High-Level Policy Dialogue: ReSPA Unites Western Balkans Ministers to Drive Innovation and Shape Next-Generation Governance
27 November 2024, Skopje, North Macedonia
As public administrations across the Western Balkans face rapid technological advancements and evolving citizen expectations, the High-Level Policy Dialogue gathered leaders and innovators from the region and Europe to redefine governance for the next generation. The Dialogue explored essential enablers of public sector innovation and practical solutions to foster responsive, high-performing institutions.
The event kicked off with remarks by North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and Minister of Public Administration Goran Minchev, setting a tone of ambitious transformation through innovation. Prime Minister Mickoski underlined the “vision of a public administration that serves as an example of efficiency and transparency—an administration that is not only a service provider for citizens but also a partner in building a modern society”.
ReSPA Director Maja Handjiska-Trendafilova, alongside Steffen Hudolin, Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation to Skopje and Gregor Virant, Head of the SIGMA Programme, emphasised the need for collaborative leadership to drive regional transformation: "It is our hope that we jointly try to de-mystify and de-dramatize the notion of innovations in the public sector that doesn’t necessarily need to be a loaded or intimidating term – nor just a BUZZ word. Let’s join forces in sharing, recognizing and demonstrate in g concrete innovation cases and potential of the Public Sector, breed further success and strongly advocate for enabling policies for innovation as the administration should not necessarily be confined to be innovation and risk-averse laggard”
The keynote address, delivered by Üllar Jaaksoo from Estonia’s Digital Nation, highlighted the future potential of digital public service delivery, envisioning how technology can transform governance.
Ministerial Panel on "Leadership in Innovation" moderated by Director Handjiska-Trendafilova gathered Adea Pirdeni, Albanian Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption, Davor Bunoza, Minister of Justice in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Goran Minčev, North Macedonian Minister of Public Administration, Naim Gjokaj, State Secretary in Montenegrin Ministry of Public Administration and Jelena Žarić Kovačević, Serbian Minister of Public Administration and Local Self-Government and Bardhyl Dobra, Deputy-Minister Ministry of Interior - Government of the Republic of Kosovo* who shared their visions for the next decade. They discussed achievements in digital transformation, the importance of cross-border cooperation, the need to upskill public servants, and strategies for engaging citizens in governance. Moderated by Director Handjiska-Trendafilova and enriched with Gregor Virant, the panel reflected also on the importance of sharing innovation examples across the region.
Awarding Ceremony of the Western Balkans Public Administration Awards 2024 celebrated excellence in the public sector, three winners and four special recognitions showcased the commitment of public administration teams across the Western Balkans to deliver high-quality services. These initiatives support citizen health and security, lower costs for green-focused businesses, enhance community decision-making, and promote open data use.
A highlight of the Dialogue was the launch of the Western Balkans Knowledge Management Platform, designed to support continuous learning and collaboration across regional administrations. "This platform is built for you - civil servants across the Western Balkans ”, explained Ivana Petričević, ReSPA’s Partnership and KMP Officer. “It will help you access relevant information, stay updated on Western Balkans administrative trends, track EU accession progress, collaborate virtually and build peer networks—all with one click. We believe it will be instrumental in your professional development and advancing regional public administration."
Public Servants’ panel discussion "Fostering a Culture of Continuous Innovation in Public Sector with Good Practices from the Western Balkans and EU” highlighted successful case studies and innovative solutions already implemented, fostering critical discussions on transforming public services. The exchange of knowledge and experiences was emphasised as crucial for creating a collaborative environment, enabling administrations to learn from one another's successes and challenges.
International experts led discussions on fostering a culture of innovation, sharing insights from global best practices. The day concluded with a fireside chat featuring PA Award 2024 Winners, providing an informal platform to share experiences and lessons learned.
Through collaborative sessions and knowledge-sharing, this year’s High-Level Policy Dialogue in the Western Balkans underscored the region’s commitment to transformative governance, leveraging innovation to deliver responsive, citizen-centred services and advance toward next-generation governance.
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and ICJ opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence
