Over 15 months, the “DigiAdvance Kosova – Promoting Digital Transformation at the Local Level” project brought a wave of change across seven municipalities in Kosovo, illuminating the path toward a more efficient administration, an engaged society, and a community increasingly aware of technological opportunities. Implemented by Open Data Kosovo, supported by SMART Balkans, and funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this project challenged the status quo and laid the groundwork for a more digitally integrated future.
From Prishtina to Rahovec, from Peja to Gjilan, the municipalities involved in this initiative committed to accelerating their digital transformation. It was a journey filled with challenges but also brimming with energy, as citizens, institutions, and civil society joined forces to forge a new approach to governance and public services. Training sessions for municipal officials, “Talk Digital” meetings with civil society organizations, and analyses of digital services in universities created a dynamic platform for idea exchange and identifying the most pressing needs.
In each municipality, digital transformation took a unique shape. Prishtina advanced in education digitalization and reducing bureaucratic hurdles in administration. Gjakova developed new mechanisms for transparency and online services, while Gjilan, despite facing challenges, initiated critical processes such as the digitization of municipal archives and agricultural databases. Prizren launched platforms for public participation and innovation, whereas Ferizaj focused on strengthening digital infrastructure for artisanal businesses. Rahovec aimed to raise public awareness about the benefits of digital technology, while Peja worked on improving access to public services through digital tools.
This project was not merely a technical effort to bring technology closer to institutions—it was a fundamental attempt to reshape governance, communication, and interaction within society. It introduced a fresh perspective, proving that digitalization is not just a luxury but a necessity for improving everyday life.
For students like Anita Selita from the American University of Kosovo, this project offered a new lens through which to understand digital transformation on a practical level. For her, participating in the project’s activities was an opportunity to closely observe both the challenges and possible solutions, deepening her understanding of what must be done to achieve sustainable change.
“As a student, I had long recognized Kosovo’s urgent need for digital advancement. So, when I first heard about this project, I thought it was exactly what our country needed at this stage of transformation. My participation in all the project’s activities, thanks to the opportunity provided by Open Data Kosovo, helped me gain a deeper insight into the challenges hindering digitalization and the concrete steps required to bring about sustainable change. Thank you, SMART Balkans, for your continued support in strengthening digital transformation in Kosovo!”
The outcomes of this project are not only measurable in figures but also in the profound impact it has had on citizens, institutions, and civil society. It established a new model of digital governance, a platform for collaboration, and a roadmap for the future. For Kosovo, this is merely the starting point of a new era of open governance and improved public services, where technology is leveraged to serve the people and their needs.
