Who We Are

/ About CISC

The Center for Innovation, Sustainability and Culture (CISC) is an independent think-and-do tank and policy innovation lab based in Albania. Founded at the intersection of research, policy, innovation and community action, CISC develops evidence-based solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of our time, from climate change and sustainable development to digital transformation, cultural innovation and inclusive governance.

CISC was born out of an identified need within Albanian society for more evidence-based, mission-oriented, expert-led and innovative policymaking that is grounded in local realities, informed by international best practices, respectful of planetary boundaries and committed to serving the public purpose.

The Center serves as a bridge between communities and decision-making, connecting research production with policy design, consultation processes, pilot initiatives and practical implementation. We believe that transformative solutions emerge when rigorous evidence, local knowledge, interdisciplinary expertise and creative/innovative approaches come together.

Climate lies at the heart of our work. This commitment is informed by the experience of CISC's co-founders as climate negotiators representing Albania at COP29 and COP30, where they contributed to international climate diplomacy and advanced partnerships for sustainable development and climate action.

Looking ahead, CISC aims to become a leading think-and-do tank supporting innovative policy solutions and transformative initiatives in Albania, the Western Balkans and beyond.

Mission & Vision

/ Our Mission

Our mission is to design, test and scale evidence-based solutions that advance sustainable development, climate action, innovation and cultural transformation. We work to bridge interdisciplinary research and implementation, strengthen participatory policymaking and foster cross-sector collaboration that serves the public good. 

Through research, policy innovation, pilot initiatives and partnerships, we aim to contribute to more inclusive, resilient, sustainable, and future-oriented societies.

/ Our Vision

We envision a society where policymaking is evidence-based, innovation serves the public interest, sustainable practices and climate action are closely integrated in development agendas, culture is recognized as a driver of social cohesion, and communities are empowered to shape their own futures.

Our long-term vision is for CISC to become a leading think-and-do tank in Albania and the wider region, advancing mission-driven policies and innovative solutions that address complex social, environmental and economic challenges, while respecting planetary boundaries and promoting human wellbeing.

Our Three Pillars

01

We believe innovation is not only technological: it is social, institutional and policy-driven.

CISC promotes innovation that addresses societal challenges and serves the public interest. We work on:

Innovation

  1. Social innovation and systems change

  2. Digital transformation and emerging technologies

  3. Artificial Intelligence and responsible innovation

  4. Innovation ecosystems and entrepreneurship

  5. Public sector innovation

  6. Policy experimentation and innovation labs

  7. Future-oriented governance

02

Sustainability is a guiding principle across all our work.

We promote development models that are environmentally responsible, socially inclusive and economically resilient. Our work includes:

Sustainability

  1. Climate change and climate policy

  2. Climate diplomacy and international cooperation

  3. Green and just transition 

  4. Environmental protection

  5. Circular economy

  6. Resilience and adaptation

  7. Sustainable development

Climate is at the centre of our work, reflecting our founders' experience in international climate diplomacy and our commitment to advancing ambitious and equitable climate action.

03

Culture is not an afterthought: it is a catalyst for transformation.

We recognize culture as a source of creativity, social cohesion, identity and innovation. Our work explores:

Culture

  1. Cultural and creative industries

  2. Innovation within arts and culture

  3. Cultural diplomacy

  4. Storytelling and public engagement

  5. Culture for sustainable development

Where Innovation, Sustainability and Culture Meet

The world's most complex challenges cannot be addressed through isolated disciplines.

At CISC, we work at the intersection of innovation, sustainability and culture because we believe that:

  1. Innovation without sustainability risks creating solutions that are ineffective long term. 

  2. Sustainability without culture risks overlooking people, values and identities.

  3. Culture without innovation risks limiting its transformative potential.

  • evidence-based,

  • people-centered,

  • environmentally responsible,

  • culturally grounded,

  • technologically informed,

  • and oriented toward long-term value.

Our Approach

  • Research – producing rigorous evidence, reliable data and strategic analysis.

  • Policy Innovation – designing and testing policy ideas and feasible recommendations.

  • Implementation – piloting initiatives, supporting creative solutions and translating ideas into practice.

  • Collaboration – building bridges across sectors, disciplines, institutions and communities.

  • Systems Thinking – addressing interconnected challenges through holistic and interdisciplinary approaches.

CISC operates at the intersection of: