The importance of digital skills for the Western Balkans - comparative analysis between the Western Balkans and the European Union

This report analyses differences in digital skills levels in the Western Balkans and the EU, highlighting how digital skills, computer skills, and information evaluation skills are essential for economic growth, with digital skills directly correlating with higher labor productivity and GDP. The study shows that despite digitalization efforts in the Western Balkans, they are still lagging behind the EU in digital skill levels, especially in advanced digital skills. Despite this, young people in the Western Balkans have potential to close the skills gap to their EU peers, showing promise in basic digital competences in particular.

The study highlights strategic investments in digital education, infrastructure, and supportive policy frameworks as required actions to close this digital divide. Furthermore, emphasis is placed on the need for educational reform to embed digital skills into curricula, paired with partnerships between governments, educational institutions, and the private sector to support digital literacy on all levels. These actions prioritize digital skills development in the Western Balkans and offer opportunities to enhance its competitiveness in the labor market, support entrepreneurship, and drive long-term economic growth in line with the EU's digital transformation objectives.