The YO-FI project team convened online for the second working meeting, building on the momentum from our inaugural gathering in Pristina. Held on 10.10.2024, this meeting focused on advancing research for the ORRI Guide for Balkan Young Researchers and preparing the questionnaire that will serve as a key tool in identifying regional challenges and opportunities.

Diving Into Activity 1: Research and Questionnaire Development

The meeting brought together team members from Digital Wisdom and Youth Center Drenas to collaboratively plan the next phase of Activity 1.1 – Literature Review and Background Research. The session was structured to ensure progress on both research and data collection efforts critical to the guide’s development.

Proposed contents of the Guide

Executive summary
Chapter 1: Introduction to Open and Responsible Research and Innovation
1.1 Definition and purpose
1.2 Key ORRI dimensions and principles
1.3 Importance of ORRI for the Western Balkan countries
1.4 Global context: ORRI in R&I
1.5 Goals of the Guide and Target audience

Chapter 2: ORRI in the Balkan Context
2.1 Overview of R&I Systems in the Western Balkan countries
2.2 Socio-economic and Cultural Challenges
2.3. Current Research gaps and Brain Drain Issues
2.4. Opportunities and recommendations for ORRI Integration

Chapter 3: Case Studies and Success stories
3.1 ORRI best practices in WB countries
3.2 ORRI best practices in EU countries

Chapter 4: Survey about the awareness of ORRI principles and their adoption in R&I activities in North Macedonia and Kosovo
4.1 The structure of survey questionnaire
4.2 Data analysis with discussion

Chapter 5: Practical ORRI guidelines and framework for its implementation
5.1 Step-by step methodology
5.2 Key policy recommendations

Key Discussion Points

1. Progress on Literature Review
   • Digital Wisdom shared insights from their ongoing review of global and European best practices in ORRI. Early findings highlight successful approaches in engaging young researchers with open and responsible research frameworks.
   • Youth Center Drenas presented initial findings from local sources in Kosovo and North Macedonia, shedding light on country-specific challenges such as limited research funding, resource gaps, and the issue of brain drain.
2. Drafting the ORRI Questionnaire
   • A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to finalizing the ORRI questionnaire. Designed for researchers and institutions, the questionnaire includes both open-ended and multiple-choice questions. It will assess awareness, challenges, and opportunities for implementing ORRI principles in the Balkans.
   • Feedback from all partners ensured the questionnaire is comprehensive and tailored to regional contexts. The final draft will be distributed in both English and local languages by December.
3. Research Coordination and Timeline
   • Partners established clear roles for the research phase:
     • Digital Wisdom will focus on synthesizing European and global findings into a cohesive framework.
     • Youth Center Drenas will lead local stakeholder outreach, distributing the questionnaire and collecting qualitative insights.
   • A timeline for completing Activity 1.1 was confirmed, with results to be compiled by the end of December.

Collaborative Tools and Communication

To streamline collaboration, partners agreed on using [specific tool, e.g., Google Workspace or Trello] for document sharing and progress tracking. Regular bi-weekly check-ins were scheduled to ensure smooth implementation of research activities.

Next Steps

• Questionnaire Distribution: The finalized questionnaire will be sent to solo researchers and organizations in Kosovo and North Macedonia within the next two weeks.
• Data Collection: Both quantitative and qualitative data will be gathered by [specific deadline], forming the foundation for the ORRI Guide for Balkan Young Researchers.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Partners will identify and reach out to key stakeholders to ensure diverse input and regional representation.

A Collaborative Effort for Transformative Impact

This second working meeting highlighted the team’s dedication to creating a guide that not only addresses regional challenges but also empowers young researchers to embrace ORRI principles. By combining robust research with practical, region-specific insights, YO-FI is well on its way to making a lasting impact in the Balkans’ research ecosystem.

Stay tuned for updates as we transition from research to drafting the guide!