The research Needs Analysis of Civil Engineering Education and Innovation for Circular and Sustainable Construction was carried out as part of the project needs analysis to assess the current state of Civil Engineering education and its alignment with labour market demands, societal challenges and European policy priorities. It gathered perspectives from key stakeholder groups, including academic staff, industry representatives and students from partner countries. The survey examined policy awareness, the relevance and quality of study programmes, employability and skills development, as well as sustainability and circular construction practices. The results provide an evidence-based foundation for defining targeted project interventions and for supporting the modernisation of curricula in line with European strategies for sustainable development, innovation and green growth.

This publication presents the results of the research project entitled “Assessment of the Current Situation and the Potential for the Development of the Circular Economy in the Construction Sector in the Western Balkans”.

This research was conducted as part of the preparatory activities for the development of an Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) project proposal for the Western Balkans region named Empowering Circular Construction Transformation Across Academia & Industry in the Western Balkans.

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The survey questionnaire was structured into four main parts in order to systematically capture information relevant to the objectives of the project. The first part focused on collecting general information about the respondents and their institutional or professional background, ensuring a clear understanding of the stakeholder profiles involved in the survey.

The second part examined the level of awareness and integration of key European and international policy frameworks, with particular emphasis on the EU Global Gateway strategy and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as their relevance to Civil Engineering education and practice.

The third part addressed the quality and relevance of existing Civil Engineering study programmes and their alignment with labour market needs. This section explored graduate employability, curriculum adequacy, practical training, and the extent to which current programmes equip graduates with competences required by the construction sector.

The fourth part focused on sustainability-related topics, with special attention given to circular construction, resource efficiency, staff competences, and the need for curriculum modernisation and capacity building. This section aimed to identify existing gaps and priority areas for future educational development and project interventions.

The results presented in this report serve as a critical input for shaping targeted interventions within the project, ensuring relevance, impact, and alignment with European strategies for sustainable development, innovation, and green growth.

Contributing organisations to this survey are: Civil Engineering Faculty, Ss.Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Institute for Research in Environment, Civil Engineering & Energy, “Dzemal Bijedic” University in Mostar, School of Economics and Business, University of Sarajevo, Green Building Council BiH, Chamber of Economy of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Civil Engineering Faculty, University of Prishtina, Business Faculty, University of Prishtina, Green Building Council Kosovo, Faculty of Economy, University of Tirana, Albania, Polytechnic University of Tirana and Green Building Council Albania.