SOE 11
NAME OF THE PROJECT : RECONOMY Digitalization of sectors with growth potential for better economic opportunities
Donor: Helvetas
Area: Western Balkan countries: Albania, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia
Duration: 1.07.2023 to 31.12.2026
Budget: Euro 1.980.258,55
General Objective: to achieve sustainable, large-scale and socially inclusive impact through systemic change and acting in a facilitative role towards stakeholders and beneficiaries:
- Women and youth, including the most disadvantaged and excluded, benefit from improved economic opportunities (better income and green and decent jobs) inclusively and sustainably
- to contribute to an increased level of regional cooperation among the WB countries
Description:
Help has been working in Western Balkan to enhance living conditions and support social inclusion of marginalized population groups. As part of the cooperation with HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation the Regional Programme Digitalization of sectors with growth potential for better economic opportunities” in Western Balkans which is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) was launched.
Helvetas and Help are committed to leveraging their organizational capacities and resources to the best possible manner and supporting each other in fulfilling the stated objectives and obligations towards Sida. They are guided by the shared ambition to achieve sustainable, large-scale and socially inclusive impact through systemic change and acting in a facilitative role towards stakeholders and beneficiaries. The partnership adheres to principles of good governance (transparency, accountability, participation, non-discrimination, efficiency) and builds on mutual trust and respect.
The vision statement of the joint activity is for sector representatives to benefit from economic opportunities and contribute to local economic development by advancing knowledge and skills, increasing market access, sales and income.
The lack of cooperation between ICT companies and other industries is hindering the development of new products and services in the Western Balkans. This problem is compounded by technological underdevelopment, low investment in key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing, and limited digitalization skills among the workforce.
Climate-dependent industries, such as agriculture and tourism, face significant challenges due to climate change, unsustainable natural resource management, and energy issues. Households engaged in these industries are particularly vulnerable to such events. Failure to meet environmental standards in the supply chain and adapt to growing consumer demand for sustainability may lead to lower household income and further impoverishment of small family businesses.
To address these challenges, it is important to promote greater cooperation between the ICT industry and other sectors, as well as to invest in technological development and digitalization skills. Furthermore, efforts should be made to build resilience in climate-dependent industries through the adoption of climate-resilient practices and resource-efficient production methods.
Main activities:
- Implementation of Market System Analysis
- Identification of potential cooperating partners (Market Actors)
- Identification of appropriate interventions
- Monitoring of interventions implemented by selected Market actors
- Reporting to Helvetas
RECONOMY is a regional inclusive and green economic development program of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), implemented by HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation in partnership with Help and others in the Eastern Partnership and the Western Balkans.
