U2SID Project Participation at the Reshaping Work 2024 Regional Conference

22-23 May 2024

As part of U2SID’s commitment to advancing digital transformation in the Western Balkans, the University of Shkoder team actively participated in the Reshaping Work 2024 Regional Conference on "Platform Work in the Age of AI," held on May 22-23 in Belgrade. Led by Project Manager Dr. Brikene Dionizi , alongside team members Bresena Kopliku  and Elvisa Drishti , the team presented a comprehensive study on the role of academia in fostering digital skills for the platform economy—an increasingly vital area for Albania and the broader region’s labor market.

The team’s presentation, based on research conducted within the U2SID framework, highlighted the unique challenges and opportunities within platform work in the Western Balkans. Drawing on a needs assessment carried out at the University of Shkoder, this research used in-depth interviews, surveys, and focus groups involving students, faculty, and industry stakeholders. Key findings indicated significant digital skill gaps, the need for curriculum updates aligned with the demands of platform-based jobs, and the importance of building collaborations between academia and industry to support the region’s digital workforce readiness.

This work reflects U2SID’s broader goal of equipping students and professionals with essential skills for the platform economy, laying a foundation for inclusive and sustainable digital growth in the Western Balkans.

The conference is organized by CA21118 PWILL in collaboration with European Training Foundation and Public Policy Research Center.