Leveraging AI and Knowledge Management for Smarter Capacity Building in Local Governance

How can artificial intelligence (AI) and modern knowledge management (KM) systems transform capacity building in local governments? This webinar explores how digital innovation is reshaping how municipalities access, share, and apply knowledge to better serve their communities.

Using Albania as a real-world case, we examine the transition from traditional KM—focused on storing and retrieving information—to an AI-enhanced, real-time learning model. This shift supports capacity-building frameworks that emphasize continuous learning, system responsiveness, and evidence-informed decision-making.

Researchers and practitioners from the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, the University of Tirana and Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation (Strong Municipalities Project, funded by SDC and SIDA), will share applied insights and a proposed theoretical model for AI-enhanced knowledge management. Participants will be invited to contribute reflections to ensure the model is grounded in practical needs.

Workshop Programme:

Moderator: Dr Valbona Karakaçi (Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation and University of Shkodra, Albania)

Welcome and context-setting

Presentation 1 – Knowledge Management in the Digital Age (10 minutes)
Speaker: Prof. Oliver Kessler, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts

• What is knowledge and what is knowledge management?
• How is KM being reshaped through digitalization?
• Overview of knowledge management processes and services
• Insights from two case studies in Albania

Interview Session – Real-World Challenges (10 minutes)
Guests:
Voltana Ademi – Former Mayor
Artan Rroji – Local Government Trainer

What are the limitations of traditional Knowledege Management systems which AI might solve?

Presentation 2 – AI for Smarter KM Processes & Services (10 minutes)
Speaker: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Endri Xhina (University of Tirana)

• Proposed theoretical model for AI-enhanced knowledge management
• How AI can improve core municipal functions
• Opportunities for system-level transformation in local governance

Panel Reflections (15 minutes)

Participants:
Hannah Adegbile (University of Lucerne, student)
Bojana Bajić (RESPA, expert on Public Policies Innovations and Digitalization, MNE)
Elda Bagaviki (Swiss Development and Cooperation, Albania, Local Government Expert)
Michaela Quadrini, University of Camerino, Italy

Focus of questions in the panel:

• Initial responses to the proposed model
• Alignment with field realities and emerging trends
• Questions and considerations for further refinement

Open Discussion (25 minutes)

Closing and next steps (5 minutes)
Aldo Merkoçi, -Advisor, Minister of State for Local Government