Reforming doctoral studies in Montenegro and Albania - good practice paradigm

"The MARDS project addresses one of the most acute problems in Montenegrin and Albanian education systems, the doctoral studies. Its main objective is to reconstruct them in line with Salzburg Principles and establish sustainable and modern Pilot Joint Doctoral Schools between two friendly neighbors partner countries that will serve as an example of “good practice” for the WB Region. The specific objectives of the MARDS projects are:- to reconsider the existing national policies/standards for doctoral studies in two countries and their compatibility with EU practices,- to develop and propose a new model of doctoral studies in two countries, adapted to the acquired experiences over past decades and current and future countries’ needs- to propose a sustainable method of financing doctoral studies in two countries on national levels.- to establish two Joint Doctoral Schools ""Natural sciences and Technology for Sustainable Development"" with place in Montenegro (Podgorica) and “Economy and Tourism for Sustainable Development” with place in Albania (Shkoder) as the recommendable examples of cross-border PhD programmes.- to establish a sustainable cooperation with EU partners and established Doctoral School in order to maintain developed standards. The benefits of MARED on local/nationa/regionall levels are obvious:- improving PhD studies and therefore overall performances of countries and universities;- showing readiness of the candidate governments to change their education systems including doctoral studies;- enabling PhD students to work in better conditions;- promoting and supporting research mobility;- promoting and supporting intersectoral cooperation;- promoting and supporting collaboration with other EU HEIs;- moving from teaching to research;- establishing research in attractive fields, as sustainable development;- promoting cooperation between academic and non-academic sector...etc..EU will show its readiness to support WB's integration."