Project

Assessing the State of Application of the Digital Economy and Society Index in the Western Balkans

Enhance digital competitiveness in Western Balkan economies through DESI indicator analysis, establishing methodologies, and harmonizing data collection for improved governance.

Date Published
5 Dec 2020
Expected Start Date
05 Dec 2020
Expected End Date
20 Jan 2021
Project Type
Research and Capacity Development
Project Status
Completed

The overall objective of the project is to provide an analysis of the application of Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) indicators in the individual Western Balkan (WB) economies. More specifically, this project aims to establish the foundations of the DESI methodology in the six WB economies. This includes the identification and analysis of associated indicators, data sources, the methodologies used for data collection, the frequency of data collection, and all other relevant statistical operations. The final report will assist the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and the responsible authorities in the WB economies in their process of harmonisation the data collection for all DESI indicators, and thus ensure reliable monitoring and evaluation, aligned to the DESI methodology, of the performance in digital competitiveness in all WB economies. Lastly, the Study will provide an analysis of the identified gaps, needs and challenges faced by the relevant WB authorities and provide short-term recommendations to the relevant WB authorities.

Activities

  • Identify and analyse DESI indicators for each Western Balkan economy.
  • Establish DESI methodology foundations and data collection procedures.
  • Compile a final report to assist RCC and WB authorities in harmonizing data collection.
  • Support the alignment of data collection processes with DESI methodology.
  • Analyse gaps, needs, and challenges, providing short-term recommendations for improvement.

Deliverable

Report on the state of application of the Digital Economy and Society Index in Western Balkan economies.