The project addresses the pressing challenges faced by 1.5 million young people in the Western Balkans, encompassing secondary school students, university students, and the unemployed. A significant majority (70%) express a desire to leave their home countries due to perceived limited opportunities, exacerbated by formal education systems that fail to adequately prepare them for today’s dynamic job market, as highlighted by recent research. Recognizing the transformative shifts in global labor markets—accelerated by automation, digital and green transformations, and the aftermath of COVID-19—the project aims to bridge this gap with innovative solutions.

Established by the Social Innovation Incubator Munja – Bosnia and Herzegovina, STAR.study launched in January 2023 as the region’s first digital platform dedicated to career orientation and empowerment for youth in the labor market. The initiative, backed by a regional partnership with OSF WB, seeks to expand the existing platform across the Western Balkans. This expansion involves mapping existing initiatives, integrating modern tools for career guidance, and fostering a perception of the region as a space of opportunity. With a focus on scalability and sustainability, the project aims to enhance youth employability and career readiness through digital innovation, advocacy efforts, and policy engagement. Key activities include developing a comprehensive digital platform tailored to regional needs, conducting consultations with stakeholders across six countries, and promoting joint policy recommendations to support long-term youth development and economic resilience in the region.

In essence, STAR embodies a multifaceted approach combining digital innovation with regional collaboration to empower the next generation with essential skills and opportunities in an evolving economic landscape.