This book analyses the effectiveness of policies adopted in cluster promotion, using complexity thinking and evolutionary economic geography approaches. It studies cluster dynamics in transition economies, exploring the case of Albania.

This book analyses the ways in which Article 9 of the Aarhus Convention enables environmental access to justice in the Balkans, a region at the epicentre of extreme climate change events. Adopting a law-in-context approach, the chapters explore national cultures and driving forces shaping the implementation of Aarhus standards in Albania, Croatia, North Macedonia, Romania, Slovenia and Serbia, paving the way for their comparative assessment. The book combines EU law and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights with the bottom-up Europeanisation brought about by rising environmental protests and the activism of civil society organisations in the region. In doing so, it explores the extent to which these Balkan countries comply with requirements stemming from Article 9 of the Aarhus Convention, and whether, despite national differences, it is possible to talk about Europeanisation of access to justice in environmental matters.

The book highlights the most important and manifold potentials of nature, society and economy of Albania as well as development problems during different time periods. One focus lies on Albania's perspectives and challenges for the future.Beside natural aspects also topics such as migration, poverty, social situation, economy, urban development, regional disparities among others are discussed.

This edited book will examine the Balkans and Eastern Mediterranean from multidimensional geo-strategic, political-economic, socio-cultural/religious and demographic perspectives. It analyzes the conflicting geopolitical interests of the major and regional powers, as well as those of NATO and the European Union, with a focus on energy, democracy and corruption, shifts in population, as well as religious political influence. The authors argue that the US, NATO and EU leaderships can no longer afford to ignore the two regions -- if the increasing potential for conflict is to be averted. The Balkans and Eastern Mediterranean are returning to a major position in the contemporary geostrategic nexus since NATO began a new expansion into the Balkans by bringing Montenegro in 2017 and North Macedonia in March 2020 into membership, after its previous expansion to Slovenia in NATO's "Big Bang" in 2004 and to both Albania and Croatia in 2009.

This book focuses on Albania, North Macedonia and Kosovo; it explores the industrial policies currently in place in these economies and compares their effects with the situation in Slovenia, which is used as a reference country. It provides a brief introduction to some new industrial policy approaches and proposes a new industrial policy framework that focuses on development of the national innovation system through technology upgrading and increased exploitation of technology to build the foundations for sustainable development. Finally, it provides an empirical analysis of the technological capabilities of the manufacturing firms operating in in Albania, North Macedonia and Kosovo. It delves into the technical-economic properties of these Western Balkans countries and identifies some strategic options for industrial policy. It emphasizes the need for a form of governance that emphasizes on industrial development and innovation capabilities, which are required for the implementation of these new industrial policies. The analysis draws on the current industrial policy literature and work on developing (catch-up) economies, technological upgrading and innovation studies, which represent current academic thinking in these fields.

This book examines transitional justice in Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia, three Balkan countries navigating the challenges of reckoning with past human rights violations while building democratic institutions. Analyzing truth commissions, war crimes tribunals, reparations programs, and institutional reforms, it assesses the effectiveness of these mechanisms in fostering justice, reconciliation, and political stability. Drawing on case studies, expert interviews, and policy analyses, the book provides a comprehensive evaluation of transitional justice in post-conflict and post-communist societies. It considers the successes and limitations of different approaches, offering insights into their impact on governance, accountability, and social cohesion. A resource for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners, this book contributes to ongoing debates on justice and reconciliation, providing a nuanced understanding of transitional justice in the Balkans and its broader implications.