Tempus RESI

8/11/2019 Tempus RESI

1/32

INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING

Universitt Hohenheim

Chair in Agricultural Engineering in the Tropics and Subtropics

Prof. Dr. J. Mller

Tempus Project 544504-TEMPUS-1-2013-1-DE-TEMPUS-JPCR

Renewable Energy Studies in Western Balkan Countries

Shkelqim Karaj

from Tirana, Albania

2014


2/32


3/32

I

Contents

1 WB BALKAN UNIVERSITIES WELL INFORMED ABOUT RENEWABLE ENERGY

POTENTIAL .......................................................................................................................... 3

1.1

Description of workpackage ...................................................................................... 3

1.1.1

M. Sc and PhD studies are defined at the 1st SCM ......................................... 3

1.1.2

Constitution of Western Balkan working groups ............................................ 4

2

THE M. SC AND PHD REGULATIONS ARE CREATED ACCORDING TO THE

BOLOGNA SYSTEM ........................................................................................................... 5

2.1 Description of workpackage ...................................................................................... 5

2.1.1 Staff training, mobilities to European Universities ......................................... 5

2.1.2 M. Sc and PhD study regulations .................................................................... 6

2.1.3

Development of new modules syllabi ............................................................ 6

2.1.4 M. Sc and PhD program development ............................................................ 6

3

M. SC AND PHD STUDIES ARE IMPLEMENTED, LABORATORIES AND

LITERATURE IS UPDATED AND STAFFS ARE TRAINED .......................................... 7

3.1

Description of workpackage ...................................................................................... 7

3.1.1

M. Sc and PhD studies implementation .......................................................... 7

3.1.2 Purchasing laboratory equipment, materials and literature ............................. 8

3.1.3 Staff training for use of laboratory equipments ............................................... 8

4

INTERNSHIP AND INNOVATIVE FUNDING SUPPORT ARE IMPLEMENTEDTOGETHER WITH INDUSTRY .......................................................................................... 9

4.1 Description of workpackage ...................................................................................... 9

4.1.1

Internships in Industry are introduced ............................................................. 9

4.1.2

Funding support innovation practices are introduced ................................... 10

5

QUALITY CONTROL PROCEDURES ......................................................................... 11

5.1 Description of workpackege .................................................................................... 11

5.1.1 Western Balkan network Universities and Industry ...................................... 12

5.1.2 M. Sc and PhD in Renewable Energy are established .................................. 12

5.1.3

Development of internships in Industry ........................................................ 12

6

RESULTS OF M. SC AND PHD STUDIES ARE REALIZED AND DISSEMINATED14

6.1

Description of workpackage .................................................................................... 14

6.1.1

Project results dissemination ......................................................................... 15

6.1.2

Students and staff present their results .......................................................... 15

6.1.3

Establishment of project website. .................................................................. 15

7 M. SC AND PHD STUDIES ARE ESTABLISHED AND EXPLOITED ...................... 16

7.1


7.1.1 Monitoring and establishing control measures .............................................. 16


4/32

II

7.1.2

Promotion of Renewable Energy .................................................................. 17

8 PROJECT IS SUCCESSFULLY MANAGED ................................................................ 18

8.1


8.1.1 Project steering committee meetings ............................................................. 18

8.1.2 Network with Industry for practicum ............................................................ 19

9

SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT .................................................................................... 20

10

THE PROJECT RATIONALE ................................................................................ 21

11

THE PROJECT'S CONTENT AND METHODOLOGY ....................................... 23

12 DISSEMINATION AND SUSTAINABILITY ...................................................... 27


5/32

3

1 WB Balkan Universities well informed about renewable energy potential

Assumptions:

- Reform of Higher Education and further integration into European Higher Education structure.

- M. Sc programs applied at national and international level.

- M. Sc and PhD studies related to national and International market.

Risks:

- Failure of management and administrative systems within the universities.

- Lack of information on the Master and PhD reform and academic framework.

1.1 Description of workpackage

Within the WP1 is consisting on gaining knowledge about the potential of Renewable Energy in

the Western Balkan (WB). All sources of renewable energy are evaluated on a national basis and

the information is provided to all partners (EU and WB). Information on Renewable Energy

potential will be delivered from WB partners in order to determine research potential, market

demand potential and number of industries operating in the field. The capacity and resources of

each WB partners are evaluated and considered at the first Steering Committee Meting (SCM).

Master and PhD studies are defined in collaboration with EU member partners.

The Western Balkan working group (WBWG) will be established during the first (SCM). The

WBGW is responsible for the coordination of regional activities and will design the

questionnaires for the respective ministries, universities, and the private industry (domestic and

foreign). SC will supervise and help out regarding preparatory working programme to ensure

overall guidance of the project. Information on Renewable Energy potential, on local and

national enterprises able to provide internship programs and on the network formation will be

presented at the 2nd SCM by the WB university partners.

The quality control managing group (QCMG) will also be established during the first SCM. TheQCMG is responsible for conducting the quality analysis of the implementation of the project

and of the contents of M. Sc program and PhD studies, through data collection and analysis,

surveys and interviews.

1.1.1 M. Sc and PhD studies are defined at the 1st SCM

During the first SCM the curricula and general frame of the new Master and PhD studies is being

drafted. Each WB partner University is then presenting the current academic and research

potential of their institutions. Based on this report and depending on the capacity and resources


6/32

4

of each partner institution, individual plans are made how the new curricula will either be used to

improve existing programs or the full master and PhD courses will be established.

1.1.2 Constitution of Western Balkan working groups

Each partner university proposes two professors as members of the Western Balkan Working

Group (WBWG). During the first SCM the WBWG is founded. The WBWG is coordinating the

project activities in WB during the whole project. The duties of the group are to gather all

information relevant for the M. Sc program and PhD studies and to produce a report about the

current state for evaluation and discussion by the SC.

