sciences: architecture, civil engineering, electrical and computer engineering, environmental engineering, occupational safety, mechanical engineering, mining engineering and industrial engineering.

UM participates in different national and international projects, has the highest number of published papers within the University in international journals from Journal Citation Report list and papers cited in international journals, and as well the highest number of presentations in national and international conferences. Diverse Faculty research staff creates conditions for interdisciplinary approach in scientific investigations. Staff from Traffic and Transport Engineering Department will be the core personnel who will participate in the implementation of this project.

Website: https://ftn.pr.ac.rs/fakultet/projekti/kalcea/

Universum College (UC) is a centre for scholarship, research, and creative activity involving the creation, testing, and dissemination of knowledge, understanding, expressions, and techniques. UC aims to provide education and training to enable individuals to realize their full potential. As a private university, UC has a particular responsibility to address societal issues and needs through scholarship, research, and creative activity. The faculty aims to enhance the level of education offered and improve the teaching/learning environments. UC strives for excellence in fulfilling its central and primary purposes of teaching, scholarship, and research and places particular emphasis on the quality of teaching. UC is among the richest education institutions in terms of international partners and collaborations; within its international network there are prominent partners such as London School of Economics, Chichester College, Tallin University of Technology, Middlesex University, European University of Tirana, Kadir Has Universitesi, Middle East Technical University, and many more. UC has three campuses around Kosovo and the organisation currently is consisted of more than 200 highly qualified staff members.

The Universum College mission is building upon the following strategic pillars:

• Student and Learning at the Center;
• Quality Improvement;
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship;
• Digital Transformation;
• Internationalization;

One of the most significant pillar in UC is the internationalization as it enables us to be in compliance with the changes and bring all the benefits of unity and cooperation to our students and staff. Internationalization enables us to exchange, learn and teach the best practices in education, culture, customs and places. Thus far, UC has 78 Credit Mobility agreements and 6 active Capacity Building in the Field of Higher Education projects. Our institution has more KA1 and KA2 projects than the majority of HEIs in Kosovo.

Website: https://universum-ks.org/erasmus/#1548840454115-cb1cfd78-f1f8

European University of Tirana is a leading university and research centre in Albania, established in full compliance with the criteria of the Bologna Charter, offering study programmes in three cycles: bachelor; master and PhD. UET engages in high quality teaching and research as well as exchange programmes and capacity building projects with local and international partners in the following disciplines: social sciences, humanities, environmental sciences, complex systems, information technology and engineering, agricultural sciences and health sciences. UET is already participating in projects funded by the European Commission, such as: Erasmus+ KA2: CBHE, Life Long Learning Programme – Jean Monnet Chair (for the first time in Albania), LLP – Tempus Project Erasmus Mundus; European Programme for Science and Technology (COST); Erasmus + KA1 Credit Mobility, etc.

UET is particularly interested in the link between study programmes, research and labour market as well as the community. As such, UET has established the Labour Market Boards for each department which are composed of highly qualified professionals from the public sector, business and various relevant CSOs working to promote common interests. The purpose of the board is to provide feedback and insights regarding the needs/demands of the labour market so as UET can link education, research and study programmes with the labour market and needs of the society. In addition, they serve as a network for employment opportunities for its graduates. In addition, the UET Alumni Association and the Student Services provide valuable support for the link between education and the job market.

UET strongly promotes the internationalization of its study programs and thus it continuously seeks to establish strategic partnerships with local, regional and international organizations. UET has established the Next Europe Network, bringing together top Western Balkans HEIs and research centres in Europe (LSEE, UCL SSEES, EUI, CEU, Sciences Po etc.) with extensive research expertise and interest in Albania and South East Europe.

UET has a pool of highly qualified researchers, lecturers and project managers and it works closely with a well-established network of higher education institutions, businesses, research institutes and other stakeholders. UET pays particular importance to its strategic communication, visibility of actions, dissemination of information, knowledge-sharing and exchange of experiences and know-how.

Website: https://uet.edu.al/active-projects/

Polytechnic University of Tirana has been founded in 1951 as a state chartered institution in Tirana, under the name of Higher Polytechnic Institute. The Polytechnic Institute consisted of several main engineering schools such as Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Geology and Mining. In 1957, the State University of Tirana was established by gathering all existing higher schools defining them as Faculties. The Faculty of Engineering integrated into all the former schools of the Higher Polytechnic Institute, where wide spectrum knowledge engineers graduated according to the four respective engineering fields.

