Establishment of the Knowledge Rights 21 Regional Alliance for Central and Southeastern Europe

On December 3, 2024, the “Knowledge Rights 21 Regional Alliance – Network of Librarians and Copyright Experts from Central and Southeastern Europe”, was officially established at a meeting hosted at the Four Points by Sheraton Ljubljana Hotel. The event was organized by Open Data and Intellectual Property Institute ODIPI and chaired by Dr. Maja Bogataj Jančič.

The Knowledge Rights 21 Regional Alliance – Network of Librarians and Copyright Experts from Central and Southeastern Europe (hereinafter: the Alliance) brings together representatives from libraries, academic institutions, research institutes, and copyright initiatives across the region to foster collaboration and enhance the dissemination of knowledge. Participants agreed to formalize the network’s structure through a Memorandum of Cooperation, to be drafted in Q1 2025. This document will define the Alliance’s objectives and provide a foundation for its activities.

Key priorities include promoting resource sharing, supporting researchers, and providing copyright expertise. The Alliance will also aim to expand its network by involving Knowledge Rights 21 research experts, copyright specialists, and other stakeholders, while welcoming both institutional and individual participation.

Future plans include regular communication through dedicated mailing lists and follow-up meetings, with the next scheduled for Q1 2025. The Alliance also envisions further engagement during regional and international events, underscoring its commitment to advancing collaboration and knowledge-sharing efforts across Central and Southeastern Europe.