1.1.2.1 Lead partner

WP 1 is coordinated from University of Montenegro. The coordination of WBWG will be done

in collaboration with University of PUT. Collection of legal document on Higher Education

reform in Universities, ministries and market analysis. Preparation of printed material to all

partners, participation on WBWG and distributing/ collecting all material to the National

Authorities.


7/32

5

2 The M. Sc and PhD regulations are created according to the Bologna system

Assumptions:

- Define common studies through partner universities.

- Involvement of Higher Education Institutions to promote reform.

Risks:

- Identification of a common M. Sc program model.


Based on results gained during the activities of the first working package the WBWG and EU

partners are creating the regulations for the Master program according to the Bologna system. In

order to define best practices university members from WB countries are travelling to EU project

members and collecting information on compulsory and elective modules for the Master

program in Renewable Energy. The gathered information is discussed in the meetings of the

WBWG and common practices are identified, improvements are foreseen, considered and

involvement of regional Industry in internship practices considered.

The documentation and regulation of the Master program are defined in close supervision of EU

member partners. Based on capacity and resources, base line modules are created at each WB

University. New modules are created for fulfilling the requirements of a complete Master

program and all Renewable Energy sources (solar, wind, biomass, water power and geothermal)

are considered in the Master program. The new Master program should prepare candidates for

the professional work trade market and scientific research. The scientific candidates are potential

students to continue the PhD program in the same study area of Renewable Energy.

The Master program is developed at university level and selective modules in English language

on an international level are offered to the students according to their special preferences for

their study program. PhD students enrolled in study areas of Renewable Energy might take

advantage and attend the new created compulsory or selective modules.

Mobilities of academic EU member partner to WB Universities are foreseen as a role to improvelecturing and research skills of WB academic university staffs. These mobilities will be taking

part during the M. Sc program development.

2.1.1 Staff training, mobilities to European Universities

Four professors from each WB University are travelling to EU partner universities in order to

identify compulsory and selective modules in their respective programs. Meetings on a higher

institutional level will be provided by EU partners with the aim to introduce Master studies.

Definition of a strategic document on the compulsory modules for the respective M. Sc programs

will be finalized.


8/32

6

2.1.2 M. Sc and PhD study regulations

M. Sc and PhD regulations are established with assistance of EU members according to the

Bologna educational system. WBWG is organizing meetings at university and regional level and

the strategy for the M. Sc and PhD programs in Renewable Energy are established.

2.1.3 Development of new modules syllabi

The development of new modules for the M. Sc and PhD programs are established with the

assistance of the specialists of the EU partner universities. Emphasis on the content of the

modules and language for the compulsory and elective modules are discussed.

2.1.4 M. Sc and PhD program development

The M. Sc and PhD program is being developed at WB Universities based on the agreed

compulsory and selective modules. WB academic staffs are assisted by EU members for

developing of modules and supervising teaching.

2.1.4.1

Lead partner

Coordinator of the activities related to definition of compulsory and elective modules on the

Master program. Planing and implementation of training and teaching seminars according WB

universities needs. Assisting on Master and PhD studies through Lectures on compulsory and

elective modules. Preparation of the reports and feedback on the implemented training activities.

Assisting on training and teaching of academic staff, providing meetings on higher institutional

level for the WB partners. Assisting on regulation of M. Sc and PhD studies according Bolognaeducational system. Assisting on development of new modules for the M. Sc program and PhD

studies.


9/32

7

3 M. Sc and PhD studies are implemented, laboratories and literature is updated and

staffs are trained

Assumptions:

Introduction of the M. Sc program or - depending on the local situation - some modules of it at

all WB Universities.

Creation of PhD study modules on Renewable Energy

Risks:

- Lack of academic staff for implementation.


This WP is mainly dedicated to the implementation of the M. Sc program and PhD studies at all

WB universities, purchase of equipment and staffs training for soft and hard skills, identification

of weaknesses and other activities foreseen to be implemented.

Purchase of laboratory equipment is organized by the UHOH in collaboration with all WB

universities. Equipment is used for the training of students in the handling of up-to-date

equipment, a precondition for an experimental M. Sc/PhD thesis, general teaching purposes and

is accessible for all WB partner universities, creating a network of laboratory use and knowledge

transfer (agreed memorandum through universities).

University staff members are being trained by laboratory experts on site, as well as via online

video conferences between beneficiary partners and laboratory technicians from EU project

partners for the usage of the modern equipment. Training in place after installation is foreseen

for equipment such as the atomic absorber, ion chromatography from trading companies.

WB professors are evaluating the academic skills of their current M. Sc/PhD students. Based on

the results, strategies are being designed for eliminating weaknesses, such as presentation of

reviewed scientific works at their university, performing lecture (from research area) and

seminars to Bachelor and Master Students. Student mobilities are foreseen and results are

presented at the last conference.

3.1.1 M. Sc and PhD studies implementation

WB partner universities are developing the new M. Sc and PhD studies either as a new program

(if capacity are available), or as improving current programs to the level defined during the first

SCM. Cooperation with other partner universities to establish a combined study programs in

renewable energies is foreseen in Albania (with possibility to enlarge in other WB countries).

The full study program is then available for the students at all partner universities.


10/32

8

3.1.2 Purchasing laboratory equipment, materials and literature

Laboratory equipment serving as tools for facilitating teaching with practical work and enabling

research for M. Sc and PhD thesis are foreseen to be purchased based on the offers and

requirements of the partner universities. Universitt Hohenheim is assisting on purchasing

equipment.

3.1.3

Staff training for use of laboratory equipments

In order to make sure that all new equipment purchased within the project will be properly used

for the new study programs, staff of each partner institution is being trained for its usage.

Training is being done by EU experts on site, by video conferences, using resources of the

suppliers, etc.


UNHOH is leading WP 3 and mainly is responsible for assisting on purchasing the laboratory

equipment, training via video conference and on site is foreseen. Assisting on student selection

for mobility and providing scientific topics to WB Universities. Supervising student during their

staying in EU Universities and enrolling them in foreseen activities.


