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Bojana Bajic, Digital Transformation of Public Administration Specialist and Former Head of IT Department of the Ministry of Finance, Montenegro presented the topic above as part of the “Key Inputs for Setting the Scene” block of the first Plenary Session of the POLICY ANSWERS conference on “Policy Dialogue on Aligning Priorities in the Western Balkans”.
The Western Balkans region, a place of rich cultural diversity and economic potential, is on a transformative path toward embracing the Digital Agenda. An overview of the region’s progress and challenges in this endeavor paints a compelling picture.
Digital Skills Landscape
- ICT Specialists: With over 20 million ICT specialists, the Western Balkans show promise in this field, aiming for gender convergence in this sector.
- Basic Digital Skills: An ambitious goal has been set, with a minimum target of 80% of the population to possess basic digital skills. This is a fundamental requirement for modern economies and societies.
Despite these aspirations, the Western Balkans region falls significantly below the EU average in digital proficiency. The main obstacle lies in lower internet user skills, making it crucial to bridge the digital divide.
Gender Equality and Digital Proficiency
An area where the Western Balkans perform favorably is the percentage of ICT graduates and female ICT specialists. While these figures provide hope, a significant gender imbalance still exists, with women comprising only 19% of ICT specialists. Achieving gender equality in this sector remains a critical objective.
Education and Graduation Rates
In terms of education, the Western Balkans are making strides. In 2021, 6% of total graduates held tertiary degrees in ICT, surpassing the EU average for the year 2020 (4%). This indicates a growing focus on ICT education within the region.
Common Recommendations for the Western Balkans
To further enhance their digital transformation and drive prosperity, the Western Balkans can consider the following key recommendations:
- Prioritizing Digital Literacy: The region should prioritize digital literacy programs that target various segments of society, including students, educators, professionals, and vulnerable groups. This will unlock the full potential of digital technologies and build a prosperous and inclusive digital future.
- Digitization-Ready Legislation: Implementing principles that facilitate digital transformation through legislation can streamline the adaptation to new technologies.
- Enhanced Technical Infrastructure: Improved data interoperability, the promotion of the once-only principle, and advancements in technical infrastructure can lead to more efficient and citizen-centric digital services.
- Accessible Online Services: Enhancing the accessibility and usability of online services through national one-stop portals will improve the overall digital experience for citizens and businesses.
- Business Digitalization: Encouraging businesses to embrace advanced digital technologies, such as cloud computing, big data analysis, and artificial intelligence, can bolster the region’s economic growth.
- Data Collection and Evidence-Based Policy: Improving data collection processes, especially in the area of digital technology usage in enterprises, is essential for effective, evidence-based policy making. Addressing gaps in data availability and enhancing control over the data collection process is crucial.
As the Western Balkans region continues its journey toward digital transformation, these recommendations offer a roadmap for surmounting challenges and seizing opportunities. With a collective effort and a focus on digital literacy, accessible services, and data-driven policies, the Western Balkans can become a hub for digital innovation and inclusive growth in the heart of Europe.