--- title: "Addressing key challenges by Smart Specialisation in the Western Balkans" description: "This paper examines the effectiveness of Smart Specialisation strategies in addressing sustainability and competitiveness challenges in the Western Balkans." url: https://idconsortium.com/publications/key-challenges-smart-specialisation-western-balkans date: 2026-02-10 modified: 2026-07-07 author: "Rubén Gil" image: https://idconsortium.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IDConsortium-Publications_Key-challenges-smart-specialisation-western-balkans-bg.jpg categories: ["Publications", "News"] tags: ["Balkans", "European Union", "ICT", "IDConsortium", "innovation", "Macarena Sanz", "Marina Predic", "NEIA", "performance", "RIVs", "smart", "specialisation", "strategy"] type: post lang: en --- # Addressing key challenges by Smart Specialisation in the Western Balkans # Addressing key challenges by Smart Specialisation in the Western Balkans ## This paper examines the effectiveness of Smart Specialisation strategies in addressing sustainability and competitiveness challenges in the Western Balkans, a region whose innovation performance is strongly tied to EU accession efforts. [Access to the complete publication](https://idconsortium.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IDConsortium-Publications_key-challenges-smart-specialisation-western-balkans.pdf) IDConsortium #### Emphasizing green and digital transitions as key drivers but also situating Smart Specialisation within the New European Innovation Agenda (NEIA), the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, and their emphasis on building connected Regional Innovation Valleys (RIVs), it highlights the need for system-level innovation focused on inclusive growth. The involvement of local players and strategic resource allocation remain crucial for practical outcomes. Evidence shows progress in digital infrastructure and sectoral initiatives, yet persistent gaps in data availability, skills and regulatory frameworks hamper uptake. In addition to environmental considerations, the paper draws attention to ICT cooperation, sectoral knowledge and innovation systems and sustainability reporting alignment as critical enablers for resilient development. Strengthening regional cooperation and stakeholder trust emerges as the key to optimising Smart Specialisation strategies for sustainable, innovation-led growth in line with EU priorities. [Access to the complete publication](https://idconsortium.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IDConsortium-Publications_key-challenges-smart-specialisation-western-balkans.pdf) [![IDConsortium - Publications | Addressing key challenges by Smart Specialisation in the Western Balkans](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)![IDConsortium - Publications | Addressing key challenges by Smart Specialisation in the Western Balkans](https://idconsortium.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IDConsortium-Publications_Key-challenges-smart-specialisation-western-balkans.jpg)](https://idconsortium.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IDConsortium-Publications_Key-challenges-smart-specialisation-western-balkans.jpg)  #### Authors **Nikola Radovanovic** European Commission – Joint Research Centre **Emanuele Fabbri** European Commission – Joint Research Centre **Macarena Sanz** ID Consortium, Spain **Marina Predic** ID Consortium, Spain Search ## Latest news: - [H2BLUE impulsa el uso del hidrógeno verde en la economía azul europea](https://idconsortium.com/news/h2blue-hidrogeno-verde-economia-azul-europea)21 July 2026 - 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