11/32

9

4 Internship and innovative funding support are implemented together with Industry

Assumptions:

Building of "innovation clusters", as regional knowledge centres for Renewable Energy around

the WB universities

Implementation of internships and practical placements at enterprises.

Risks:

Lack of readiness for good cooperation between universities and industry

Suitable Enterprises not available in some partner countries for certain fields within the scope of

the project.


This WP introduces internships and practical placements of students in enterprises. It is

introducing innovative funding support approach to university and industry and preparing the

academic staff for implementing project in collaboration with the industry to donors (public and

private).

BLE plays the leading role in the propagation and establishment of an innovative funding

support program for PhD students at WB universities. BLE organizes a seminar in Albania to

inform about the funding support schemes for German and European PhD students. The

innovation promotion in this form as it proceeds by the BLE is unique because the research fund

is based not only on public funds, but also subsidized or even fully financed by industry. The

special condition of WB countries will be taken into account in order to adapt such a program to

WB partners. To this seminar all WB partners as well as Ministries and private Industry will be

invited. The objectives of the innovation promotion programme are:

- improving the competitiveness of companies and universities.

- strengthening the economic power of innovation.

- maintaining/enhancing employment.- protecting natural resources.

- improving working conditions.

- strengthening the links between universities and industry.

The industry plays a very important role for implementation of internships of M. Sc students.

4.1.1 Internships in Industry are introduced

Internships are part of the M.Sc. programme and firmly installed in these programmes. For this

purpose a period of one semester is foreseen for practical work. This period shall be completed

before a university degree is awarded. Students will approach Industry with the assistance of


12/32

10

University teachers for completing their practical work. M. Sc thesis and research studies with

industry will be of interest for both University and Industry.

4.1.2 Funding support innovation practices are introduced

The WB universities will undertake a leading and important coordinating function taking place

over the whole region and building "innovation clusters" i.e. regional Agricultural Knowledge

Centres for Renewable Energy. This innovation clusters will be assisted by BLE and a regional

meeting is foreseen in Albania were all industry partners and WB universities will attend.


BLE as leading partner is responsible establishing a PhD funding structure, introducing into a

seminar the organization rules, entity, organization dependency. Internship to industry and

practical work is introduced in the seminar. Innovation clusters will be assisted by BLE and

meeting is foreseen in Albania were all industry partners and WB universities will attend.

AUT is assisting students in Internship and practical work through existing network.

Participating on the seminar organized by BLE and creating together with other AL universities

"innovation clusters" for collecting regional agricultural knowledge on renewable energy sector.

Interacting with national industry and identifying problems in renewable energy sector.


13/32

11

5 Quality control procedures

Assumptions:

Communication among members is working and regular meetings occur.

Active participation of staff members.

Risks:

Weak communication among project partners.

Brain drain of qualified staff.

5.1 Description of workpackege

Quality control procedures will be carried out by the Quality Control Management Group

(QCMG), which will be established during the first SCM. Each member will assign a contact

person responsible for participating in each QCMG meeting. In order to save time and money for

travels, the QCMG will conduct meetings at each SCM and WB partners will meet or

alternatively will have telephone/electronic contact before the SCM takes place to evaluate the

fulfilment of objectives.

The group, led by the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna and the

Technical University of Sofia in collaboration with all partners, is ensuring quality control

procedures. Evaluation criteria will be set by the QCMG, such as:

- number of meetings and outputs

- actors involved in the project

- gender balance

- training and internships in private industry

- agreements between universities and private industry

- university reports and dissemination

- newsletters issued

- comparing activities vs. deliverables- partners activity reports

- answers to the marketsneeds

- new M. Sc and PhD students per university (number, gender, country)

- courses (number, participation, various modules)

- consistency of PhD programmes with the Bologna Process.

The QCMG elaborates and publishes a yearly report on the project web site. The web site will be

an interactive open Innovation Platform in the area of Renewable Energy. QCMG is permanently

monitoring the M. Sc program and the PhD study progress, deliverable activities, time duration


14/32

12

limit and use of allocated inputs, equipment use and impact on teaching didactic, number of

students frequenting new modules and overall acceptance of the project are among the most

important monitoring procedures conducted by the QCMG.

5.1.1 Western Balkan network Universities and Industry

This project starts a new approach of establishing study courses, bringing together universities

covering different fields of science and teaching such as the Agricultural University of Tirana

and the Polytechnic University establishing a common master course for the very first time in

Albania. In addition, a very close cooperation is being established with industry, supporting

internships and practical placements of students and even a funding support system to support M.

Sc and PhD studies.

5.1.2 M. Sc and PhD in Renewable Energy are established

The newly developed master and PhD study programs are formally established and accredited at

the partner universities. The actual form of establishment updating and completion of existing

study courses or establishment of the complete new courses depends on the current situation at

the partner universities and will be decided after the evaluation of the partner institutions during

the first SCM.

5.1.3 Development of internships in Industry

The findings and information gained during the seminar will be used for developing and

controlling the internships within industry. The QCMG is responsible for permanently

monitoring the internship program, deliverable activities, time duration limit and use of allocatedinputs, equipment use and impact on student performance, number of students frequenting

internship and practical placements and the acceptance of the overall project are among

important monitoring procedures conducted by QCMG.


BOKU as leading partner of the WP 5 is responsible for the overall compliance of the tasks and

deadlines fixed for the WP5. Moreover participating on QCMG collaborating on data analysis,

surveys and interviews applied to partner members, elaborate on the yearly reports.

BOKU as leading partner of the WP 5 is responsible for the overall compliance of the tasks and

deadlines fixed for the WP5. Moreover participating on QCMG collaborating on data analysis,

surveys and interviews applied to partner members, elaborate on the yearly reports.

AUT is monitoring the project activities and insuring quality control procedures. Further more

AUT is assigning a contact person responsible for participating in each QMG meetings.

Elaborates on the yearly report and permanently monitors the quality procedures. Permanently

monitoring the internship program, deliverable activities, time duration limit and use of allocated

inputs, equipment use.


