A new report on “Current State of Open Data and Digitalization in the Western Balkans” launched in Sarajevo by the Balkan Investigative reporting Network (BIRN) reveals that despite significant strides in digitalization in the region serious challenges remain such as lack of political will and technical infrastructure, inconsistent law enforcement, and major cyber security threats.

The BIRN research covered thousands of e-services and over 3,000 open data sets, which are crucial for supporting European integration. The report shows that countries in the region – Albania, BiH, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia—have made significant strides in digitalization and the implementation of e-government services.

On top of serious challenges such as lack of political will, technical infrastructure, law enforcement, major cyber security threats, the report also highlights the lack of involvement of civil society organizations and the media in open data processes, which hinders further progress.

Denis Džidić, Executive Director of BIRN Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) warned that BiH is lagging behind the region and stressed the need for political will to prioritize digital reforms.

Tanja Maksić, Program Coordinator at BIRN Serbia, pointed out the importance of improving the legal framework for open data, emphasizing that standardization as key to expanding these initiatives.

Faruk Hadžić, Dean of the Sarajevo School of Science and Technology (SSST), stressed that the digitalization process in BiH was flawed from the start and called for the involvement of the civil sector with ready-made solutions that public institutions could implement.

Aleksandar Mastilović, IEEE/Digital Transformation Consultant, pointed out the serious deficiencies in BiH’s cyber security strategies and emphasized the need for better-coordinated strategic agreements between institutions to avoid contradictions in laws.

“We must convince governments to recognize the urgency and importance of digitalization and digital transformation.” Mervan Miraščija, Team leader at the Open Society Foundations Western Balkans.

The report recommendations include strengthening technical capacities, standardizing data, involving the private sector, and securing permanent budgets for open data initiatives to ensure their long-term sustainability and greater benefits for society, the economy, and the environment.

With the support from OSF the report will be presented in all capitals across the Western Balkans.