As part of ongoing efforts to advance international cooperation and research excellence, members of the Faculty of Economics, University of Niš and the UR-WISE project team carried out a study visit to University of Bologna from 16 to 20 March 2026.
The visit was organised in collaboration with the Department of Economics and the PhD programme Public Governance, Management and Policy (Public-GoMaP), with the aim of strengthening academic exchange, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, and enhancing the connection between research and public policy.
The first day of the visit featured a joint session with PhD students and faculty members at the University of Bologna. The programme included presentations by Roberto Patuelli on the Public-GoMaP programme, as well as contributions from the UR-WISE team Marina Stanojević and Marija Džunić, focusing on research opportunities, international collaboration, and the role of institutional frameworks in shaping governance performance.
The session opened a dynamic discussion with doctoral students on key questions, including how academic research can translate into real policy impact, and the role of early-career researchers in bridging the gap between policy design and implementation. The exchange highlighted shared challenges and opportunities across European contexts, reinforcing the importance of interdisciplinary and practice-oriented research.
The programme also included a visit to the Academy of Sciences of Bologna Institute, where discussions focused on strengthening institutional cooperation and exploring opportunities for joint initiatives in research and policy development. These exchanges contributed to building stronger links between academic institutions and supporting long-term collaboration within the UR-WISE network.
During the visit, the UR-WISE team visited the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission. Meetings with researchers and policy experts focused on the application of advanced analytical tools in evidence-based policymaking, as well as on potential avenues for collaboration within European research and policy networks.
The discussions provided valuable insights into how data-driven approaches can support decision-making processes at different governance levels, aligning closely with UR-WISE’s mission to advance policy analytics for resilient urban and regional development.
The study visit to Bologna represents an important step in reinforcing UR-WISE’s international dimension and its commitment to excellence in research and policy engagement. By connecting with leading academic institutions and European research bodies, the project continues to build a strong foundation for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and impactful, data-based policy solutions.
Through such initiatives, the Faculty of Economics, University of Niš further strengthens its position within the European Research Area, contributing to the development of innovative approaches to urban and regional challenges.