Kleitia Zeqo
Principal Consultant
Offices: Niederlande
Email: kleitia.zeqo@technopolis-group.com
Kleitia Zeqo is a Principal Consultant at Technopolis Group, where she mainly conducts studies and evaluations in the field of European science, technology and innovation (STI) and cultural policy on behalf of various Directorate-Generals and agencies of the European Commission.
In the recent years Kleitia has focused on policy development around the European framework programmes on R&I (Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe), including the developments of the European Missions and Partnerships. Through her work with the international service facility of the EU, Kleitia has followed developments in the European Research Areas (ERA) as well as has monitored alignments of candidate member states to the ERA priorities. She was involved in the Knowledge Ecosystem project working on the development of the ERA Hub concept. Outside of Europe, Kleitia has evaluated the Fostering Innovation through Research, Science and Technology (FIRST) programme of Vietnam.
Additionally, she has analyses smart specialisation policies and fostered R&I collaborations between EU and various regions, including the Western Balkans, Australia, New Zealand, and countries of the Eastern Partnership.
On the technology side, Kleitia is interested in the role of key digital technologies. She was involved in the “Impact Assessment study for Institutionalised Partnerships” where she investigated the partnership for Key Digital Technologies. In addition, Kleitia’s role as a Work Package leader in a H2020 research initiative allowed her to collaborate closely with policy makers, co-creating policies that address the potential of automated technologies like artificial intelligence, along with the challenges they present.
When it comes to the cultural sector, Kleitia is currently working on launching policy labs for the sector through a Horizon Europe project. Previously she was involved in a study measuring the impact of Artificial intelligence on the cultural and creative industries. She has also been involved in the interim evaluation of the EU youth strategy, looked at the impact of the EU-tourism year and has fostered developments for the European audiovisual industry. Kleitia has co-authored a DG EAC study on the use of alternative methods of finance, such as digital finance and crowdfunding for culture in Europe. In addition, Kleitia is an individual member of Europa Nostra, the voice of cultural heritage in Europe, where she continues to be involved and updated on policy topics regarding tangible and intangible heritage.
Kleitia’s skill set includes expertise in evaluations and impact assessment, encompassing the utilisation of Better Regulations Guidelines. She proficiently employs a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research methods, such as foresight exercises, focus groups, workshops, stakeholder interviews, surveys, and data analysis. With extensive experience as a project manager and work package leader in international projects, Kleitia excels in community building and has authored numerous reports.
Before Technopolis Group, Kleitia worked as a consultant at IDEA Consult in Brussels. She completed the Policy Officer Traineeship at the European Commission, working with the SME and Financial Instrument Unit of DG RTD on fostering access to finance for innovation.
Kleitia is a Master of Science graduate from London School of Economics (UK) in European Politics and Governance and is currently doing a Master in Artificial Intelligence for Public service. She is fluent in English, Italian, Albanian, and has a good understanding of Dutch and Spanish.
