PhD, POLIS University / Ferrara University, focused on “Cluster Policies in CEE Countries”. MSc. POLIS University, Master of Second Level , Housing and Land Development, 2012; MSc. Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Holland, 2007; MSc. University of Tirana, Faculty of Economics, 2006

ElonaKarafili, is a qualified professional in the field of urban economics and finance, with varied experience portfolio, including several managerial positions. She has actively participated in a number of national and international conferences and seminars. She has a solid background in project management, counting a number of Erasmus+ KA 1, Erasmus+ KA2 and Horizon2020 projects Elona has a 12-year experience as lecturer and researcher. She is a lecturer at POLIS University, where she works as full time academic staff since 2007. She has also been the Head of Internal Quality Assurance Unit .Currently, Elona holds the position of the Vice-Rector of POLIS University. Academic Interest: Urban Economics; City Marketing; Publications: Karafili, E.; Bregasi, L. (2017); “Cluster Policies as an Instrument for Evolutionary Planning”, Urbanistica Dossier, Monographic Journal, INU – IstitutoNazionale di Urbanistica, ISBN 978-88-7603-174-8, pp 165-172; Nientied, P.; Karafili, E. (2016); “Towards a Pragmatic Perspective on Business Innovation in Western Balkan Countries: The Case of Albania”, International Journal of Business and Management, Canadian Center of Science and Education, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/ijbm.v11n3p193; Karafili, E.; Marku, E. (2015) Identities of a Peri-Urban Habitat; The potential for agricultural cluster development in Tirana Book of Proceedings of AESOP 2015 Congress “Definite Space – Fuzzy Responsibility”, ISBN 978-80-01-05782-7, Prague, pp 1975 – 1985; Karafili E. (2015). “Agricultural Cluster Development in Peri-Urban Areas” In POLIS University – University of Ferrara, Albania’s New Sustainable Image – Branding Tirana-Durres Corridor (pp. 82-87). Tirana.