15/32

13


16/32

14

6 Results of M. Sc and PhD studies are realized and disseminated

Assumptions:

M. Sc program acceptance from Ministries and civil society.

Willingness of institutions in implementing innovative procedures.

Risks:

Accreditation might not be granted by national authorities.

PhD funding group might not be funded form Ministries and Industry.


The WP6 is organized in three main activities: (i) Project results dissemination, (ii) Students and

staff results, and (iii) Establishment of the project website.

Results of the project are presented on each WB university home page and disseminated among

scientific societies in their own respective countries. Non university partners, Ministries and

Industry are informed electronically about the process of the M. Sc program and PhD study

achievements. Results are disseminated to existing connections and regional, national and

international sub-networks.

The trained students during the project implementation present their results and the findings are

incorporated in the final Tempus report. Demonstration of skills gained in using the purchased

equipment from M. Sc/PhD studies on the final conference to the EU partners is another form of

dissemination measurement.

The website is established at the beginning of the project, objectives are presented, activities are

announced, news are communicated and results are disseminated. The website is established and

managed by the University of Hohenheim.

Project ideas and activities are diffused to other WB universities. The purpose and the objectives

of the new M. Sc program are presented. The advantages and benefits for academic staff and M.

Sc/PhD students are aligned. Ministries are informed about the project ideas and the very

important role they have in implementing the objectives. Private industries are made familiar

with the objectives and activities, moreover, the advantages they might have by collaborating

with universities on issues such as internships and scientific research in resolving actual

problems.

Diffusion of project results to other institutions is done through existing networks and newly

created networks established during the time of the project implementation.


17/32

15

6.1.1 Project results dissemination

Project ideas are diffused to WB universities and the purpose and the objectives for the new M.

Sc program and the PhD studies are presented. The advantages for academic staff, M.Sc and

PhD students are aligned. Ministries are informed about the project; the important role they have

in implementing the projects objectives. Private enterprises are made familiar with the projectobjectives and activities moreover with the advantages they might have by collaborating with

universities on internship.

6.1.2 Students and staff present their results

M. Sc and PhD students and staff present their results in a final conference together with other

scientists. The trained PhD students during the project implementation are presenting their

results and the findings are incorporated to the final Tempus report. Demonstration of skills

gained in using the purchased equipment from M. Sc and PhD students and staff on the finalconference to the EU partners.

6.1.3 Establishment of project website.

The website is established right at the beginning of the project, objectives are presented,

activities are announced, news are launched and results are disseminated.

The website includes:

- maintaining of an on-going and updated discussion related to the Bologna Process.

- open the discussion to individuals and institutions outside the project.

- database to share didactic material.

- set-up of a platform for virtual meetings between partners of the project.


AUT as a leading partner is disseminating results to other university partners and non university

partners. The project ideas and activities are diffused to private industry and advantages are

aligned. AUT is supervising students for presenting their gained results. UT is gathering

information about the dissemination of the RESI newsletter from all partners.

UNHOH is disseminating the results to own network and to university homepage, contributing

on the RESI newsletter. The website is established and managed by the UHOH in collaboration

with AUT and PUT.


18/32

16

7 M. Sc and PhD studies are established and exploited

Assumptions:

Network creation between universities and Industry is fully integrated.

Support of public and private sector promoting Renewable Energy and internship.

Risks:

Industry not willing to participate in the initiative.

Lack of financial resources for implementing the internships.


The WP 7 led by the University of Mostar and the University if Zenica is focusing on creating a

WB university network, promoting Renewable Energy in WB and establishing an internship

network with the private and public sector.

Existing agreements and new memorandum of understanding among WB universities with

potential demand for improving qualification on Renewable Energy are created. These

agreements are in line with the EU standards. For this purpose it is important to establish a

common M. Sc model throughout all WB universities. The network enhances national and

international collaboration between M. Sc/PhD students, scientist, lecturers and makes available

facilities to other institutions.

The status quo of the Renewable Energy potential is analyzed at WP 1 and disseminated to all

partners and non partner universities. The registered private industry to the created network is

informed about the Renewable Energy potential in WB, advantages, possible business plans,

European priorities for Renewable Energy sector and National projects. Ministries are updated

with new potential findings of the Renewable Energy supporting them to design National

strategies.

A database listing all industry partners working in the field of renewable energy is created made

available on the project website. WB professors are organising Internships for students in

enterprises. These internships offer a win-win-situation for both sides - Industry gets assistance

in the formulation of application calls and current university research and students get a close

look into real life in enterprises within the internships.

7.1.1 Monitoring and establishing control measures

The WBWG is responsible for monitoring and establishing quality control measurements. The

group is creating a network with industry and other universities which are informed about the

Renewable Energy sector. Potential and possible business plans are considered and best practices


19/32

17

are shared with all members. Ministries are informed about potential and new findings of the

Renewable Energy sector, supporting them to design National strategies.

7.1.2 Promotion of Renewable Energy

The potential of Renewable Energy is disseminated to all partner and non-partner universities.

The importance and advantages of renewable energy vs. fossil fuel is acknowledged. National

and international universities are informed about achieved results and success of the program.

Best practices gained from the collaboration of university and industry in the renewable energy

sector are propagated.


UNMO as leading partner is monitoring and establishing control measurements. Creating

network with industry. Creation of the database with all active partners new members from

industry and public society and make it available to all partners. Promoting renewable energy toall national and international partners and the importance of renewable energy use vs. fossil fuel.

UNHOH is promoting renewable energy potential of WB countries to network partners and

makes sure that agreements between new universities are in line with EU standards.


20/32

18

8 Project is successfully managed

Assumption:

Coordination Capacity of the Project

Network consolidation among project partners.

Risks:

Workload of staff members.

Political stability.


The Project management is coordinated by the Steering Committee (SC), where all university

partners are present. The SC meets five times and the meeting places are the University of

Hohenheim, University of Podgorica, University of Sofia, University of Mostar, and for the last

SCM together with the final conference, the Agricultural University of Tirana.

