Research & Studies
The Institute of Advanced Studies Kőszeg (iASK) was proud to be a partner of the Western Balkans Forum on Higher Education and Innovation, organised by the University of Pécs on 8–9 October 2026. The international forum brought together representatives of higher education institutions, policymakers, researchers and industry to discuss the future of universities, regional integration and the role of research and innovation in shaping Europe’s academic landscape.
The event provided an important platform for exchanging ideas, presenting research and exploring opportunities for closer cooperation between Hungary, the Western Balkans and the wider European academic community.
A key contribution came from Dr. Jody Jensen, Senior Research Fellow at iASK, who joined Dr. Ivana Stepanovic, Senior Research Fellow at iASK, and other international experts for the panel “The Future University in Central and Eastern Europe: Building and Dismantling the Ivory Pyramid.”
The discussion addressed the challenges and opportunities facing higher education in Central and Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans, including the relationship between universities, society and policymaking.
Dr. Stepanovic highlighted the potential of the Western Balkans to become a policy laboratory, generating knowledge grounded in the region’s own experiences and expertise. Situated at the intersection of Eastern and Western Europe, and shaped by both socialist and neoliberal traditions, the region offers valuable perspectives for understanding the transformation of higher education and the broader political and economic forces influencing it.
She also emphasised the importance of stronger regional cooperation in higher education, noting that meaningful academic collaboration requires sustained efforts towards political reconciliation and overcoming barriers created by nationalist policies.
Prof. Ferenc Miszlivetz, iASK’s Founding Director General (2015-2026), participated in the workshop “Accessing Horizon Europe and Other EU Research Frameworks.” The session explored opportunities and challenges related to European research funding and international research cooperation.
Discussions on research frameworks and institutional partnerships were particularly relevant to the broader objective of strengthening connections between universities, research institutions and European cooperation networks.
For iASK, participation in these conversations offered an opportunity to contribute its academic and institutional experience while engaging with questions central to the development of future research collaborations.
Beyond the formal programme, the forum created opportunities for professional networking, discussions with representatives of higher education institutions and the exploration of potential partnerships.
The event also highlighted the importance of connecting academic research with public policy and industry. By bringing together participants from different professional backgrounds, the forum encouraged dialogue on how universities can respond to regional challenges, strengthen international engagement and contribute to innovation.
For iASK, these exchanges supported the Institute’s ongoing efforts to expand its international networks, share its research and identify potential avenues for future cooperation.
iASK extends its sincere thanks to the University of Pécs and the organisers of the Western Balkans Forum on Higher Education and Innovation for bringing together an international community of researchers, policymakers and higher education professionals, and for creating a platform for meaningful dialogue and future collaboration.
As a proud partner of the event, iASK looks forward to continuing the conversations initiated in Pécs and exploring opportunities to translate shared ideas into lasting academic and institutional partnerships.
Photos: University of Pécs & Mercédesz Kovács-Csincsák