4 facts for digitalisation in the Western Balkans
Western Balkans - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia
The ETF study, Flexibilization of the Labour Markets in the Western Balkan Countries, and related event on 7 June 2022 outlined in this edition of Learning Connects identified the following key issues in the Western Balkans concerning digitalization.
1. Despite growing broadband coverage, the regional average of households with Internet in 2020 lagged behind that of the EU: 82% vs. 91%.
2. On average, 20% of individuals in the region have above average digital skills compared to 25% in the EU in 2019. Digital skill levels are uneven, with Serbia and Montenegro in the lead.
3. Five nations (all but Kosovo) ranked among the global top 10 for the number of freelancers on international online platforms per 1,000 people in 2018.
4. Remote workers tend to be urban men between the ages of 25-35. Workers from the region often specialize in creative, multimedia and technical services, including software development.