On April 4, Epoka University proudly hosted the Roundtable Workshop on “Triple Helix Synergies for Circular Economy and Sustainability”—a dynamic and solution-oriented event held within the framework of the READ Project: “Towards an Education for Circular Economy: Impact of CE Teaching Practices on Sustainability and Environmental Protection”, supported by the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF).

This impactful workshop was co-organized by resident scholars Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alba Kruja, Dr. Fatbardha Morina, and Dr. Arjona Lami from EPOKA University, alongside diaspora scholar Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vera Ndrecaj from Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK. Their shared mission: is to foster stronger links between education, public policy, business, and civil society for a sustainable, circular economy in Albania and beyond.

• The event was welcomed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alba Kruja, who reaffirmed the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences at EPOKA University's strong commitment to embedding Circular Economy principles in higher education—emphasizing that such education is not just a policy goal but a transformative path toward a more innovative, resilient, and sustainable future. She also stressed the importance of interdisciplinary curricula and Triple-Helix collaboration to equip future leaders with practical, impactful skills.
• The workshop was honored by opening remarks from Mr. Sofjan Jaupaj, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Environment, who highlighted Albania’s commitments under the EU accession process, particularly Chapter 27, and emphasized the importance of policy support, education, and stakeholder synergy in driving Albania’s transition toward a greener and more circular economy.
• A powerful keynote was delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vera Ndrecaj, who brought international insights from Circular Economy education models in the UK. She highlighted systems thinking, green innovation, and collaboration as pillars of effective CE education, while also underscoring the crucial role of the diaspora in transferring knowledge and supporting local adaptation of global best practices.

Key Highlights from the Roundtable Discussions:

The workshop brought together thought leaders and practitioners from academia, government, private sector, and NGOs to discuss the integration of Circular Economy principles into education and practice. Panel topics included:

• Dr. Fatbardha Morina & Dr. Arjona Lami – Teaching practices and curriculum gaps in Albanian higher education related to Circular Economy
• Prof. Dr. Mimoza Manxhari (FEUT) – The role of Management Departments in advancing the Triple Helix model
• Mr. Shpendi Gjana (AKBN) – Government strategies for sustainable resource management
• Ms. Valbona Koci (GIZ, EU4Innovation) – The Diaspora for Innovation Initiative as a powerful catalyst for advancing education in Albania.
• Mr. Marcel Thompkins (GIZ, EU4Circular Economy and Liveable Cities) – Development of Circular City Labs and the importance of urban innovation ecosystems
• Ms. Eda Husa & Ms. Elsa Lila (Intesa Sanpaolo Bank) – Green financing and ESG practices supporting CE initiatives
• Mr. Shkelzen Marku (Growpreneur) – The role of startups in accelerating CE innovation
• Mr. Kushtrim Shala (ALBICT) – Digital innovation and its impact on CE implementation
• Mr. Valer Pinderi (Albanian E-Commerce Association) – Skills development and university-industry cooperation
• Mr. Drini Zusi (AZ Group) – The impact of research and innovation on business competitiveness in Circular Economy
• Ms. Ledi Leka (Circular Economy Advocate) – Experiences from the “Qarkonomia” initiative and the role of NGOs in promoting CE models
• Dr. Besjon Zenelaj – Epoka University’s “Sustainable Living Labs” as platforms for real-world learning
• Dr. Chrysanthy Balomeneo – Academic contributions to sustainability and Circular Economy practices

This roundtable marks a pivotal step in strengthening education-driven sustainability in Albania—uniting Triple and Quadruple Helix stakeholders in shared action toward a circular and resilient future.

Together, we are not just shaping minds—we are transforming systems.