Strategic Plan | EPOKA University

Strategic Plan

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Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences › Department of Economics ›

Strategic Plan 2024-2028

Introduction

In accordance with Law no. 80/2015 “On Higher Education and Scientific Research in Higher Education in the Republic of Albania” and within the framework of EPOKA University’s 2024–2028 Strategic Plan, the Department of Economics has developed its own Strategic Plan for the period 2024–2028. Established in 2008, the Department is committed to providing high-quality education that equips undergraduate and graduate students with critical thinking skills and prepares them to engage in public discourse across interdisciplinary fields. The Department currently offers two cycles of study: a Bachelor's and a Master’s program in Economics.

1. Mission

The mission of the Department of Economics consists of three interrelated components: 1. providing the highest quality instruction to our undergraduate and graduate students; 2. conducting leading-edge research in economics; 3. providing leadership and service to our professional communities.

2. Vision

The Department of Economics aims to dedicate itself to excellence in economics education and research, preparing professionals to address economic challenges and contribute to local and global development.

3. Sources

This strategic plan foresees that the department will draw upon the human, financial, and material resources of the department and the University, investing in the improvement of its staff, and exploring grant funding and sponsorship for research and other activities.

4. Achievements

The Department of Economics has seen a number of significant achievements since its establishment in 2008. Over the years, it has continuously enhanced the quality of its academic offerings, faculty expertise, and student support services. The Bachelor in Economics study program was accredited in 2024, while the Master of Science in Economics received accreditation in 2023, affirming the department's commitment to academic excellence and compliance with national standards. The department has also expanded its research output, strengthened its collaboration with industry and public institutions, and increased its engagement in international academic networks and mobility programs.

II. Priority Areas– Themes

Theme 1: Provide a high-quality environment for teaching and learning.

The Economics Department provides an outstanding education to a great many students, consistently ranking the graduates at the top of the EPOKA university ranking. At the same time, almost all the graduates from bachelor programs continue further master studies and a considerable number of them follow a master’s degree abroad. The Department of Economics fosters a student-centered and research-informed learning environment through innovative teaching methods, up-to-date curriculum, and modern instructional technologies. Emphasizing practical skills, civic engagement, and global perspectives, the department ensures that students are well-prepared for the labor market and lifelong learning. Continuous improvement is supported through regular program reviews, faculty development, and quality assurance processes.

Specific goals for Theme 1Goal 1.1: Increase academic staff participation in professional development through regular training focused on innovative and active-learning methodologies.
Aligned with: Strategic Plan 2024–2028, A. Teaching & Learning Goal G.4 Encourage faculty members to develop innovative and creative approaches to teaching.
·Goal 1.2: Expand the department’s international presence by strengthening academic mobility and forming international partnerships.
Aligned with: Strategic Plan 2024–2028, A. Teaching & Learning; Goal G.5; International Networking and Mobility.
Goal 1.3: Align the curriculum with the United Nations SDGs to integrate global standards and promote sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical decision-making in economics Aligned with: Strategic Plan 2024–2028, A. Teaching & Learning; Goal G.3 Improve the curriculum; Instrument I.
Goal 1.4: Ensure curricula are aligned with labor market demands in economics, sustainability, and digital economy. Aligned with: Strategic Plan 20249–2028, A. Teaching & Learning; Goal G.3 Improve the curriculum; Instruments I.3–I.5

Measures in order to reach mentions goals under Theme 1

Measure 1.1: Organize a minimum of two training workshops per year on active-learning and pedagogical innovation in collaboration with other departments of the faculty.
Measure 1.2: Initiating and signing more agreements at the department and university level with other universities which will facilitate the staff and student mobility.
Measure 1.3: Reviewing existing courses and integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by identifying how each course addresses sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical decision-making. Organizing open lectures focused on SDGs, engaging both academic staff and students.
Measure 1.4: Enhance the current curricula of the Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in Economics by integrating new courses such as Data Science and/or Digital Economy through program specialization.

Theme 2: Enroll, educate, graduate and provide placement assistance for a high-quality and diverse student body

The current academic performance of our Bachelor students is at a high level; however, the Department remains committed to further enhancing student achievement. This ambition is fully aligned with the broader strategic goals outlined in EPOKA University’s 2024–2028 Strategic Plan. The Department of Economics has a strong tradition of engaging in student exchange programs, beginning in 2013. Continuing to diversify the student body, enhance retention and success, and increase opportunities for international and professional experiences remains a strategic priority. These efforts align with the university’s goals of supporting student success, promoting global citizenship, and enhancing employability.

Specific goals for Theme 2

Goal 2.1: Increase student enrollment and academic performance by offering relevant, labor-market-oriented, and interdisciplinary programs. Aligned with: Strategic Plan 2024–2028, A. Teaching & Learning; Goals G.1 and G.2
Goal 2.2: Improve student retention and graduation rates through academic support and mentoring initiatives. Aligned with: Strategic Plan 2024–2028, A. Teaching & Learning; Goal G.6 Increase student performance and satisfaction
Goal 2.3: Promote a diverse and inclusive student body through international partnerships and exchange programs. Aligned with: Strategic Plan 2024–2028, A. Teaching & Learning; Goal G.5 and G.6
Goal 2.4: Enhance students’ employability by developing practical skills through internships. Aligned with: Strategic Plan 2024–2028, A. Teaching & Learning; Goals G.2 and G.3.
Goal 2.5: Encourage early student planning for postgraduate education and lifelong learning. Aligned with: Strategic Plan 2024–2028, A. Teaching & Learning and D. Training & Lifelong Learning; Goals G.3 Improve the curriculum and G.10 Expand training opportunities

Measures in order to reach mentioned goals under Theme 2.

