List of projects

MetaVET is an innovative project that transforms vocational education and training (VET) in the Western Balkans, with a focus on Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. By incorporating advanced metaverse technology, the project redefines traditional learning methods, offering immersive and interactive educational experiences. The project emphasizes collaboration and knowledge exchange among educators through strategic mobility initiatives. VET teachers in the region will develop skills in metaverse infrastructure and virtual reality (VR), gaining exposure to innovative teaching tools. Students will engage in practical learning with cobot technology, exploring programming, operation, and troubleshooting in simulated real-world environments. This hands-on approach allows students to harness the potential of cobots in modern manufacturing, preparing them for the rapidly evolving job market.

The DELTA project fosters a culture of knowledge exchange and innovation in multidisciplinary teaching across the Western Balkans. It focuses on equipping individuals with essential data literacy skills, crucial for integration into the EU economy and labor market. As the Fourth Industrial Revolution and digital transformation reshape the region, the project addresses the challenge of developing a workforce skilled in data use and decision-making. DELTA enhances adaptability and competitiveness by offering data literacy courses aligned with EU standards. The project develops an ECTS-compliant curriculum, trains educators, and implements a pilot program at regional universities. Additionally, DELTA establishes a digital learning platform and a certification system to validate student competencies. By strengthening data literacy, DELTA improves educational quality, workforce readiness, and integration with the EU, helping Western Balkan students gain the skills necessary for global job market demands.

Rewire Institute aims to bridge the gap between formal education and industry needs by fostering collaboration between academic institutions and businesses. It focuses on modernizing curricula, integrating digital learning solutions, and enhancing vocational training to equip students with relevant skills for the evolving job market. The initiative improves employability and strengthens the competitiveness of enterprises, driving innovation and economic growth. Through strategic partnerships and continuous feedback from industry stakeholders, the project ensures that education remains aligned with technological advancements and market demands. Rewire Institute supports a dynamic education system that prepares students for real-world challenges, fostering both individual career success and broader economic development.

The project aims to equip students with soft skills through practical educational tools enhanced by augmented reality. By immersing students in an XR simulation, we will create a learning experience that maximizes their potential for success, increases their cognitive abilities, and improves their understanding of training material. With this innovative approach, we can help students gain the necessary skills to achieve academic excellence. XR can help teach soft skills through engaging simulations and exercises. This facilitates understanding of training materials through cognitive experiments and provides high-impact training focused on critical soft skills and knowledge that can be accessed from various locations for distance learning. The training helps future managers and teams learn, practice and develop in a safe environment, which results in their readiness for professional and academic life challenges.

The HOMO DIGITALIS project aims to integrate digital tools into the humanities and education sectors across the Western Balkans to address the challenges of the digital transformation. Leveraging European expertise, the project enhances the capabilities of partner universities by modernizing graduate programs and courses with a focus on digital humanities and educational media. It includes lab development, labor market research, and specialized academic training tailored to regional trends. HOMO DIGITALIS promotes regional cooperation, seeking to increase investments in research infrastructure and create joint research and innovation (R&I) infrastructures. The project also focuses on revitalizing existing curricula by incorporating cutting-edge technologies, enhancing teaching, learning, and academic research. In addition, it encourages cultural innovation and strengthens the connection between humanities and technology in education. By doing so, it contributes to the modernization of the region’s educational systems and cultural heritage.

The Green Agenda Innovation Accelerator (GAIA) project aims to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Bosnia and Herzegovina in transitioning to a greener economy through digitalization and sustainable practices. It offers tailored interventions across sectors like fashion, wood processing, and construction, focusing on cost-effective green innovations. By providing access to training, financing, and a Carbon Accounting Platform, the project promotes green entrepreneurship. The initiative leverages collaboration with regional partners, including SSST, and aligns with key public sector strategies such as the EU's Green Agenda for the Western Balkans. As the region faces significant climate challenges, the project emphasizes innovation as a critical enabler for sustainable industrial practices. It encourages businesses to adopt efficient, environmentally friendly production methods and enables entrepreneurs to access funding opportunities to drive their green transformation. Ultimately, the project fosters a shift towards sustainable, innovation-driven economic growth in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Young Entrepreneurs Academy is part of the "Better Governance for Faster Economic Growth" (EGG2) project, implemented in partnership with UNDP, with support from the Ministry of Education of Sarajevo Canton and the Institute for the Development of Pre-University Education of Sarajevo Canton. The program engages over 150 students, including 90 young women, from 11 high schools across Sarajevo Canton. This innovative innitiative aims to foster entrepreneurial skills and mindset among high school students through practical experience, mentorship, and structured training. By establishing entrepreneurship clubs in schools, students collaborate with mentors and coordinators to develop business ideas. The modular training program offers essential knowledge in entrepreneurship to support students' growth and business development skills.

