ReSPA Enhances Competencies for Digitally Ready Western Balkans Governments

The Workshop on Exploring Competencies, Digital Transformation, and Innovation focused on the necessary skills and competencies for navigating the future of digital transformation and innovation in the Western Balkans public administrations. In particular, it examined competencies versus capabilities, emphasizing the tools required to shape future workforce needs and implementation challenges. It also addressed the digital transformation landscape within governments and strategies for competency development.

"I deeply appreciate the efforts that ReSPA invests in the education and capacity building of civil servants throughout the region. There is no doubt that the focus of this workshop, 'Managing Digital Transformation,' is of vital importance to all of us. The framework of authority and the development of personnel capacities in times of rapid change are at the forefront of our Ministry's focus. I believe that this topic is equally important for the entire region, as civil servants are the main support and driving force of every public administration," said Naim GJOKAJ, State Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration.

GJOKAJ emphasized that considering ReSPA continuously conducts research and studies on human resource management in public administrations of the Western Balkans, he is confident that the results and recommendations from this seminar will be invaluable for all participants.

"Our goal is to create an efficient, accountable, and modern public administration that can respond to the challenges of contemporary society," concluded GJOKAJ.

Director Maja HANDJISKA-TRENDAFILOVA of ReSPA emphasized the workshop's objective of equipping participants with the latest trends and best practices in competency frameworks, facilitating mutual learning among attendees and drawing on experiences from OECD member states: “We are confident that after these two days, you will be equipped with actionable recommendations to improve competency frameworks in your respective economies. Additionally, I urge you to use this workshop to build bridges through knowledge exchange, networking, and collaborative problem-solving. I wish you two productive days and continued success in addressing this important topic”.

By showcasing examples from EU Member States on building digital competencies in government, the workshop identified relevant digital competencies for administrations and explored ways to develop them in the public sector.