Measure 2.1: Design two new programs, Bachelor and Master of Sciences programs in Economics and Data Science and/ or Digital Economy to align with evolving labor market needs.
Measure 2.2: Increase graduation percentage by strengthening the role of academic advisors in supporting student progress and academic planning.
Measure 2.3: Boost the percentage of students involved in international mobility or exchange programs by 10% annually.
Measure 2.4: Expanded collaboration with industry and public institutions to provide more internship opportunities for students.
Measure 2.5. Establish a structured mentorship and academic advising framework by assigning each student a mentor from academia or industry to support their postgraduate planning and career development.

Theme 3: Provide a high-quality environment for research and project development

To support EPOKA University’s strategic vision and national development priorities, the Department of Economics is committed to fostering a vibrant research culture. The department aims to enhance the quality and relevance of its research, increase participation in interdisciplinary and community-based projects, and create more opportunities for graduate students to engage in impactful research. This includes expanding research funding, improving infrastructure, and strengthening international and institutional collaborations.

Specific goals for Theme 3

Goal 3.1: Strengthen the research capacity of the department by increasing participation in national and international research projects and conferences. Aligned with: Strategic Plan 2024–2028, B. Research and Projects; Goals G.7 and G.8

Goal 3.2: Create more opportunities for collaborative research published in high impact journals. Aligned with: Strategic Plan 2024–2028, B. Research and Projects; Goals G.7 and G.9

Goal 3.3: Design and implement research projects that actively engage students, with a particular focus on sustainable development, digital economy and the circular economy.

Aligned with: Strategic Plan 2024–2028, B. Research and Projects; Goals G.7 and G.8

Goal 3.4: Launch access to research infrastructure such as digital resources, databases, and software tools, as an institutional initiative supporting the department’s academic and research activities.

Goal 3.5: Increase the visibility and dissemination of departmental research through publications and conferences. Aligned with: Strategic Plan 2024–2028, B. Research and Projects; Goals G.7 and G.8

Goal 3.6: Offer a reorganized PhD program that modernizes the curriculum, supports interdisciplinary research, and meets contemporary academic and professional expectations.

Measures in order to reach mentioned goals under Theme 3.

Measure 3.1: Increase the number of externally funded research and development projects by 2028.
Measure 3.2: Increased number of published collaborative articles in high- impact journals each year, reflecting the shared research priorities of the department and the faculty.
Measure 3.3: Design and implement at least two national or international research projects by 2028 that actively involve undergraduate or graduate students in areas related to sustainable development, digital economy and the circular economy, with outcomes integrated into the curriculum through project-based learning or course content.
Measure 3.4: Initiate access or extend/ update of subscription to digital resources, databases, and software tools.
Measure 3.5: Organize at least one conference in collaboration with other departments by 2026.
Measure 3.6: Development and internal approval of the reorganized PhD program by 2027, reflecting enhanced academic quality and modernized curriculum design.

Theme 4: Provide an Environment Fostering a Culture of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Department of Economics at EPOKA University is committed to cultivating a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship that empowers students and faculty to translate academic knowledge into real-world solutions. The department will focus on creating an environment that stimulates entrepreneurial thinking, support start-up ideas, and foster collaboration with the business sector. This involves enhancing collaborations, providing practical learning opportunities, and fostering industry involvement.

Specific goals for Theme 4

Goal 4.1: Provide more options of elective courses regarding entrepreneurship, innovation, and digital economy in the Economics Department curriculum. Aligned with: Strategic Plan 2024–2028, A. Teaching & Learning; G.2
Goal 4.2: Integrate innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital economy into the curriculum through project-based initiatives. Aligned with: Strategic Plan 2024–2028, A. Teaching & Learning; G.3 and F.6
Goal 4.3: Strengthen collaborations with industry, public institutions, and international partners to create entrepreneurial ecosystems. Aligned with: Strategic Plan 2024–2028, F.7 International Networking and Mobility; G.34
Goal 4.4: Encourage student participation in innovation challenges and startup competitions. Aligned with: Strategic Plan 2024–2028, E. Student Development; G.13

Measures in order to reach mentioned goals under Theme 4.

Measure 4.1: Introduce at least two new elective courses in entrepreneurship, innovation, and digital economy within the Economics Department curriculum by 2027.
Measure 4.2: Design and implement at least one national or international research project by 2028 that actively involves undergraduate or graduate students in areas related to entrepreneurship, innovation and digital economy, with outcomes incorporated into the curriculum through project-based learning or course content.
Measure 4.3: Establish new partnerships with industry, government agencies and NGOs to support entrepreneurship and foster the development of entrepreneurial ecosystems
Measure 4.4: Support student participation in innovation and startup activities each year.