Brain drain effects after the pandemic was a great conversation organized by STIKK. I participated as an attendee joining from outside Kosovo in a discussion about preparing the nation’s market for the future.
The event was conducted in Albanian. STIKK described the goal as examining the effects that COVID-19 had on the workforce of our community from different perspectives, and presenting future expectations regarding brain drain.
Panel Participants
- Bardha Jashari, Envision
- Zana Tabaku, Appdec
- Valon Badivuku, SAP Kosovo
- Vjosa Kika, TLP Alumni Association
- Donjeta Sahatciu (moderator), Rrota
The conversation touched on how the pandemic accelerated remote work adoption, which cuts both ways for a country like Kosovo: it makes it easier for talented Kosovars to work for global companies without leaving, but also removes the friction that once kept them in local roles.
The brain drain discussion in Kosovo is not new, but the pandemic gave it a new dimension. The question is no longer just about who leaves, but about what models of participation and belonging are possible when geography matters less.