Regional Research Cooperation, Innovation and the Third Mission: An Empirical Analysis of Western Balkan Universities

Oliana Sula; Ermira Qosja; Bledar Komina; Luftim Cania; Llambi Prendi

doi:10.15157/IJITIS.2026.9.3.2201-2225

Authors

Oliana Sula Department of Management, Aleksandër Moisiu University Durrës, Durrës, Albania https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9370-9582
Ermira Qosja Department of Management, Aleksandër Moisiu University Durrës, Durrës, Albania https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3572-2009
Bledar Komina Quality Assurance, Canadian Institute of Technology, Tirana, Albania https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8294-9170
Luftim Cania Department of Management, Aleksandër Moisiu University Durrës, Durrës, Albania https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5340-1719
Llambi Prendi Department of Economic Sciences, Aleksandër Moisiu University Durrës, Durrës, Albania https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1025-789X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15157/IJITIS.2026.9.3.2201-2225

Keywords:

Research Capacity, Inter-University Cooperation, Innovation and Third Mission, Bureaucratic Obstacles, Perceptions

Abstract

This study examines the perceptions of academic staff and PhD students in the Western Balkans regarding factors associated with university research and third-mission activities in the context of regional cooperation. A quantitative survey approach was employed, using an online questionnaire distributed to academic staff and PhD students at 13 universities across the Western Balkans. Of the 569 responses received, 555 were valid for analysis. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation analysis, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results indicate that research capacity has the strongest association with regional cooperation, while innovation and third-mission activities also represent significant dimensions. The findings indicate strong perceived engagement among Western Balkan universities in research capacity, inter-university collaboration, innovation, and third-mission activities. The study provides empirical evidence for regional strategic priorities, particularly strengthening research capacity and institutionalizing innovation and third-mission mechanisms to enhance regional cooperation and societal impact.