The Blueprint for Democratic Regeneration is a pioneering regional initiative designed to counter democratic backsliding, polarization, and digital manipulation in the Western Balkans. The project seeks to revitalize civic spaces – both digital and physical – by empowering civil society actors with the skills, tools, and strategies needed to navigate a rapidly evolving information landscape and strengthen institutional resilience. 

About the Project 

Implemented by TechSoup Europe with the support of OSF-Western Balkans, the Blueprint for Democratic Regeneration operates at the intersection of technology, civic participation, and institutional renewal. 

The project’s pilot phase (May-December 2025) focuses on building a critical mass of digitally empowered civil society actors across the region through three interconnected interventions: 

• MEGAPHONE 2025 – a flagship regional convening in Sarajevo bringing together over 100 participants from the Western Balkans and Central and Eastern Europe to address AI risks, civic security, and digital polarization while co-creating strategies for institutional renewal. 

• Hive Mind – an online community of practice available in English, Albanian, and Macedonian that provides structured, safe, and interactive digital learning spaces for civil society organizations and activists. 

• AI-Upskilling Initiative – a capacity-building effort linking regional trainers to TechSoup’s global network, preparing them to train nonprofits in AI-powered tools for civic engagement and democratic action. 

These components form the foundation for long-term collaboration, enabling CSOs and activists to reclaim digital civic spaces, counter disinformation, and contribute to democratic resilience in the Western Balkans. 

Local Impact 

The pilot phase strengthens civic capacities at the national level by training and connecting local civil society actors, journalists, and digital activists. Through MEGAPHONE 2025, participants will engage in peer learning, case study exchanges, and practical sessions on countering digital threats and fostering dialogue in divided societies. 

The initiative supports the emergence of “digital democracy hubs” – safe environments where CSOs and young leaders can co-design strategies for civic participation and institutional accountability in Bosnia and Herzegovina and beyond. 

Regional Impact 

At the regional level, the project builds cross-border collaboration and trust among civic actors from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. 

By integrating the Western Balkans into TechSoup’s global AI-Upskilling Program, the project ensures the region’s inclusion in a worldwide civic tech network. The Hive Mind platform will serve as a long-term digital hub for knowledge exchange, co-creation, and regional learning, available in multiple languages. 

Ultimately, the Blueprint for Democratic Regeneration lays the groundwork for a new ecosystem of civic and digital resilience – empowering local actors to lead the fight against disinformation, rebuild trust in institutions, and advance democratic renewal across the Western Balkans.