The Institute of Advanced Studies Kőszeg (iASK) is pleased to be a partner of the Western Balkans Forum on Higher Education and Innovation 2026, organized by the University of Pécs on 8-9 October 2026.

The international forum will bring together representatives of higher education institutions, researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders to discuss the role of higher education and innovation in the Western Balkans and to strengthen academic and institutional cooperation across the region.

The Forum provides an important platform for dialogue on the future of higher education, research collaboration, innovation and international partnerships, with a particular focus on the Western Balkans and their connections with the wider European higher education area.

iASK will be represented at the Forum by members of its academic and professional community. Dr. Jody Jensen, Prof. Ferenc Miszlivetz and Dr. Ivana Stepanovic are among the invited participants contributing to the programme and discussions.

For iASK, participation in the Western Balkans Forum reflects the Institute’s longstanding commitment to regional cooperation, European dialogue and international academic partnerships. The Western Balkans have been an important area of iASK’s intellectual and institutional engagement, particularly in relation to European integration, social transformation, civil society and cross-border cooperation.

The Forum also offers an opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and establish new connections among academic institutions and professionals working across Central, Southeast and wider Europe.

Hosted by the University of Pécs, the two-day event will take place on 8–9 October 2026 in Pécs.

iASK looks forward to contributing to the discussions and to further strengthening academic and institutional cooperation with partners across the Western Balkans and Europe.

More information:

https://konferencia.pte.hu/en/westernbalkansforum2026#about

Cover photo: Photo by Daciana Cristina Visan: https://www.pexels.com/photo/historic-old-bridge-in-mostar-bosnia-32054772/