The its4Health Project aims to accelerate the digital transformation of the healthcare sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina by enhancing the digital capabilities of healthcare providers and professionals. The project focuses on three core components: education, innovation, and transformation. It offers digital literacy and advanced technology training, including artificial intelligence, through an E-learning platform and tailored programs. The project also develops a Digital Maturity Assessment Framework to evaluate the readiness of healthcare institutions for digital integration and provides tools to address gaps. Additionally, it introduces a Sustainability Assessment Methodology to reduce healthcare’s environmental footprint while improving operational efficiency. The project supports innovation by fostering start-ups, organizing events like Sarajevo Innovation Week, and collaborating with international partners. It also enhances the National Standardization Management System to facilitate access to healthcare standards, ensuring compliance with international guidelines. Through these initiatives, the project seeks to improve healthcare service delivery and increase industry competitiveness.

The BUDGET-IT project aims to transform institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Turkey by using gender+ budgeting to advance inclusive gender equality. The project works alongside leading universities in Italy and Spain to enhance the inclusiveness, reputation, and research excellence of partner institutions. Gender+ budgeting addresses stagnation in gender equality by ensuring that institutional budgets and resources are allocated equitably, focusing on intersectionality. Often, Gender Equality Plans (GEPs) lack sufficient resources, reinforcing existing gender inequalities. By integrating gender+ budgeting into GEPs, the project ensures that resources are distributed fairly and inclusively. Over the course of the project, partners identify at least three intersections to tailor and enhance GEPs, ensuring they meet the needs of all groups. By the end of the project, participating institutions will have a developed and comprehensive Gender Equality Plan and Gender Budget (GEP-GB).

The BalVET-EWEC project aims to address the brain drain in the Western Balkans by equipping young people with essential skills for the modern workforce. It strives to retain talent in the region through the creation of "Living Labs" in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Montenegro. These labs serve as experimental environments for both formal and non-formal education, fostering cross-border collaboration and innovation. The initiative supports youth in transitioning to adulthood, preparing them to become active citizens, successful professionals, and key contributors to regional economic growth. Aligned with broader European goals such as sustainability, digitalization, and greening society, the project promotes long-term social change. The Knowledge Exchange Platform (KEP) facilitates this process by providing a virtual hub for training, collaboration, and the sharing of knowledge across the region.

EUFutur project aims to promote active EU citizenship and values among diverse population groups across participating countries. By gathering information, exchanging practices, and building knowledge, the project encourages the European integration process through academic debates, research papers, publications, and events such as conferences, seminars, and workshops. These activities involve academics, decision-makers, and students, with a focus on engaging the younger generation, particularly undergraduate and graduate students. The project seeks to enhance collaboration among higher education institutions in the Western Balkans, including partners from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and North Macedonia, alongside an EU partner from Italy. By fostering partnerships, EUFutur contributes to the strengthening of academic and institutional ties, promoting European integration and cooperation across the region.

The EDIRE project aims to enhance the research capacity of the University Sarajevo School of Science and Technology (SSST), focusing on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). Over the course of three years, the project works to improve SSST’s research profile by integrating best practices and fostering knowledge-sharing networks with universities in Italy, Spain, France, and Ireland. This collaboration strengthens SSST’s scientific infrastructure and boosts its capacity in the field of EDI. Furthermore, EDIRE strives to disseminate knowledge across Bosnia and Herzegovina’s university network and scientific institutions, promoting a more inclusive and equitable research environment. By encouraging such partnerships and sharing expertise, the project aims to significantly contribute to the growth and development of research in the region.

The EUPHAM module offers specialized training in EU public health, focusing on global health threats and migration crises. It addresses the impact of migration on both physical and mental health, particularly in regions like the Western Balkans, where public health policies are not aligned with EU standards. The module analyzes the relationship between EU public health policies and global migration, catering to students, public health officials, and policymakers. It provides both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, enhancing lifelong learning and promoting international mobility. The project aims to improve data collection, modernize public health programs, and contribute to the development of transparent tools for better access to funding. By equipping individuals with professional skills, the module fosters the integration of EU standards into public health and migration policies, ultimately strengthening the response to migration-related health challenges.

The SHELeadersVR project aims to showcase the stories of female rulers from the Western Balkans through Virtual and Augmented Reality. The project digitally reconstructs the castles where these women lived, allowing users to explore historical sites and experience significant events from their reigns. Featured rulers include Queen Jelena Gruba of Bosnia, Princess Milica of Serbia, Queen Marija Paleologos of Macedonia, Queen Vojsava Tribalda of Albania, and Queen Izabeta Crnojević of Montenegro. Over the course of three years, the project produces 360-degree videos, creates digital story scenarios, and develops VR and AR applications. The final phase focuses on evaluating user experiences and installing the applications in partner museums. This project offers an innovative way to preserve and share cultural heritage, providing an immersive learning experience for visitors.

