88 resident companies, 5 under evaluation, 52% of them with foreign capital and around 750 employees. These are the figures summarizing the virtual development of Durana Tech Park, which, within a relatively short period, has managed to build an innovation ecosystem, bringing together Albanian and international companies under a shared technology community.
The virtual operating model on which this ecosystem has been built has taken Durana’s experience so far onto the international stage as well. The International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP), specifically for the model of virtual operation, has selected the Albanian technology park as one of the success models among science and technology parks from around the world, to present and share its experience at the 43rd edition of the World Conference of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation, which is being held from 27 to 30 October 2026 in Cannes, France. The conference is hosted by Sophia Antipolis, one of the most consolidated innovation ecosystems in Europe.
Now, as the virtual model is being presented on the international arena, Durana Tech Park is preparing for the next chapter: the development of physical infrastructure.
On 26 October 2026, as part of this process, the first public hearing was held for the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the Detailed Development Plan of the “Durana Tech Park” Technology and Science Park, which will be built in Xhafzotaj, Shijak Municipality. The hearing marks one of the necessary legal and procedural steps for the implementation of the project, with a focus on including environmental aspects from the territorial planning phase.
The project details and development phases of the Park were presented by the executive director of Durana Tech Park, Florensa Haxhi, while the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Erlind Sulo, welcomed the activity. The focus was on the environmental aspects of the project, addressed by the environmental expert assigned for this purpose by the World Bank, within the support it is providing for the development of Durana.
The consultation brought together representatives of central and local institutions, including the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, the municipalities of Shijak and Durrës, as well as institutions responsible for territorial planning and infrastructure, such as AKPT, AZHT, ARRSH, OST, OSHEE and other public service operators. The discussions also included representatives of the World Bank, businesses operating in the area, including Vertigo Free Zone and Nexus Park Tirana, academic institutions and the local community.
Around 14 hectares is the area currently covered by the Park’s development plan. During the presentation, the concept of an integrated space was unveiled, where technology, scientific research, innovation and entrepreneurship will be intertwined with infrastructure and supporting services. Alongside the territorial and infrastructural characteristics of the area, the long-term perspective of the project was also presented, which includes examining opportunities for expansion onto state-owned properties of the Albanian Investment Corporation, with the aim of creating a broader innovation district.
When it comes to the potential environmental and community impacts of the Park’s development, the presentation and discussions focused on biodiversity and natural habitats, land use, air and water quality, waste management and noise pollution.
It was presented that the plan aims to deliver benefits beyond the Park’s boundaries, serving the development of the entire area, improving infrastructure and creating new opportunities for businesses and the community that live and operate in the surrounding territory. Special attention will be given to environmental protection, the sustainable use of natural resources and the improvement of the area’s environmental quality. These are among the issues that will be analyzed further during the Strategic Environmental Assessment process, in order to identify the possible impacts related to the development of the new infrastructure.
Following this hearing, during which institutions and stakeholders will have the opportunity to submit their comments, concerns and recommendations, which will be taken into consideration during the preparation of the Preliminary Strategic Environmental Assessment Report, the process will continue with a second public hearing, aimed at preparing the Final Report and obtaining the Environmental Declaration from the Ministry of Environment.
The deadline for institutions, the community and stakeholders to submit comments and recommendations at this stage is 5 November 2026. Suggestions can be sent to the email address [email protected].
The transition from virtual operation to the construction of physical infrastructure thus marks a new stage for Durana Tech Park. The aim is for the development of a modern center for technology and innovation to proceed in parallel with respect for environmental standards, transparency towards the public and cooperation with the responsible institutions.
The development of Durana is supported by the expertise of the World Bank Group. The Park has been selected as a pilot project of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), under the initiative for the development of eco-industrial parks in the Western Balkans, which is supported by the European Union through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF).
Within this support, the conceptual plan for the wider development of Durana Innovation District has been prepared, as well as the preliminary feasibility study and investment plan, prepared by Ernst & Young for the IFC.