It’s been a thriving spring for Western Balkans’ young researchers as 12 of them, coming from different parts of the region, gathered together and embarked on an exciting study visit to Graz, organized by Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO), with support from the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs.
Together with 6 emerging entrepreneurs from RYCO’s RISE program, participants of the program engaged in various activities designed to enhance youth capacities in research, entrepreneurship, and regional cooperation.
Previously selected through a highly competitive process among more than hundred applicants of RYCO’s Research Mentorship Program, these brilliant young minds had a chance to learn, enhance their capacities, collaborate and develop evidence-based solutions for pressing issues of youth unemployment and brain drain. Guiding them along the way were RYCO’s Local Program Officer in Kosovo* Dardana Fetahu, and Local Program Officer in North Macedonia Anja Bebekovska.
Study visit to Austria, that took place from 14th to 16th of May served as a key milestone of the program, emphasizing group work centered around two main thematic areas – social science researchers working on brain drain issues, and youth unemployment group. While some activities of the program were shared, others were tailored to their distinct learning paths.
The program began with a guided tour and welcoming reception at the Styrian Parliament, hosted by the Honorary Consulate for Kosovo in Styria, Arsim Gjergji. There, participants engaged with consular representatives from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Serbia, where they learned about Styria’s governance and regional diplomacy.
At Science Park Graz, participants explored Austria’s innovation landscape before following separate agendas. The entrepreneurs visited WIFI Steiermark, the Styrian Export Service Organization, UNICORN Start-up and Innovation Hub, Green Tech Valley Cluster, and AVL List, gaining practical exposure to business incubation, export models, and green technologies.
“During our study visit to Graz, Austria, we had the valuable opportunity to meet with members of parliament, visit leading companies, and explore potential areas for collaboration. The experience was both enriching and inspiring.” said Alberina Gashi, entrepreneur from Kosovo.
The researchers, meanwhile, visited the Centre for South East European Studies at the University of Graz for a session with Prof. Dr. Florian Bieber, Dr. Marko Kmezić, and Prof. Dr. Emma Lantschner, who shared insights on academic careers, publishing, and writing for policy.
“Engaging with experts and exchanging insights reignited my commitment to meaningful change, a vivid reminder that progress thrives where curiosity and collaboration meet,” reflected Filip Mićić, researcher from Serbia.
They also participated in debriefing sessions on Brain Drain with their mentor, Dr. Dženeta Karabegović, and on Youth Unemployment with PhD Candidate Ivan Nikolovski, laying the groundwork for future collaboration.
“The program made us feel truly seen and heard, while also opening new horizons for critical reflection and growth. One of its greatest values lies in empowering us, young participants from across the region to actively contribute to shaping meaningful solutions together. Regional cooperation among youth is not only inspiring, it is essential for building a shared, inclusive future,” added Zorana Antovska, researcher from North Macedonia.
With the visit completed, participants are now developing policy briefs addressing key regional challenges. The Research Mentorship Program, running through November 2025, reinforces RYCO’s mission to empower youth as changemakers, strengthen partnerships, and build a more connected Western Balkans through knowledge and collaboration.
*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.