The International Master in Virtual Reality Production (IMVRP) is a two-year master’s program designed to create professionals who combine technical computing skills with creative abilities, meeting industry demands for experts in Virtual Reality (VR) and 360° video production. The program blends disciplines such as computer science, visual arts, acting, and film, focusing on producing VR movies, 360° video news reporting, and developing new interaction techniques for immersive media. IMVRP prepares students for interdisciplinary roles, including storywriters, animators, visual artists, and programmers. The program integrates technical and artistic knowledge, equipping students to thrive in the VR production industry. Through practical work on VR projects, students gain hands-on experience, and upon completion, they are awarded a Joint Degree. This comprehensive curriculum fosters collaboration with industry partners and provides students with the skills needed for success in the rapidly evolving field of VR production.

The 2022 edition of “What Does BiH Mean to You?” challenges young filmmakers to explore Bosnian society through the lens of those who are marginalized – legally defined as “The Others” or those who see themselves as such due to exclusion from political, social, or economic life.
Inspired by five European Court of Human Rights rulings on constitutional discrimination, the project highlights the voices of individuals often overlooked in mainstream discourse. From persons with mixed ethnic backgrounds and individuals with disabilities to undocumented immigrants and LGBTQ+ members, these films bring forward untold stories.
A unique feature of this edition is the requirement that leading actors from one film appear as extras in others, symbolizing the marginalization they portray. By exposing the absurdities of BiH’s political system, this project consisted of four short films, not only fosters critical discussion but also offers a powerful cinematic reflection on inclusion, identity, and the country's European future.

The MAPS Project is a student-centric initiative by the Sorenson Impact Center aimed at addressing the rapidly evolving challenges in higher education. The sector is facing significant pressures, including demographic shifts, market disruptions, and sustained enrollment declines – trends that were further intensified by the COVID-19 crisis. These challenges have highlighted existing inequities in higher education, where outcomes often vary widely, disproportionately affecting historically marginalized students and communities. MAPS seeks to equip higher education leaders with the tools and insights needed to build more resilient and equitable systems where all students, regardless of background, can succeed. By leveraging high-quality data and amplifying underrepresented voices, the project helps decision-makers Model, Analyze, Prototype, and Share innovative solutions. The MAPS suite of data tools, alongside supporting research, provides a new framework for identifying strategic questions, navigating market challenges, and making data-driven decisions that promote greater equity and inclusion in higher education.

University SSST develops the second edition of the “What Does BiH Mean to You?” project in 2021, following its involvement in a special screening and panel discussion for the first edition in 2020.
With a commitment to fostering diversity in film, SSST proposes a unique approach for 2021—exclusively inviting female filmmakers to participate. Recognizing that women in BiH and globally often have fewer opportunities in film, the project aims to amplify their voices and perspectives. Under the slogan "Celebrating Female Voices in Art," it provides a platform for young female directors to share their experiences, struggles, and aspirations through short films.
The 2021 omnibus consists of four films that reflect on life in BiH, touching on themes of identity, resilience, and societal challenges. Importantly, three out of four films explore the impact of COVID-19, adding documentary significance. By engaging young creators and addressing critical social issues, the project not only enriches the cultural landscape but also contributes to greater gender inclusion in the arts, empowering a new generation of female filmmakers.

The identification, classification, and assessment of explosive devices such as unexploded ordnances (UXOs) and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are critical for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), law enforcement agencies (LEAs), and emergency response operations, as well as NATO's strategic and tactical interests. However, first responders often lack rapid access to actionable intelligence on discovered threats. VECTOR addresses this gap through an innovative Multimedia Capture Application and a digital Command and Control platform. The application allows first responders to capture and securely transfer augmented reality (AR)-assisted images and videos, which are then processed through automated image recognition for rapid classification. VECTOR also converts 2D images into high-detail 3D models using advanced photogrammetry, enabling remote experts to analyze threats in Virtual Labs, including a Virtual Reality (VR) environment. The Command-and-Control dashboard provides real-time classification and expert guidance, improving situational awareness, decision-making, and response effectiveness.

The e-VIVA project enhances students' skills development by validating competencies in formal and informal learning settings. It introduces a blended learning approach to assess service-oriented competences in higher education and workplace contexts. The project analyzes validation methods to bridge education and professional practice while advancing ICT-based assessment systems. e-VIVA also enriches existing certification frameworks by developing software for service-related skills validation. A key focus is applying the e-VIVA assessment system for structured competence recognition. Additionally, the project fosters sustainable collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring long-term impact. Through digital tools and innovative learning, e-VIVA promotes flexible and inclusive skills recognition, strengthening the link between education and professional practice.