Dr. Bernard Nikaj

Dr. Bernard Nikaj is a Kosovar academic and diplomat, currently serving as an Adjunct Professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology in Kosovo. He has a PhD in Governance and Public Policy Analysis from Maastricht University, an MSc with Distinction in Management of Information Systems from the London School of Economics, and a BA in Economics and Management from the University of Prishtina. Dr. Nikaj's professional journey is marked by extensive international academic and government experience. He has held prestigious fellowships, including the FCO International Leaders Fellowship, and the U.S. State Department Fulbright Fellowship.

Dr. Nikaj's expertise spans political science, economics, and public policy, with a focus on governance, economic development, technology, and regional integration. His diplomatic career includes high-level roles as Kosovo's Ambassador to Belgium and his involvement in complex negotiations related to Kosovo’s integration with the EU and NATO. He has also served as Minister of Trade and Industry in Kosovo, where he was instrumental in major economic reforms, including trade negotiations and the establishment of economic free zones. His consulting experience is extensive, including work with major international donors and organizations like the EU, World Bank, and USAID, as well as contributions to various strategic and functional reviews in the public sector across the Western Balkans.

In the academic realm, Dr. Nikaj has taught and conducted research at institutions such as Maastricht University, the University of Graz, and the University of California, Berkeley. His teaching and research interests include public policy, technology in governance, and regional integration processes. He has also contributed to significant publications and research reports, focusing on Kosovo's socio-political landscape and the EU's role in regional dialogue. Dr. Nikaj's career is a testament to his engagement with both the practical and theoretical aspects of governance and public policy.