The Western Balkans Competitiveness Outlook 2024 is a comprehensive publication by the OECD, offering insights into economic competitiveness in the region, specifically focusing on Kosovo. The report evaluates 15 critical policy areas, providing guidance on economic reforms, regional cooperation, and alignment with OECD and EU standards.
Key Components:
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Comprehensive Assessment: The publication includes seven reports, a regional overview, and six economy-specific profiles. Each profile analyzes performance across 15 policy dimensions, highlighting advancements and areas needing improvement.
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Interactive Digital Tool: For the first time, the report features an interactive digital tool, the Western Balkans Competitiveness Data Hub, enabling policymakers to assess and benchmark economic reforms more effectively.
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Policy Dimensions:
- Infrastructure & Connectivity
- Skills
- Business Environment
- Digital Transformation
- Greening
- State-Owned Enterprises
- Anti-Corruption Policy
- Education
- Employment
- Science, Technology & Innovation
- Access to Finance
- Tax Policy
- Trade Policy
Methodology:
- The assessments are conducted by coordinators from various ministries and agencies within Kosovo and other OECD divisions.
- Key contributors include:
- Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade (for investment and trade policies)
- Central Bank of Kosovo (for access to finance)
- Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (for education policy)
- Ministry of Finance, Labour and Transfers (for tax and employment policies)
- Ministry of Economy (for state-owned enterprises and anti-corruption policy)
- Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development (for agriculture policy)
Regional Focus:
- The regional profile evaluates five policy clusters: infrastructure and connectivity, skills, business environment, digital transformation, and greening, providing insights into broader regional trends.
Interactive Data Hub:
- Offers an enhanced platform for policymakers to compare outcomes over time, facilitating the design of competitive and convergent economic reforms.
Acknowledgments:
- Special recognition goes to government officials and stakeholders in Kosovo who contributed to data collection, ensuring the publication's success.
Conclusion:
The Western Balkans Competitiveness Outlook 2024 serves as a vital resource for policymakers, offering detailed analyses and recommendations to strengthen economic competitiveness across the region, with a particular emphasis on Kosovo.
