The YO-FI project officially came to life with an engaging and productive first meeting held in Pristina, Kosovo, bringing together the dedicated project partners from Digital Wisdom, Youth Center Drenas, and key stakeholders. This important gathering marked the beginning of our mission to promote Open and Responsible Research and Innovation (ORRI) principles among young researchers in the Balkans.

Setting the Stage for Collaboration

On 2025, the project partners convened in the vibrant city of Pristina to formally sign the partnership agreement and establish a shared vision for YO-FI’s implementation. Hosted by Youth Center Drenas, the meeting set a collaborative tone for the months ahead, with lively discussions focusing on the project’s objectives, deliverables, and upcoming milestones.

Highlights of the Meeting

1. Formal Partnership Agreement Signed
   The agreement between the partners was officially signed, solidifying the commitment to the project’s goals. This milestone ensures a unified approach to executing YO-FI’s activities effectively.
2. Activity 1: ORRI Guide for Balkan Young Researchers
   The core focus of the meeting was planning the first major deliverable—compiling the “ORRI Guide for Balkan Young Researchers.” Discussions centered on the guide’s structure, goals, and specific challenges in North Macedonia and Kosovo.
3. Defining Roles and Responsibilities
   Each partner outlined their roles, with Digital Wisdom leading the research and drafting processes and Youth Center Drenas managing local data collection and outreach. This division of labor will ensure the guide is both comprehensive and regionally tailored.
4. Establishing Communication Channels
   Partners agreed on a shared digital workspace and set schedules for regular check-ins to monitor progress, ensuring transparency and smooth collaboration.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

As a conclusion to the meeting, partners outlined initial tasks under Activity 1.1.1 – Literature Review and Background Research:

• Digital Wisdom will focus on global and European ORRI best practices and conduct an extensive literature review.
• Youth Center Drenas will gather country-specific data and case studies from North Macedonia and Kosovo, with a particular focus on unique regional challenges.
• A joint ORRI Questionnaire will be finalized and distributed to researchers and institutions by the end of November.

These efforts will culminate in a robust foundation for drafting the ORRI Guide, ensuring it reflects the real needs and opportunities for young researchers in the Balkans.

A Strong Start for YO-FI

The Pristina meeting laid the groundwork for a successful project, setting the stage for transformative outcomes in the region’s research and innovation landscape. As we move forward, the enthusiasm and dedication displayed during this first gathering promise a bright future for YO-FI and the young researchers it aims to empower.

Stay tuned for updates as we progress with the exciting activities ahead!