Author: Besnik Aliaj, Aleksandër Xhuvani, Xhiliola Bixheku, Mira Idrizi
Affiliation: POLIS University , Polytechnic University of Tirana, Albania, Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Europe have traditionally had two main missions: teaching and scientific research. Recently, however, a "Third Mission" (M3) has emerged, focusing on HEIs' engagement with society and the business world. While the first two missions have been extensively studied and measured, M3 remains incomplete and requires the development
of indicators and methodologies for its measurement. This article examines the importance and challenges of M3 for HEIs in Albania, drawing from international experience and the European Indicators and Methodology for the Third Mission of Universities. M3 encompasses three main activity groups: i) lifelong learning, ii) technology transfer and innovation, iii) and
social engagement. The measurement of HEIs' three missions is based on concrete indicators, which can serve as a basis for evaluating institutions' excellence in this field. The presented study focuses on analyzing the understanding of the third mission (M3) of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Albania, aiming to align them with best international trends and practices.
Key findings from a survey of various stakeholders show that curricular development in Albanian HEIs has not kept pace with socio-economic changes and market developments, negatively affecting academic offerings and creating unnecessary competition in the labor market. Furthermore, the lack of a comprehensive national employment framework for first-cycle graduates has created pressure to continue studies, even when not necessary
