interview

Spanning Boundaries Agents Testimonials: Erjon Curraj

A series of “Spanning Boundaries” Agents’ testimonials of Albanian professionals who, with the support of EU for Innovation, attended the 2nd cohort of SB Training Programme.

 

Erjon Curraj’s Profile

Erjon Curraj is an expert in digital transformation and innovation, and avails of a blended professional experience in academia, public and private sector. He has a PhD in management studies with a research project on the impact of digitalisation in the performance of SMEs in Albania.

Stemming from his passion about innovation and entrepreneurship, he founded in 2014 the start-up Tech360 Smart Solutions, which offers digital solutions to businesses, education institutions and individuals. Erjon is an enthusiast of inclusive digitalisation, and he provides support and mentoring to students and young people in start-ups. He is also a promotor of girls and women in STEM and is part of the Network of Albanian Women in STEM of SCiDEV. He is currently Jean Monnet Module Coordinator on digital translation and promotion of EU digital agenda 2030 in Albania.

 

What is your role as a Spanning Boundaries Agent in your institution?

I am the Founder and Managing Partner of Tech360 Smart Solutions and I seek to establish it as an intermediary between research and business for harnessing the potential of digitalisation for inclusive growth.

3 words that describe your job:
What was your motivation to join and what expectations did you have from the Spanning Boundaries Training?

I have worked for more than 15 years in the intersection between business and academia, and this was my motivation for Joining the Spanning Boundaries Programme. The aim of my personal project within the SB programme was to develop a platform, that facilitates links between business and research with a focus on digital transformation of both businesses and academia. My motivation was to learn from peers, experts and partners on how to develop a platform that offers: information, expertise, opportunities, as well as possibilities to meet and match and develop collaborative project, but also promote successful cases to inspire others.

What are some incentives/ success factors for a fruitful cooperation between academia and industry, in your opinion?

I have finalized research on the links between research and business in Albania as part of the Jean Monnet Module that is about to be published. Based on that data, my two cents on the matter would be:

Any recommendations you might be willing to share on how to bridge the gap between academia and industry/ businesses in Albania?

My call to action for bridging the gap is for cooperation to start small, explore new opportunities, build partnerships, strengthen trust.

Would you suggest that programmes such as “Spanning Boundaries” continue to be introduced to the Albanian actors; both in Academia and Industry?

I strongly recommend the programme to others. I had an opportunity to meet new partners, network and reinforce existing cooperation.

Any further comment on SB programme and/ or ‘EU for Innovation’?

‘EU for Innovation’ could provide further support to boost the Spanning Boundaries agent’s role. Network or Funding options.

Orkestra.al – Everything for your car, online
October, 2021

Orkestra.al – Everything for your car, online

The start-up Orkestra.al was listed among the winners of the Challenge Fund thanks to its innovation, dedication and the determination to make this business successful. Orkestra will function as an online platform where the interested parties can find and purchase spare parts for cars, as individuals or other businesses. Each part will have a warranty […]

View more
Launching event of the 1<sup>st</sup> Tirana Hackathon
February, 2020

Launching event of the 1st Tirana Hackathon

This evening, EU for Innovation and Crazy Town officially launched the 1st TiranaHackathon, at the premises of the Municipality of Tirana. In a room packed with students, researchers, university representatives, innovators, coaches and successful players of the innovation ecosystem in Albania, the Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj presented to the participants the challenge of this 1st Hackathon – “How to make Tirana an European hotspot for digital nomads?”. Minister for Protection of Entrepreneurship, Eduard Shalsi […]

View more
Loading
footer logo