Regional potential for ICT collaboration in the context of smart specialisation in the Western Balkans

This report, aligned with the JRC's efforts under the Global Gateway strategy as EU flagship investment plan underpinning the external dimension of EU policy across the world, provides insights into Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) collaboration in the Western Balkans, crucial for advancing regional development agendas. It addresses urgent questions on leveraging ICT for digitalisation and green transformation, recognizing high stakes for economic growth and sustainability. Through a mixed-methods approach, it identifies a strong commitment to ICT cooperation among Western Balkan economies, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to overcome financial constraints and limited awareness. Key possible policy implications include establishing regional cooperation platforms, creating regional support financial instruments for Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) implementation, and harmonising legal frameworks to foster cross-border cooperation, all essential for enhancing regional competitiveness and innovation capacity. The report underscores the importance of regional partnerships, digital skill enhancement, and strategic alignment to unlock the full potential of the ICT sector in driving economic resilience and growth in the Western Balkans. This study sheds light on the main challenges ahead and opportunities in the region, to be possibly tackled also in the context of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.