Abil Baush

Summary

URBACT Lead Expert in Education, Digital Transformation, Circular Economy & Social Innovation
Expert in integrated, participatory urban strategies and transnational learning

Dr. Abil Baush is a Lead Expert validated under the URBACT IV Programme with extensive experience in designing and delivering integrated, participatory urban development strategies. He is the CEO and Co-Founder of the INNOX Innovation Centre and a university professor specialising in management, digital transformation, and innovation ecosystems.

With more than 20 years of professional and academic experience, he has worked with municipalities, universities, startups, SMEs, and public institutions across the Western Balkans and the European Union. His work focuses on supporting cities in transition through evidence-based policymaking, stakeholder engagement, and transnational exchange and learning processes.

Key Fields of Expertise

• Design and delivery of transnational exchange and learning activities
• Education policy and skills development
• Digital transformation of cities and public services
• Circular economy and green innovation models
• Social innovation and inclusive urban development
• Integrated and participatory design of urban strategies
• Securing funding and resourcing for urban actions (EU and national level)
• Monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL)

As a URBACT Lead Expert, I support networks and cities by:

• Designing and coordinating participatory learning and exchange activities
• Facilitating transnational meetings, peer-learning workshops, and study visits
• Supporting cities in co-creating Integrated Action Plans
• Applying practical tools for stakeholder mapping and engagement
• Translating local challenges into structured, implementable strategies
• Supporting cities in identifying funding opportunities and implementation pathways
• Ensuring alignment between URBACT methodologies and local governance realities

Experience with Integrated & Participatory Approaches

I have extensive experience in applying integrated and participatory approaches at local and regional level, including:

• Co-design of strategies with municipalities, civil society, academia, and the private sector
• Facilitation of multi-stakeholder working groups and living labs
• Participatory diagnostics and problem-mapping processes
• Capacity-building for public officials and local coordinators
• Ensuring horizontal and vertical policy integration

Thematic Expertise

Education

• Education innovation ecosystems
• Skills development and lifelong learning
• University–city–industry cooperation

Digital Transformation

• Digital public services
• Smart city and data-driven decision making
• Digital skills and inclusion

Circular Economy

• Circular business models at local level
• Urban innovation hubs and green entrepreneurship
• Resource efficiency and waste valorisation

Social Innovation

• Inclusive policy design
• Youth and community-led innovation
• Social entrepreneurship ecosystems

Professional Background

• CEO & Co-Founder, INNOX Innovation Centre, Skopje
• Professor, International Balkan University (Management & Digital Business)
• Lead & Senior Expert in EU-funded programmes (Erasmus+, Interreg, EIT, Horizon-related actions)
• Advisor to municipalities and public institutions on innovation-driven development

Geographical Experience

• Western Balkans
• Southeast Europe
• European Union (transnational cooperation projects)

Motivation to Contribute to URBACT Networks

I am motivated to contribute to URBACT networks by supporting cities in turning complex challenges into structured, participatory, and implementable strategies. I strongly believe in peer learning, co-creation, and capacity building as key drivers for sustainable urban development, particularly in cities facing economic and social transition.

Availability

Available for:

• Lead Expert roles in URBACT networks
• Ad hoc expertise missions at network and programme level