The Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (EDP) was an important phase to clarify and highlight among the priority areas with potential identified during the mapping process, those which have greater potential where investment in innovation and technology would add value to economic development. The landscape of each sector, enriched by the insights gained through EDP, provided a refined vision shaped by stakeholder contributions, leading to the finalization of the vertical and cross-sectoral priority areas of the S3 strategy as follows:

Vertical Priority Areas

1. Renewable Energy and Natural Resources
By leveraging its favorable geographic location and abundant natural resources, Albania has taken significant steps in utilizing renewable energy to meet its energy needs. This sector is considered a key area for the development of smart specialization, aiming to increase renewable energy production and ensure energy security, while promoting the use of renewable sources and the development of innovative technologies.

• Vision: Albania aims to become a regional leader in the renewable energy sector, ensuring responsible use and management of natural resources, promoting environmental sustainability, and increasing economic competitiveness.
• Subsectors:
• Renewable energy;
• Raw materials;
• Environmental conservation/Sustainable forest management.

2. Sustainable and Diverse Tourism
Sustainable and diverse tourism was identified as another vital area for Albania, significantly contributing to economic growth and offering numerous opportunities for employment and regional development.
Recognizing the potential in specific subsectors, the S3 framework emphasizes strategic investments and promotional efforts in areas such as cultural heritage and traditions, health tourism, culinary experiences combined with agriculture and food security, as well as natural and rural tourism, including agritourism, adventure tourism, and sports tourism.

• Vision: Transform Albania into a leading tourist destination, offering authentic and sustainable experiences while preserving cultural heritage and natural assets for future generations.
• Subsectors:
• Cultural heritage and traditional tourism;
• Health and wellness tourism;
• Agritourism and farm-to-table experiences;
• Ecotourism and sustainable tourism development.

3. Healthy and Sustainable Food Chain
Agriculture is a key sector for Albania’s economic stability and food security. With a focus on developing a sustainable and organic food chain, Albania has the opportunity to increase added value and contribute to the sustainable development of agri-processing and food safety sectors.

• Vision: Develop organic and sustainable agriculture to provide healthy food and support the sustainable development of the agri-processing sectors.
• Subsectors:
• Sustainable organic agriculture and certification;
• Food processing and value-added products;
• Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture;
• Production of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs), oils, and extracts.

Cross-Sectoral Priority Areas

In addition to the vertical priority areas, several cross-sectoral (horizontal) priority areas have been identified as essential for the development of vertical areas and for creating suitable and favorable conditions for smart economic growth in the country:

1. Human Capital
Human capital is considered by all stakeholders involved in the S3 preparation as a key aspect for advancing the country’s economy and intelligent development. This priority includes several sub-priorities:

• Advancing education – promoting innovation and market readiness through digitalization and curriculum modernization;
• Empowering youth and retaining talent;
• Engaging the diaspora – fostering human capital, technology, and culture.

2. Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity
Digital infrastructure and integration with international networks are essential for improving efficiency and promoting innovation. Albania can accelerate its integration into European digital networks and create new opportunities for economic and social development through advanced technologies.

3. Research and Innovation for Smart Growth
Scientific research and innovation are key elements in promoting sustainable economic growth and improving competitiveness. Recognizing the transformative impact of these sectors, the strategy aims for a comprehensive approach focused on building an ecosystem that fosters innovation and scientific research.
Through the development of Research and Innovation, Albania aims to align more closely with European research standards, attract international talent, and develop economic sectors capable of generating high-value-added products. This strategic focus is essential not only for achieving technological progress but also for ensuring the country remains competitive in an increasingly knowledge-based global economy.

It should be emphasized that the vertical and horizontal priority areas are significantly interconnected, and the division of measures and activities in one priority area often has reciprocal links with others. In many cases, the inclusion of activities in one priority area has been considered a conventional classification and not necessarily exclusive to that priority. This becomes clearer when observing the involvement of different stakeholders in each activity planned in the S3 action plan.