The YO-FI project team gathered in Skopje on November 11, 2024, for the third working meeting, marking another significant milestone in the development of the ORRI Guide for Balkan Young Researchers. Hosted by Digital Wisdom, the meeting provided an opportunity to review the first draft of the guide, align ongoing research efforts, and finalize the ORRI questionnaire for distribution.

Reviewing the First Draft of the ORRI Guide

A key highlight of the meeting was the presentation and review of the initial draft of the ORRI Guide. Partners from Digital Wisdom and Youth Center Drenas collaborated to ensure the guide reflects both global best practices and regional insights.

Key Updates on the Guide:

• Incorporating Regional Perspectives: The first draft included region-specific challenges and opportunities identified through preliminary research, such as limited funding, resource accessibility, and the issue of brain drain.
• Practical Frameworks: The guide emphasizes actionable strategies for implementing ORRI principles, including step-by-step methodologies and real-life case studies from Kosovo and North Macedonia.
• Feedback and Revisions: Partners provided feedback on the structure and content, ensuring the guide is both practical and accessible for young researchers across the Balkans.

Aligning Research Efforts

To ensure consistency in research findings, partners reviewed the progress of Activity 1.1 – Literature Review and Background Research. Updates included:

• Local Data Integration: Youth Center Drenas shared insights from stakeholder interviews and focus groups, highlighting barriers faced by young researchers in rural areas.
• Global Context: Digital Wisdom presented findings on international best practices, emphasizing how successful ORRI initiatives could be adapted to the Balkan context.
• Next Steps: Partners agreed on a timeline to consolidate research findings and incorporate them into the guide by the end of November.

Finalizing the Questionnaire

The meeting culminated in the finalization of the ORRI questionnaire, a vital tool for gathering direct input from solo researchers and organizations.

• Targeted Approach: The questionnaire was tailored to capture the specific needs and challenges of young researchers and institutions in the region.
• Bilingual Format: To ensure accessibility, the questionnaire will be distributed in both English and local languages.
• Distribution Plan: Partners outlined a strategy to distribute the questionnaire across Kosovo, North Macedonia, and the broader Balkan region, aiming for a diverse and representative dataset.

Energizing Collaboration in Skopje

The meeting wasn’t all work—team members had the chance to explore Skopje’s vibrant cultural scene, fostering stronger bonds and collaboration among partners.

Next Steps

• Questionnaire Distribution: Partners will roll out the questionnaire to stakeholders by [specific date], with responses to be collected and analyzed over the following weeks.
• Guide Revision: Based on meeting feedback and additional research, the second draft of the ORRI Guide will be prepared by December.
• Upcoming Activities: Preparations will begin for the next working meeting to review questionnaire findings and finalize the guide.

A Step Closer to Impactful Change

The third YO-FI working meeting in Skopje highlighted the power of collaboration in creating meaningful resources for young researchers. With a refined guide draft and a finalized questionnaire ready for distribution, the project is well on track to make a lasting contribution to fostering open and responsible research practices across the Balkans.

Stay tuned for updates on the next phase of the YO-FI journey!