10th Berlin Process Joint Science Conference calls for stronger investment in people, science and innovation
The 10th Berlin Process Joint Science Conference brought together 60 participants from the 16 Berlin Process countries in Podgorica from 12 to 14 October 2026. Held under the Montenegrin Presidency of the Berlin Process, the conference focused on how higher education, research and innovation can support the Western Balkans’ European integration and sustainable development.
Under the theme “Western Balkans in Europe: People – Innovation – Transformation”, representatives of national academies of sciences and arts, universities, research organisations, innovation institutions and regional partners discussed higher education reform, stronger innovation ecosystems and the role of independent scientific advice in public policymaking.
The conference’s Joint Statement, issued on 21 October ahead of the 12th Western Balkans Summit of Heads of State and Government, calls on political leaders to place people and the knowledge sector at the centre of the region’s European future.
Participants highlighted that universities, research organisations and innovation institutions across the Western Balkans continue to adopt European standards and contribute to modernisation. However, chronic underfunding, fragmented reforms, administrative barriers and weak political will continue to constrain progress. The statement calls for increased and predictable public investment, merit-based recruitment and research funding, and stronger institutional autonomy, accompanied by accountability and transparency.
Creating opportunities for young people was a central concern. Against a background of demographic decline, emigration and weak employment prospects, participants called for renewed study programmes, stronger links between universities and the labour market, and greater opportunities for cross-border and inter-sectoral mobility. Proposed measures include paid internships and dedicated youth employment programmes, including early-career positions in research and development. Students and scientists should be actively involved as partners in reform.
The conference also addressed the growing role of artificial intelligence in teaching, learning, research and university administration. Participants recommended institutional guidelines, training in AI literacy and safeguards for academic integrity, data protection and human oversight.
To strengthen innovation, the Joint Statement advocates more focused investment in ecosystems connecting researchers, entrepreneurs, businesses, investors and public authorities. It identifies proof-of-concept grants, technology transfer, university–industry partnerships, early-stage financing and support for scaling up as priorities for helping ideas reach the market. Regional cooperation and stronger links with European and global innovation networks are seen as essential to this effort.
Participants further called for more strategic use of European funding. Recommendations include allocating a dedicated share of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans to the knowledge sector, strengthening participation in Horizon Europe and supporting cooperation through European University Alliances.
Independent scientific advice was another key priority. The statement urges governments to establish advisory mechanisms to inform long-term policies and major investments in areas including energy, climate adaptation, water management, public health and digitalisation. Scientific expertise should also support the preparation, monitoring and evaluation of EU-funded projects.
As a self-standing science diplomacy format within the Berlin Process, the Joint Science Conference addresses its recommendations to the political leaders gathering at the annual Western Balkans Summits. This year’s statement sets out a shared call to strengthen the institutions, skills and opportunities needed for the region’s European future.
The Executive Summary is available for download by clicking here, the Joint Statement here.