The tasks of the SC are:

-monitoring of the project implementation.

-input on education and administrative policies.

-optimization and coordination of administrative activities.

The management of the project is ensured also by additional working groups such as the WBWG

and the QCMG. These groups will be established during the first SCM and the work plan, the

activities for the project implementation and the training periods for staff and students shall be

defined there as well. The SC takes the responsibility for the financial management, especiallythe usage of the project funds wherever changes to the original plans are necessary. The financial

services (budget control, payments and financial reports) are managed by the Eastern Europe

Centre (EEC) of the UHOH. The administrative tasks for the WB region are coordinated by the

regional Coordinator at the AUT together with the contact persons at each partner university

within the WB region, who take responsibility to provide full documentation of all activities at

their institution to the regional coordinator at the AUT and the project management office at the

UHOH. Partners elaborate reports, including all details of payments and invoices. A final

external audit is ensuring financial control over all expenditures.

Administrative management (staff mobility, accommodation and qualifications at EU

universities, collection of documents) is ensured by the administrative staff, contact persons and

the secretarial staff.

8.1.1 Project steering committee meetings

The Steering Committee (SC) specific meetings are:

1st - Stuttgart , Germany- January2014

2ndPodgorica, Montenegro - September - 2014


21/32

19

3rdSofia, BulgariaJuly - 2015

4thMostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina - February - 2016

5thTirana, Albania - October2016

The aims of these meetings are the:

- monitoring of project implementation

- input on education and administrative policies

- guaranteed body and supervision of quality

- Optimization and coordination of administrative activities

8.1.2 Network with Industry for practicum

The SC is responsible for creating the network with the industry for implementation of

Internships and practical works as well as M. Sc thesis and PhD research topics. A database is

created with all useful industry partners and the information is available to the project website.WB professors are creating contact with Private Industry and an Internship for students is

created. Industry is assisted in formulation of application calls and students can apply for the

internship.


UHOH is responsible for the overall project implementation, in particular:

-Leading WP3 and WP8.

- Organizing SCM and coordinating SCM in Hohenheim.

- Ensure project implementation and financial management.

- Contribute to the coordination of administrative activities.

- Contribute to Dissemination of results.

- Contribute to quality control and monitoring the activities.


22/32

20

9 Summary of the Project

Renewable energy is highly important for the future economy in the partner countries in the

Balkan region with limited energy resources in a growing economy and with the related

environmental problems. The wider objective of the project is therefore the reform of the studies

in the five partner universities in the field of renewable energy. Thereby existing studies are

upgraded and new Master studies introduced, which are covering the whole field of renewable

energy. Additionally and in parallel new PhD studies in renewable energy are developed under

special consideration of the specific and combined aspects of energy, economy and ecology.

The specific project objectives are the establishment of new M. Sc. and PhD studies on

renewable energy including the knowledge transfer on scientific reporting and peer reviewed

publishing for PhD students and academic staff. The new M.Sc. and PhD studies are basis for the

creation of a network of national and international universities and industry. In analogy to very

effective solutions in Germany an essential part of the project is the introduction of new funding

support system for innovative doctorates in a network of ministries, industry and universities.

Based on analysis of the Western as well as Eastern structures of M. Sc. and PhD studies the new

study programs and regulations are developed, the study programs implemented and accredited,

the equipment and literature improved, staff skills updated and students trained. Eastern and

Western students are integrated. The Steering Committee is responsible for all topics of the

project assisted by working groups for the development of the new studies and for the quality

control and monitoring.The consortium covers all aspects of renewable energy West: U Hohenheim, U Stuttgart, BLE

(DE), BOKU (AT), Bratislava (SK) and Sofia (BG). East: Agricultural and the Polytechnic

University Tirana (AL), University of Montenegro(ME), University of Zenica and Mostar (BA).


23/32

21

10 The project rationale

Depending on the big input of the Tempus program in the Balkan region, the existing study

programs in the first and second cycle are mostly reformed. Therefore new study programs are

now in the focus, which are highly important for the future development and economy not only

for the countries in the Balkan region.

The energy supply in the Balkan region is mostly based on conventional sources like coal, oil

and gas and often imported from far away. Only in Albania a substantial part of the energy

supply is coming from renewable energy. Based on stable water resources especially from the

Prespa and Ochrid Lakes in Macedonia the Drini river is being used systematically as stable

water source to win electrical energy. However the most water turbines are very old and the

energy demand of the growing population, industry and economy need more and more energy

not available by the old systems. In the other Balkan countries a stable energy situation is notpossible on the basis of water turbines depending on the local climate conditions with hot and

dry summers and the related big changes in the actual water resources and the conventional

energy basis is limited. Until now, only 4 % of the selected Tempus projects for the WB are

addressing topics related to engineering.

The different renewable energy systems such as water and tide, wind, solar energy, chemical

energy, geothermal energy, biomass and biogas are integrated in several studies at different

faculties and universities with applied natural sciences as mechanical, electrical, chemical and

biotechnical engineering, agriculture and food, geology and the basic natural sciences. Highly

important is the integration of economy to analyze the affordability of the different systems and

the time scale for the realization of a special affordable energy system. Thereby the storage of

energy in a battery or as potential or chemical energy gets a new dimension. Many renewable

energy systems are not permanently available and depend on the climate conditions or the day

and night problems. And the long distance transport and distribution in combination with a

highly unsteady energy generation process is not solved.

The system of higher education must be reformed for the replacement process of the

conventional energy systems. On the one side specialists are needed to improve special systems.

Another important field is the reduction of energy consumption or the replacement by other more

ecological systems. On the other side generalists must prepare the decision about the realization

of preferable systems based on ecobalances as a basis for economical and political decisions.

Therefore renewable energy becomes a new dimension in the education system to overcome the

problem of affordable energy in the near future. The bachelor studies dont need to be reformed,

the reform process must start with the master studies. On the one side only special lectures must


24/32

22

be upgraded or reformed. On the other hand also special studies on renewable energy are needed.

