Your country? North Macedonia
Your organisation? South East European University (SEEU), Tetovo, North Macedonia
Your job title? HE CL4 NCP, Professor of Computer Science
Your first and last name? Adrian Besimi
Why did you decide to become a Cluster 4 NCP? I decided to become a Cluster 4 NCP because I wanted to help strengthen the digital research and innovation ecosystem in North Macedonia and the wider Western Balkans. The role, being a delegated role from the Ministry of Education and Science, is both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge relies on time and funding constraints, where the opportunity relies on the support for researchers, startups, SMEs, and institutions in connecting with European initiatives, building partnerships, and increasing participation in Horizon Europe projects related to digital technologies and innovation.
What do you like most in your daily professional life?
What I enjoy most is working at the intersection of technology, research, and innovation. Being a professor, teaching is one of the many things we do, but following recent trends in technological developments, conducting research and publishing is what makes the work more exciting. As NCP, every day brings different challenges, from supporting proposal development and discussing AI strategies to helping organizations understand how digital transformation can create real impact. I also enjoy connecting people and ideas across academia, industry, and European networks.
What would you say are the most promising areas of digital in your country? North Macedonia as a small country relies on human capital as a promising area in digital market. The country is one of the leading countries in the Balkans region that have pioneered and implemented Government Digitalization processes since 2005, which as s process helped growing IT sector in the country and create new markets for the companies in the digital sector. The region has strong human potential and a growing startup and ICT ecosystem, both from perspectives of outsourcing human capital, but also from perspective or digital products development and R&D. I believe the most promising areas are AI adoption, software engineering services, cybersecurity, and digital transformation for SMEs and public institutions.
How helpful is the IDEALIST network for you?
The IDEALIST network is extremely valuable for my work as an NCP. It provides access to best practices, partner search opportunities, trainings, webinars, and direct collaboration with experienced NCPs across Europe. It also helps us stay aligned with the latest developments in Horizon Europe and strengthens the quality of support we provide to applicants and stakeholders. The network and the platforms (web and social media) provide a one-stop-shop
for getting firsthand information for anything digital in Europe, and I believe that all NCPs in Digital CL4 should use them on daily basis.
Tell us what you would like to share with your peers as inspiration?
One important lesson is that widening countries should not underestimate their potential in digital research and innovation. Building strong international collaborations, investing in trust-based networks, and continuously supporting researchers and SMEs can significantly improve participation and success in European programmes. Even smaller ecosystems can contribute with innovative ideas and impactful digital research and solutions. Joining Horizon Europe projects as partner is the first step towards building long-term expertise, visibility, leadership capacity, and stronger innovation ecosystems.
Email address: [email protected]
