The SMEQA project partners – representatives of higher education institutions, quality assurance agencies, and ministries – discussed the development and implementation of further activities in external quality assurance and accreditation procedures in Bosnia and Herzegovina at a workshop held as part of WP 4. The event took place at the University of Mostar.

Following an introductory welcome by representatives of the University of Mostar, the Agency for the Development of Higher Education and Quality Assurance of Bosnia and Herzegovina (HEA) presented the workshop objectives and emphasised the importance of establishing and strengthening systematic mechanisms for follow-up measures in accreditation procedures as a key element for continuous quality monitoring in accordance with European standards and guidelines for quality assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG). Particular attention was given to how follow-up activities support quality assurance processes at the level of institutions and study programmes. Practical perspectives were provided in presentations by the Ministry of Education, Science, Youth, Culture and Sport of the Central Bosnia Canton and the University of Vitez, which addressed policy implementation, the preparation and monitoring of action plans, institutional responses to accreditation recommendations, and key challenges and success factors.

The international perspective was presented by the Slovenian Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (SQAA), which highlighted the key mechanism linking external evaluation with internal quality assurance systems, thereby ensuring systematic monitoring of quality and improvements in higher education institutions. Examples of good practice illustrated how external quality assurance procedures can effectively support and strengthen internal evaluations of institutions and study programmes.

The interactive part of the workshop included the World Café method, not only as a knowledge transfer activity, but also as a platform for active participation, exchange of views, and in-depth discussion among participants. Through structured dialogue, participants shared experiences, reflected on common challenges, and jointly sought solutions related to the adaptation of institutional and study programme action plans, the effective implementation of accreditation recommendations, and the strengthening of monitoring and reporting mechanisms. The meeting encouraged participants to put their newly acquired knowledge into context and incorporate it into their professional practice. The World Café concluded with a presentation of key findings, identified challenges, examples of good practice, and practical recommendations for the further development of monitoring procedures.

The workshop concluded with a summary of the results and closing remarks, which emphasised the continued importance of cooperation among all relevant stakeholders in strengthening the link between external and internal quality assurance processes and improving the overall quality of higher education in Bosnia and Herzegovina

This activity contributes significantly to the objectives of the SMEQA project and to ongoing efforts to improve the effectiveness, transparency, and sustainability of quality assurance processes in the higher education system.