On this day in 2020, the Innovation and Training Park (ITP) in Prizren, Kosova, was officially inaugurated, marking a significant milestone for both profit and non-profit organizations involved in innovative ventures in the Prizren area and throughout Kosova. Attended by investors and high-level state representatives, the event celebrated the transformation of a facility that once served as infrastructure for KFOR, the NATO-led international peacekeeping force in Kosova. The 40-hectare site, featuring around 50 buildings, has been repurposed as a campus dedicated to innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Innovation and Training Park fosters collaborative relationships among diverse stakeholders, such as the private sector, public sector, civil society organizations, and academia, creating an environment that promotes synergy in pursuit of its goals. The park accommodates a wide range of industries, from agriculture and cultural industries to ICT and vocational and educational training. It offers an array of services, including office and co-working spaces, start-up services, and a digital transformation center, among others.

With the youngest population in Europe and an internet penetration rate approaching 100%, Kosova has the potential to become a leader in technology trends. The Innovation and Training Park plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between labor market demands and people skills, helping to realize this potential. The park is a joint initiative co-financed by the German and Kosova governments and is implemented and maintained by GIZ, the German International Development Cooperation Office in Kosova.

It is inspiring to see how a facility initially established for military forces to maintain peace in a region devastated by atrocities has transformed into a creative space for young generations. The Innovation and Training Park empowers them to unleash their creativity, drive innovation, and foster prosperity.