North Macedonia addresses brain drain and educational infrastructure

North Macedonia is addressing systemic challenges within its education and professional sectors. Aco Ristov, President of the Regulatory Commission for Energy, highlighted a critical shortage of technical staff, noting that approximately 80 to 85 percent of technical graduates consider moving abroad immediately after finishing their studies. Ristov emphasized that while salaries for engineers can exceed 1,500 euros, the primary driver for emigration is the disorganized state system rather than purely financial factors.

To support the student population, the government has launched an 86 million euro program to modernize educational infrastructure. This includes the reconstruction of student dormitories, such as the ‘Stiv Naumov’ facility, which now offers 1,150 beds. The project is funded by the government, the European Union, and the German Development Bank (KfW). Additionally, efforts are underway to complete long-stalled university buildings at the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje.

On a professional development level, Macedonia2025 has announced new scholarship opportunities for experienced professionals to attend executive education programs at Queen's University in Canada for 2027. The initiative aims to enhance leadership and strategic skills among Macedonian managers and entrepreneurs to foster a more competitive business community.