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Promoting digital transformation and green economy in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sustainable Economic Development and Employment Promotion in Bosnia and Herzegovina (SEDEP)

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  • Client

    German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

  • Co-financier

    Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation

  • Political sponsors

    More

  • Runtime

    2023 to 2026

  • Involved

    Chambers of Economy in Tuzla Canton, Zenica Doboj Canton, Una-Sana Canton, Sarajevo Canton, Republika Srpska), Foundation 787 and others; Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Federal Ministry of Development, Entrepreneurship and Crafts; Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Ministry of Economy and Entrepreneurship of Republika Srpska; Foreign Trade Chamber; Chambers of Economy in Republika Srpska, Tuzla Canton, Zenica Doboj Canton, Una-Sana Canton, Sarajevo Canton; Digital Innovation Hubs in Sarajevo, Banja Luka and Tuzla; Ministries of Education and Culture of Republika Srpska, Tuzla Canton, Una –Sana Canton, Zenica-Doboj Canton, Sarajevo Canton; TVET and VET schools in partner regions

  • Products and expertise

    Economic development and employment

Context

Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) faces a shortage of skilled workers aligned with labour market demands, alongside limited progress in green and digital transformation. Consequently, this situation threatens the competitiveness of the private economy and employment prospects for the population. Economic and innovation stakeholders, including companies, schools, and chambers lack opportunities to collaborate and improve employment during these transformations. Additionally, weak partnerships between universities and the private economy hinder green and digital innovation. Similarly, companies, chambers, and schools also fail to collaborate on vocational training that meets current needs, resulting in outdated curricula. Furthermore, few institutional partners support companies in digitalisation and green economy efforts, leading to low awareness of their potentials.

Objective

Employment opportunities in Bosnia and Herzegovina have improved for job seekers, reflecting the digital and green transformation of the economy.

Approach

The project has two main components:

  • Enhancing vocational education and training (VET): This component aims to improve the vocational education and training system to ensure a qualified workforce for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s long-term economic development.
  • Developing the private economy: It targets the transformation of businesses towards a more digital and green economy, making the country more competitive and innovative.

To achieve these goals, the project:

  • Fosters collaboration between businesses, private organisations, schools, and chambers.
  • Supports small and medium-sized enterprises and vocational schools in training for digital and green services.
  • Engages national, entity and cantonal government stakeholders in dialogue.
  • Promotes changes for improved dual vocational training.
  • Develops a framework for green and digital business growth.
  • Integrates women and disadvantaged populations into activities.

Last update: July 2024

Additional information