Prof. Dr. Edmond Hajrizi is a distinguished leader in engineering, management, and technology. As the founder and current President (Rector) and CEO of the University for Business and Technology (UBT) in Prishtina, a position he has held since December 2001, he has significantly impacted both academia and industry. Dr. Hajrizi's educational background includes a Graduate Degree in Engineering, a Master of Science in Advanced Automation Technology, and a Doctorate in System Management from Vienna University of Technology (2000). His Post-Doctoral Research at City University London in 2012 focused on complex systems design and management. At UBT, he has spearheaded numerous initiatives, including over 100 spin-offs and key institutes, as well as the UBT Innovation Campus. His leadership encompasses strategic, executive, and operational management. It is also to emphasize Dr. Hajrizi’s entrepreneurship as the creator of more than 80 business functions, through which hundreds of business models have been developed, serving as the foundation for the establishment of other enterprises. Additionally, the rector has given a significant contribution on entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly by creation of all structures for supporting entrepreneurship and innovation, starting from courses across all departments, moving on to specialized programs, incubators, startup centers, and the integrated system of entrepreneurship and innovation at UBT. Dr. Hajrizi has played a crucial role in establishing the UBT Science and Technology Park, which is also a member of International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP: Global Network of Science & Technology Parks & Innovation Districts – IASP). Dr. Hajrizi’s extensive involvement in international conferences and scientific committees, alongside his membership in organizations like IPMA, EOQ, and IFAC, underscores his commitment to advancing education, research, and innovation globally. Under Dr. Hajrizi’s leadership, UBT’s strategic focus continues to emphasize innovation and societal contribution, aiming to support graduates in the global labor market and nurture an entrepreneurial spirit. The university has introduced more than 30 innovations over the past 20 years, including the EON Virtual and Augmented Reality Center, which enhances the educational landscape in Kosovo. UBT has also established over 500 global partnerships, reinforcing its position in international academia and industry. Over 1000 jobs are created in Kosovo, annually, thanks to UBT’s direct and indirect impact in local economy, while 65 % of ICT Sector employees in Kosovo hold a UBT degree, helping the nation towards establishing its regional and European position as an important source of ICT experts and skilled labours. Furtherly, Dr. Hajrizi’s leadership has led the UBT to become a leader of private education in Kosovo and region according to Webometrics ranking. Along with prestigious international awards such as "European Young Entepreneurial University of the Year" (2023), ranking 6th in the world in terms of applications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution as well as ranking among the top 100 best universities in the world for Real Impact by WURI, earlier this year UBT was ranked among the Top 200 best Universities in the world for the fight against Climate Change by the GreenMetric World University Ranking 2023. The World Excellence Council, specifically the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) has certified and evaluated UBT with the Five Star Excellence Award. When it comes to individual awards; Rector Hajrizi has been honored with the prestigious European Quality Leader First Finalist award by the European Organization for Quality (EOQ), recognizing his unparalleled contribution to the advancement and promotion of quality globally. He has been awarded the "Pioneers Awards" at the 8th Global Innovation and Excellence Conference, in Dubai, in 2023. The technological giant, EON Reality, has honored Rector Hajrizi with the “EON Power User” Award. This prestigious award was given to Rector Hajrizi for the UBT entered the ranks of prestigious universities and served as a model in the development of technological innovations, as he created thousands of lessons in hundreds of university courses.

Prof.Dr. Edmond Hajrizi
Rector; Lead Enterpreneur and Innovation Manager
UBT Higher Management,  University for Business and Technology, Kosovo

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