Such studies must be organized over the boarders of faculties and universities and have to

integrate the special boundary conditions like climate and available natural resources of the

country.

New PhD studies are needed in renewable energy to have enough highly qualified specialists

needed for the growing industry and economy. The project proposal fits therefore very well

within the development strategy of all partner universities and countries.

In a first step the project has therefore to reform the related Master and PhD studies in the

different partner universities together with the related capacity building for staff and students.

Depending on the similar or identical problems in the partner countries it is highly important to

bring staff and students from the different universities together to facilitate a common realization

of common problems. The Western universities must cover all the different fields of renewable

energy. The universities are chosen therefore in a way, that the different aspects are covered and

that the specific competences of European countries from the Balkan area can be used.

Highly important is the integration of the industry from East and West in the project. The

planned new studies in renewable energy are especially important for the industry, who will be

involved for internships of students, for financing of PhD theses and for the improvement of the

local economy. The project will establish close links with industry on the Western Balkan in

order to support the knowledge transfer between universities and industry.

It is planned to establish of a new common funding system for PhD theses and related research.The funding is provided by industry and government and is influenced by similar funding

systems in Germany, which allow a nearly perfect funding of industry related university

research by PhD theses.

For the purpose of the project, the following points are most important:

Development and upgrading of Master and PhD studies in the field of renewable energies. This

field of science is highly important for the future of all partner countries and for all universities

in the project, due to the very limited resources of conventional fossil energies in the countries.

Improvement of the cooperation between all Eastern and Western universities to develop MSc

and PhD studies within a project, which depends on the cooperation between all universities

involved. Interdisciplinary MSc and PhD studies must have regulations, which are valid over the

borders of institutes, departments, faculties and universities. It must be possible, that students can

choose modules from different faculties and universities.

Development of a funding system for PhD studies in cooperation between ministries, industry

and universities.


25/32

23

11 The project's content and methodology

The integration of the renewable energy in the university programs of the partner universities

must respect two important different aspects: The universities need specialists, which are able to

find solutions on the basis of highly specialized studies. On the other hand the countries need

generalists, which are familiar with all kinds of renewable energy, to find the best solution for

the country under the specific conditions.

The project involves different universities and faculties, bringing together all fields of renewable

energy studies, from agriculture involved in producing biobased products and their use in biogas

plants and production of other kinds of energy plants to the technical field such as photovoltaic,

wind energy, hydropower and others.

The Master as well as the PhD programs in the different universities will be developed together.

Where the universities are very near to each other like in Tirana, joint Master and PhD programs

will be possible. Lecturers from both universities involved will take responsibility for teaching

their specific modules, the ones based on agricultural production and economic rating by the

Agricultural University, the specific technical parts by the Polytechnic University. At other

universities, where the fields addressed are covered by different faculties of the same university,

the new study programs will be established as a common program of all faculties involved.

An important part of the project focuses on the creation of a new funding support system for

innovative doctorates in a network of ministries, universities, industry and industrial

organizations.

First the Eastern partner and Western consortium members have to be well informed about the

actual higher education structure, the status quo and the potential of the renewable energy. The

SC members will give detailed reports of the current situation and the study courses available at

their institution. Emphasis will be laid on courses covering all kind of energy resources including

production of biobased energy as well as technical solutions for other renewable energy sources.

The MSc and PhD studies are defined and the Western Balkan working group (WBWG) isconstituted during the first Steering Committee Meeting (SCM) organized at the University of

Hohenheim. The WBWG is responsible for the collection and distribution of all relevant

information about MSc and PhD studies in renewable energy during the whole duration of the

project. Each partner university nominates 2 professors as members of the WBWG. The WBWG

is analyzing in a first step the potential of renewable energy together with an actual analysis of

the market including ministries and industry. The WBWG is responsible too for the reports about

the current state of the project for the evaluation and discussion by the SC.


26/32

24

The quality control management group (QCMG) will also be established during the first SCM

and is a permanent institution during the whole project. The QCMG is i.e. responsible for

conducting the quality analysis of the implementation of the project and of the content of the

MSc and PhD study programs.

The activities in WP 2 are the most important for the development of the new MSc and PhD

programs. 40 lecturers, 8 from each Western Balkan university are trained at the European

universities and 15 lecturers from EU member universities are assisting during their stay at the

Eastern universities in the development of the MSc and PhD programs and supporting

introduction of new teaching methods. They will get an insight into study courses and modules,

teaching methods and topics related to renewable energy at their host institutions. Based on this

experience and using material gathered during their stay abroad, new regulations and syllabi are

established including all compulsory and elective modules including lectures in English language

in the M. Sc and especially in the PhD programs. The M.Sc. will be a 2-years program with 120

ECTS. Students will get a sound overview on renewable energy and its economic rating within 7

compulsory modules. In order to allow students to create an individual profile, a minimum of

seven elective modules can be chosen from the list of other modules of the university. Each

module will have 6 ECTS. The study and examination plan is completed in the first semester,

mentors will assist in choosing elective modules and the M. Sc thesis topics. Each module is

examined upon completion. The master thesis shall show that the candidate is able to work

independently on a problem in the field of "Renewable Energy" within a fixed period of time byapplying scientific methods. PhD students will either have to proof sound knowledge in

renewable energies by passing a specific exam or will otherwise have to attend the compulsory

modules of the M.Sc. course. Specific modules such as methods of scientific working, peer

reviewed publishing and different soft skills will be developed and taught in English. PhD

students are encouraged to do their thesis in cooperation with industry partners to give them

insight to industry and establish contacts to improve their chances for employment.

After acceptance by university boards and ministries, the new study programs will be accredited

and implemented at the partner universities. Necessary equipment and current literature is

purchased and scientific staff and PhD students are trained for the effective use of the new

equipment. Part of an effective approach is the creation of a network of laboratory equipment use

and knowledge transfer. WB partner universities are developing the new M. Sc and PhD studies

either as a new program (if capacity is available) or as improving current programs to the level

defined during the first SCM.