Polytechnic University of Tirana (PUT), has been founded in 1991 by the VKM1 Nr 215, dated 15.07.1991, due to the detachment of all Engineering Faculties from Tirana University and their integration into. It consisted of four faculties: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, as well as Geology and Mining.

In 2007, PUT consisted of six faculties as two of them; Information Technology (FIT) and Mathematics & Physics Engineering (FMEPE) were added to the four existing ones. On the other hand, in accordance with the law “On Higher Education in the Republic of Albania”, no. 9741 dated 21.05.2007, again changes were introduced to the PUT’s organizational structure. Two other scientific structures: the Institute of Energy, Water and Environment (IEWE) and the Institute of Geosciences (IGS) became part of PUT. 5

In 2011, by Order of the Minister of Education and Science, No. 371, dated 28.07.2011, “On the establishment of the Institute of Geosciences and Energy, Water and Environment (IGEWE), in the Polytechnic University of Tirana”, the two above mentioned institutes were integrated into one.

Finally, in January 2013, by Order of the Minister of Education and Science No. 28, dated 31.01.2013 “On the opening of the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning in the Polytechnic University of Tirana”, the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism was founded as being apart from Civil Engineering Faculty.

Polytechnic University of Tirana, in all main units and base units (departments), has records

of partnership agreements with foreign higher education institutions through participation in scientific research project with foreign universities aims the expansion of cooperation and improvement of scientific research results quality.

Polytechnic University of Tirana has national collaboration agreements with many partners such as institutions or faculties according to the respective agreements on study programmes and scientific research for their improvement and adaptation with the needs of the labour market in Albania. Being part of many international projects Polytechnic University of Tirana itself has a series of agreements with international counterpart institutions in accordance with the national and international format.

Website: https://upt.al/en/projects

The AleksandërMoisiu University of Durrës (UAMD) is the newest public academic institution of the Republic of Albania. The Albanian Government founded on 20 December 2005 the AleksanderMoisiu University. More than 1,300 students started classes as of October 2, 2006. University of Durres took its name from Austrian–Italian actor AleksandërMoisiu, who was of Albanian descent.

Today the university encounters more than 20 000 students, 6 Faculties:

• Faculty of Business
• Faculty of Information Technology
• Faculty of Education
• Faculty of Political and Juridical Sciences
• Faculty of Professional Studies
• Faculty of Integrated Studies with Practice (FASTIP)

• Study programs:

• 42 Bachelor
• 25 Professional Master
• 19 Master of Science
• 10 Professional Diplomas available

The University is located in the ancient city of Durres. The rector of Aleksander Moisiu University is Prof. Dr. Kseanela Sotirofski.

• Role of the University in this project:

UAMD as a project partner (P14) is co-lead in WP1 and support all project activities successful implementation.

Website: https://www.uamd.edu.al/index.php/sq/

The company is registered for carrying out activities of testing, analysis and experimental development in technical-technological sciences, as well as for type tests of electric motors, generators, transformers, control and measuring instruments and other equipment for distribution of electricity.

As part of type testing of electrical equipment in accordance with IEC standards and EN norms, the following tests are mostly performed:

• Type tests of low voltage switchgear and distribution cabinets in accordance with IEC 60439-1/2006, IEC 60529/2001, IEC 60269-1 / 2006;
• Type tests of medium voltage switchgear equipment in accordance with standards IEC 62271-200/2003, IEC62271-1/2007, IEC 60060-1/1989, IEC 62271-100/2003;
• Type tests of current measuring transformers of the voltage level up to 400 kV, rated currents up to 4000 A and rated short-time withstand current up to 80 kAeff / 1s;
• Type tests of voltage inductive and capacitive measuring transformers of the voltage level up to 400 kV;
• Type tests of type A and B heating cycles of current-carrying joints (13, IEC 61284/1997);
• Type tests of LV fuses.

The company employs 17 permanent employees of professional workers, electrical engineers, chemical engineers, highly qualified and qualified electric workers, which is a guarantee for the quality and reliability of the area in which we operate. The laboratory complex consists of three whole, high voltage, low voltage and chemical laboratory. Students and academic staff from HEIs in BIH also use those laboratories for their practical work/labs.

Website: https://www.irce-ad.com/