DUALKO – Strengthening Higher Education–Industry Relations through Dual Education in ICT
Project Overview DUALKO is a regional capacity-building project aimed at modernizing higher education in Albania and Kosovo through the implementation of Dual Higher Education (DHE) models. The project responds directly to the persistent mismatch between academic education and labor market needs, particularly in the ICT sector. By integrating academic learning with structured, work-based training, DUALKO strengthens cooperation between higher education institutions and the private sector. The project adapts proven dual education practices from Austria, Poland, and Cyprus to the local institutional, legal, and economic contexts of Albania and Kosovo. Project Objectives Key Components & Activities Development of Dual Higher Education Models DUALKO designs four adaptable DHE models, providing flexibility for different institutional and sectoral contexts. These models integrate academic instruction with supervised, work-based learning in partner companies. Capacity Building for Academic and Industry Staff The project delivers targeted training for: This ensures quality learning experiences and consistent standards across institutions. Digital Collaboration Platform A dedicated CMS and eLearning platform supports communication, coordination, and learning between universities, students, and industry partners. Pilot Implementation & Evaluation Pilot DHE programs are implemented in selected HEIs, followed by structured monitoring and evaluation to assess effectiveness, scalability, and impact. Our Role A & I Services & Consulting contributes as a project partner by: Our role focuses on ensuring practical applicability, long-term adoption, and alignment with regional development priorities. Expected Results & Impact Sustainability & Long-Term Vision DUALKO ensures sustainability through: Consortium & Partners The DUALKO consortium consists of higher education institutions, public authorities, and private sector partners from Albania, Kosovo, and the EU, working collaboratively to modernize higher education systems.

