Digitalisation in the Western Balkans

Abstract

Digitalisation has been a top priority in the Western Balkans for the past decade. The European Union, recognising it as a driver of economic growth, is encouraging the countries of the region to invest in digital development from 2017. The necessary legislation has been adopted, the institutions responsible for this have been set up and developments have been launched to provide citizens with a wide range of services. At different times, all the countries in the region have set up their own e-public administration portals, which they are working to improve with their own resources and with the support of the European Union. A strong emphasis is being placed on developing the digital skills of the younger generation, as this kind of relationship between the state and its citizens will become the new norm for the generations to come. However, not only the citizens, but also economic operators will benefit from the transition, with reduced costs and faster turnaround times, which could also be an advantage for economic operators.