To encourage the development of creative and cultural industries in the Western Balkans, a collaboration between the region has been established. This initiative is part of the so-called “Pact for Skills,” which provides support in addressing skills gaps, improving economic stability, and strengthening the region’s recovery by promoting its rich cultural heritage.
The new “Pact for Skills” aims to create a favorable environment for the development of creative industries, provide tools for enhancing creative skills, and highlight the importance of the cultural identity of the Western Balkans. Additionally, it recognizes the importance of continuous reforms, investment in infrastructure and human resources, as well as regional cooperation to achieve sustainable economic growth and stability.
Creative industries play a key role in social transformation by enabling dialogue about past experiences and fostering innovation. They also promote democratic values, freedom of expression, and cultural diversity, which are of great importance for the region’s development.
The new partnership framework aims to connect institutions, entrepreneurs, unions, associations, and public and private entities in the Western Balkans and neighboring countries to create a sustainable ecosystem for the development of cultural and creative industries.
This partnership framework is in line with the growth plan for the Western Balkans, launched by the European Commission in November 2023. The plan aims to help the region reduce socio-economic disparities compared to the EU, providing concrete benefits to citizens and entrepreneurs even before EU membership. Although the region faces many challenges, the rich cultural heritage of the Western Balkans offers great potential for driving innovation and economic growth.
Regional Skills Partnership for Westwrn Balkan Leading organisation: The Kulturanova Association, Serbia
The new “Pact for Skills” undertakes several key commitments to promote cultural skills, create sustainable jobs, and recognize the potential of creative industries for economic growth. Among these commitments are:
- Identifying the needs of local economies and developing digital, green, and communication skills in creative and cultural industries.
- Strengthening creative institutions through cooperation with the business sector, associations, and public institutions.
- Providing support for projects and initiatives in the area of cultural skills and sustainable development.
Pact for Skills has ambitious goals, including:
- Establishing an operational HUB to facilitate training, incubate creative projects, and expand cooperation networks.
- Offering 10 opportunities for upskilling in digital, green, and communication skills in creative industries.
- Active participation of 30 organizations, including 10 faculties and schools, in the Partnership Framework.
- Support for 15 projects that can be funded through EU funds.
- Organizing events that promote knowledge transfer and the dissemination of information about regional initiatives.
Through this initiative, the Western Balkans region has the opportunity to build stronger connections between its countries, improve creative industries, and create a sustainable economic framework that benefits both citizens and entrepreneurs.