The Department of Business Administration at EPOKA University strengthened its international collaboration through its contribution to the organization of the Summer School “The Tokenised Economy and Law,” conducted within the framework of International Week in Europe 2026, in collaboration with the University of Rome Tor Vergata and other academic units of EPOKA University.

Co-funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ Programme, the Summer School brought together students, academics, public representatives, and professionals from Albania and Italy for an intensive academic experience focused on emerging developments in the digital economy. Held from May 21 to May 27, 2026, the programme provided participants with valuable opportunities to explore the economic, legal, and technological dimensions of tokenization and digital transformation.

The academic programme featured lectures, seminars, workshops, and discussions addressing topics such as tokenised economies, digital finance, blockchain technologies, innovation, entrepreneurship, legal frameworks, and European perspectives on digital transformation. Through interdisciplinary sessions, participants gained insights into how emerging technologies are reshaping business models, financial systems, regulatory approaches, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

The Summer School brought together distinguished academics and experts from academia, public institutions, and the technology sector. The programme included contributions from Prof. Gianluca Mattarocci and Prof. Massimo Papa from the University of Rome Tor Vergata, Dr. Elda Dollija and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gentjan Skara from EPOKA University, as well as PhD Candidate Ester Duro from the University of Rome Tor Vergata and PhD Candidate Kriselda Gura from EPOKA University.

The discussions were further enriched by contributions from representatives of Albanian institutions and the innovation ecosystem, including Dr. Olta Manjani, Deputy Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation of Albania; Mr. Gert Shijaku from the Research Department of the Bank of Albania; Mr. Elvis Shera, Blockchain Expert; and Mr. Dorian Kane from Albania’s AI & Web3 Developer Community. Their participation provided students with valuable perspectives on policy development, financial regulation, blockchain applications, artificial intelligence, and the future of digital entrepreneurship.

Beyond the academic sessions, participants engaged in institutional and cultural activities that complemented the learning experience. Visits to institutions such as the Bank of Albania, as well as cultural visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Gjirokastër and Butrint, offered participants a broader understanding of Albania’s economic, historical, and cultural environment while fostering intercultural exchange among participants from different backgrounds.

The successful implementation of the Summer School reflects the commitment of the Department of Business Administration to promoting internationalization, interdisciplinary learning, and collaboration with academic and professional communities. By connecting students and researchers with international experts and practitioners, the initiative contributed to strengthening knowledge exchange and preparing participants to better understand the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly digital and interconnected economy.

The Department of Business Administration extends its sincere appreciation to all colleagues, partner institutions, speakers, and supporting units who contributed to the success of this initiative. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Elda Dollija, Lecturer at the Department of Business Administration; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gentjan Skara, Head of the Department of Law; PhD Candidate Kriselda Gura, Assistant Lecturer at the Department of Banking and Finance; the International Relations Office of EPOKA University; and all administrative units whose dedication and support played an important role in the successful organization of the programme.

This initiative represents another meaningful step in the continued cooperation between EPOKA University and the University of Rome Tor Vergata, creating opportunities for international academic exchange, interdisciplinary dialogue, and the development of globally oriented graduates equipped to contribute to the evolving digital economy.

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