Locations
TOWARDS INCLUSIVE, WHOLE-OF-SOCIETY DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
DIGITAL, THE NEW NORMAL
Digital technology is increasingly altering how society functions, especially how people access public services, make decisions, and interact with each other. It is a force that can be utilized to drive inclusive, positive change in society.
Ultimately, digital presents a mindset that translates to a new way of working - enabling people and institutions to innovate with technology.
has identified digitalization as one of the three key enablers to scale-up development impact.
An inclusive digital transformation journey is one founded on a whole-of-society approach that leaves no one behind.
Building a holistic, cross-sectoral digital vision that includes public and private institutions, businesses, and people is crucial for accelerating an inclusive digital transformation process in Kosovo.
EXPLORING KOSOVO’S DIGITAL STATUS & POTENTIALS
UNDP Kosovo is committed to supporting a successful digital transformation that is inclusive and empowers Kosovo to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This journey is guided by our Digital Transformation Portfolio process which aims to understand the local digital landscape and support connected initiatives that learn from each other.
The Portfolio applies learning, sensemaking, and problem-solving to accelerate the following system-wide effects:
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1) Enable affordable, accessible, and reliable digital access and use for all 2) Support intelligent and green economy 3) Improve people’s digital experiences and empower communities |
UNDP Kosovo utilizes scientific tools and methods to uncover insights and formulate recommendations that support the exploration of Kosovo’s digital strengths, challenges, and opportunities.
The Digital Readiness Assessment was launched in 2021, complemented by the Digital Household Survey.
Digital Readiness Assessment (DRA)
The DRA is a survey-based tool designed to provide high-level insights and assessments on the readiness and other aspects of digital transformation, with a focus on central institutions, people, businesses, infrastructure, and regulation.
DRA findings suggest that Kosovo is systematically advancing in key areas of digital transformation based on identified priority areas.
Digital Household Survey (DHS)
A Kosovo-wide survey that captured experiences and perceptions of 2,400 households on the accessibility, usage, and affordability of digital tools, services as they pertain to behavior change, obtaining of public services, etc.
FOCUS AREAS AND OUTCOMES
Digital Enabler lays the ground for building a digital space that is accessible, equitable, and reliable. It encompasses aspects pertaining to hardware & software, connectivity, regulations, and digital skills to enable the use of digital goods and services by all.
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UNDP Kosovo strategic positions: 1. Expanding knowledge, such as digital skills and literacy, is vital for accelerating an inclusive digital transformation. 2. Opportunities to diminish uneven access to digital technologies in the society and facilitating digital inclusion that enables access for all. |
Analysis:
- Kosovo has wide internet access and ownership of IT devices among the population, with over 99.7% of households reporting to have internet access. The access is evenly distributed across Kosovo, with the internet penetration rate considered the highest in the Western Balkans.
- There are no significant digital divides along gender and ethnic lines with regard to accessibility, however, divides exist along age lines. People aged 75 and over have lower internet access rate compared to the average.
- In almost 90% of the cases, smartphones are considered either entirely affordable or affordable to some extent, with a very slight gender divide (7% less true for women, 1.5% less true for low-income households).
- The productive use of the internet remains challenging dependent on income level and educational attainment. Higher-income households and more educated respondents conduct a wider range of activities, while lower-income households and less educated respondents use the internet mainly for social networking.
- The findings suggest that a large proportion are digitally illiterate or inefficient in various digital skills that go beyond social communication and internet surfing. It is recommended that concrete steps should be taken in offering integrated ICT education programs into earlier stages of education.
KOSOVO DIGITAL AGENDA 2030
✓ SO3: Digitalization of government
✓ SO4: Adapt education to the digital age
