When planning an international production facility (manufacturing) or a large-scale infrastructure/real estate project (construction) investment, there is a need for engineers who will manage the operation, who are familiar with the local legislation and who know the construction site/factory culture, as well as the physical workforce on the field. Kosovo Agency of Statistics (ASK) university data proves that Kosovo has a competent engineering pool not only for the service sector, but also for the heavy industry and construction sectors.
Intense Interest in the Field of Construction and Architecture According to the 2017/2018 data of the University of Pristina, the fact that 2,253 students are actively studying at the Faculty of Construction and Architecture directly coincides with the dynamism of the real estate and infrastructure sector in Kosovo. International construction companies can meet their needs for supervisors, field engineers and architects for the contracting projects they undertake in Kosovo or the Balkans directly from this large pool of graduates in the local market, instead of offering high-cost "expat" packages. In addition, the fact that approximately 30% of the students (696 students) in this faculty are women is a positive indicator in terms of gender equality in technical fields.
Impact on Mechanical Engineering and Manufacturing Industry Kosovo's biggest advantage in manufacturing, metal processing, automotive sub-industry and machinery park investments is that institutions, especially the University of Pristina (1,187 active students) and Mitrovica Isa Boletini University (889 active students), have mechanical engineering departments. According to our editorial evaluation of Kosovo Investment, these young people, who receive laboratory and workshop discipline in addition to theoretical training, are candidates to become technical managers of production lines to be established with a focus on export to Europe. Regular graduations at the master's level show that there is an academic ground in Kosovo not only for assembly but also for product design and R&D activities.
Preliminary Consideration for Construction and Manufacturing Investors The availability of an engineering workforce is a strong reason to initiate production processes. However, manufacturing and construction investments are subject to high regulation. Establishing a production facility, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports, municipal zoning and construction licenses, occupational health and safety standards (OHSAS), engineers' records of the Kosovo Chamber of Engineers and tax/accounting planning must be managed by professionals in accordance with local law.