The improvement of the cooperation between industry and university is an essential part of the

project, depending on the big importance for the field of renewable energy.


27/32

25

To improve the knowledge transfer from MSc and PhD programs at the universities to the

industry, the cooperation will be improved and the students must become familiar with the

situation in the industry as soon as possible. Therefore internships for students are integrated in

the program. Thereby internships in enterprises in Eastern countries are planned. M.Sc. and PhD

students will have to do at least 3 months of internship within industry, either during their

semester breaks or during an additional semester. 25 students who show sound knowledge and

intend to go into a scientific career supporting their home universities later, will be selected for

student mobilities to Western countries including internships in EU enterprises during their stay.

A new funding system is planned to support innovation and to assist to the industry by

knowledge transfer from MSc and PhD theses at the university to the application in the industry.

This part will be assisted especially by the German BLE based on the big experience of this

institution. In the first phase, a BLE representative will give an introduction to the WesternEuropean funding systems providing essential knowledge for partners and the ministries. In

collaboration with the BLE experts a funding support system will be created together with

ministries, universities and industry.

The quality control procedures will be carried out by the Quality Control and Monitoring Group

(QCMG), which is also being established during the 1st SCM. Each SC member will nominate a

contact person responsible to participate at the QCMG meetings. The QCMG will conduct

regular meetings, especially before each SCM. The QCMG is responsible for quality

management and for control of implementation of the project. The group is in collaboration with

all partners and is ensuring quality control procedures and evaluation criteria for quality control

and monitoring during the whole project. It is permanently monitoring the project concerning

activities, duration limits, use of allocated inputs and equipment, impact in didactic of teaching,

number of students frequenting new modules and acceptance of the project. The QCMG

elaborates and publishes a yearly report on the project web site.

A central point is to build networks for the highly interdisciplinary field of renewable energy

inside the universities and especially between the Eastern and Western universities, which will

not end with the ending of the project. Therefore personal contacts and cooperation are an

essential part of the mobilities, which are facilitating the sustainability also after the end of the

project

The MSc and PhD study results are disseminated with three main activities during and after the

project:

1. Creation and establishment of the project web site at the beginning of the project as an

essential instrument for dissemination during the whole project time.


28/32

26

2. Dissemination by public presentations of the project for all stakeholders like ministries and

industry through newspaper and television.

3. An essential and important part is the diffusion of project ideas and steps, diffusion of project

results to other institutions and presentation of final results during the final conference at AUT in

Tirana.

The website is publishing the objectives, activities, news and results. Project ideas and activities

are diffused to all partner universities. The purpose and objectives for the new PhD programs

and the new PhD funding support system are presented. The advantages and benefits for

academic staff and PhD students are aligned. Ministries are officially informed about the project

ideas and the very important role they have in implementing the objectives.

After implementation, the new MSc and PhD studies are accessible for sustainable application.

The project is establishing a university network promoting renewable energy in the partner

universities. Agreements and memoranda of understanding among national universities with

potential demand for doctoral qualification on renewable energy are created. These agreements

are in line with EU standards. The network enhances the national cooperation between MSc and

PhD students and scientific academic staff and makes available the facilities to other institutions.

The status quo and the potential of renewable energy are analyzed and disseminated; the network

has informed the private industry and scientific community about the advantages and European

priorities for renewable energy and the ministries in order to design new National strategies.

The most important part for the management of the project is the Steering Committee (SC). It isresponsible for the overall management of the project. It is composed of leading people from all

partners and installed at the beginning of the project. The SC meetings take place at UHOH and

Podgorica in the first year, in the second year in Sofia and in the third year in Mostar and Tirana.

The aims of the meetings are monitoring, inputs on education and administrative policies,

guarantee body and supervision of quality control, optimization and coordination of

administrative activities, dissemination and sustainable application. The management is ensured

also by other groups such as WDWG and QCMG, installed during the first SCM. Meetings of

these working groups will take place at the same time as the SCM, allowing reports and

discussion of the specific topics at the SC and saving costs on travelling. Additional WG

meetings will be arranged as necessary, close communication will be established via email and

phone. The financial services are managed by the UHOH with its Eastern Europe Centre and the

local coordinator at the AUT. The administrative management is ensured by administrative staff,

contact persons and secretarial staff at each institution.

The SC is also responsible for the creation and implementation of a lasting Network between

Industry and Universities for internships and practical work.


29/32

27

12 Dissemination and sustainability

The strategy of dissemination includes three aspects, diffusion of the projects ideas and

intentions, diffusion of the project results and promotion of the MSc and PhD studies with three

periods of promotion: before, during and at the end of the project. It will be addressed to favour

links between university, stakeholders and beneficiaries as MSc and PhD students, Albanian,

Bosnian, Montenegrian , Western Balkan and European institutions and authorities, enterprises,

economic agents, labour organizations and communities. Web applications will play a crucial

role in this. A project logo and leaflets will be created.

A dynamic website will be established as a working platform available to all partner universities,

regularly maintained during the whole period of the project by the University of Hohenheim. The

results of the project are presented on each partner university home page too and disseminated f.

i. to scientific societies in the partner countries. Non university partners are informed

electronically about the process of the project achievements. The website will allow the access

for internal as well as external dissemination during and after the end of the project. Supporting

documents will be released within the frame like intermediate and final reports.

The Steering Committee (SC) will not only be important for the management of the project

activities but for dissemination too. SC Members are key staff members from all partner

institutions. The SC is controlling all project activities and takes responsibility for the success of

the project. The SC meetings are held twice a yearin the second only one meeting- alternatingin partner country and EU universities. The reports about these meetings together with the

publication of the Western Balkan working group documents are effective tools for the

dissemination of the project results. For the same reason the reports of the meetings of the local

working groups and will be made available. An essential point is the integration of the students

in the project. Selected MSc and PhD students are participating in the SC Meetings in their

countries as future stakeholders and to integrate the students in the dissemination process.

