ICT Skills in the Western Balkans Six: Current Landscape, Emerging Needs, and Directions for Action

08 July 2026 | STUDY

“ICT Skills in the Western Balkans Six: Current Landscape, Emerging Needs, and Directions for Action” examines how the region’s fast-growing Information and Communications Technology ( ICT) sector has become an important economic driver, while also showing that its future growth depends on closing skills gaps and adapting to new market demands. It analyses the current ICT labour market, employer needs, education and training systems, and emerging technologies such as AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity and data analytics, highlighting the shift from cost-based outsourcing towards higher-value, capability-based services. Based on employer surveys, interviews and regional data, the report identifies key challenges including shortages of problem-solving, business and communication skills, limited AI readiness, weak education-industry alignment, demographic pressures and talent retention, and proposes five priority areas for action within the Common Regional Market framework.

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