At the end of the project the M. Sc and PhD program brochures and the new regulations based onan accreditation of the new MSc and PhD studies will be presented on a final conference

organized together with the final Steering committee meeting in Tirana as a public presentation

of the project results. Press and TV will be invited together with public authorities responsible

for education and research policies, the stakeholders of the private sector as future employers,

representatives of other higher education institutions and representatives of ministries.

The new MSC and PhD programs are not only containing study programs and regulations for the

higher education. The industry - especially the Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SME),

which cannot afford own research facilities - need highly qualified MSc and PhD students too.


30/32

28

For the solution of the problems of these SMEs, MSc and PhD theses are necessary on the basis

of innovative work.

The development of a funding system for innovative doctorates is supported by discussions with

the ministries of education, economy and energy, agriculture, and environment and with

stakeholders of the industry. Intensive dissemination is necessary to bring all these people

together, to motivate them and to find common solutions.

This project will be the nucleus for future cooperation between different universities and industry

on a national and international level, as many examples and cooperation agreements between the

Eastern and Western partner universities participating in former Tempus projects are proofing.

Table 1 Project Consortium

No Acronym Organisation Name City Country

P1 UHOH Universitt Hohenheim (Co-ordinator) Stuttgart Germany

P2 UNSTU University of Stuttgart Stuttgart Germany

P3 BLE The Federal Office for Agriculture and Food Bonn Germany

P4 TUS Technical University of Sofia Sofia Bulgaria

P5 BOKU University of Natural Resources and Life

Sciences, Vienna

Vienna Austria

P6 STU University of Technology in Bratislava Bratislava Slovakia

P7 AUT Agricultural University of Tirana Tirana Albania

P8 PUT Polytechnic University of Tirana Tirana Albania

P9 XH XHERDO ltd Tirana Albania

P10 WOC WONDER sha Tirana Albania

P11 TT TERMO-TIRANA sh.p.k. Tirana Albania

P12 AE Alb-Energy sh.p.k. Berat Albania

P13 UNME University of Montenegro Podgorica Montenegro

P14 UNMO Dzemal Bijedic University of Mostar Mostar Bosnia and

Herzegovina

P15 UNZE University of Zenica Zenica Bosnia and

Herzegovina

P16 MILKOS MILKOS d.o.o Hadii Bosnia and

Herzegovina

P17 GZ JP GRIJANJE ZENICA d.o.o Zeninca Bosnia and

Herzegovina


31/32

29

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT

Introduction of M. Sc studies program on Renewable Energy in Western Balkan.

Introduction of PhD studies in Renewable Energy in Western Balkan.

Building network between Universities and Industry.

Supporting academic staff on scientifical publication and conference proceedings.

Introducing innovation methods and internship practices.

Focus of the project

The renewable energies are important for environmental protection. In WB the contribution of

water energy is relatively good. The other renewable energies are up to now nearly not used. The

improvement of higher education here is needed.

Table 2 Lead partners and co-partners.

Work Packages Leading Contact person

1 WB Balkan Universities well informed

about renewable energy potential

P13 UNME

P8 PUT

Dr. Milic Curovic

Prof. Dr. Andonaq Londo

2 M.Sc./ PhD regulations created according

Bologna system

P2 UNSTU

P1 UNHOH

Dr. Ludger Eltrop

Prof. Dr. Joachim Mller

3 M.Sc./ PhD studies implemented, equipment

updated, staff trained

P1 UNHOH

P7 AUT

Prof. Dr. Joachim Mller

Dr. Shkelqim Karaj

4 Internship and innovative funding support

implemented together with industry

P3 BLE

P7 AUT

PD. Dr. Nazim Gruda

Dr. Shkelqim Karaj

5 Quality control procedures P5 BOKU

P4 TUS

Prof. Dr. Georg Gbitz

Prof. Dr. Frantisek Janicek

6 Results of M.Sc. and PhD studies realized

and disseminated

P7 AUT

P8 PUT

Prof.Dr. Ardian Mai

Prof. Dr. Andonaq Londo

7 Results of M.Sc. and PhD studies

established and exploited

P14 UNMO

P15 UNZE

Prof. Dr. Sead Pai

Prof. Dr. efket Goleti

8 Project successfully managed P1 UHOH

P4 AUT

Dr. Shkelqim Karaj

Prof. Dr. Ardian Mai


32/32

BUDGET AND COST EFFECTIVENESS

Studies in renewable energy require an interdisciplinary input from Engineering, Agriculture and

Economy on the basis of Natural and Applied Natural Sciences with special integration of the

Environmental Sciences. The project is therefore not based on the reform of the Master and PhD

studies of a special faculty or of some institutes responsible for a special study program, but on

studies in different faculties and universities. Programs need to be analyzed and the Master

programs and PhD studies reformed, where necessary and reasonable totally new courses will be

introduced.

Another important point for the cost effectiveness is the development of the Master and PhD

programs in parallel in an interdisciplinary approach. The energetic situation in the Balkan

region is extremely poor and needs improvement as soon as possible. The countries need at the

same time highly qualified scientists from PhD programs, which can steer and control the future

development and need hard working graduates of Master programs to realize the future

development.

Teaching in renewable energy programs needs a lot of equipment. Apart from the purchase of

necessary equipment for the universities, internships and practical placements in industry and the

local economy are integrated in the project to allow students to get familiar with up-to-date

equipment.

The grant applicant is familiar with the situation at the partner universities. Therefore the budget

allocation does not show a totally equal distribution, it is based of the size and importance of thelocal institutions and their needs. In order to reduce travelling costs, SCM and WG meetings are

combined.

The calculation of the salary and mobility rates is based on the tasks in the project. The grant

applicant is experienced in the management of Tempus projects. The proper use of the money is

always additionally controlled by the finance office of the university. Whenever possible the

mobilities are planned early to reduce travel costs.

Tempus RESI

Documents

Transcript of Tempus RESI