Dukaj at GITEX AI Europe: Digital Public Administration and Regional Cooperation Key to Developing Innovation and Competitiveness of the Western Balkans

Minister of Public Administration Mr. Marash Dukaj spoke at a high-level political panel organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), held during the European Artificial Intelligence Conference "GITEX AI Europe," on the topic "Cross-Border Innovation Corridors: From the Western Balkans to European and Global Markets" in Berlin. The panel focused on ways Western Balkan countries can overcome the fragmentation of innovation ecosystems and, through stronger regional cooperation, investment partnerships, and joint projects, accelerate integration into European and global markets. Minister Dukaj emphasized that, regarding the role of public administration in fostering innovation, public procurement should no longer be viewed solely as an administrative process but as a strategic instrument to accelerate innovation, digital transformation, and green transition. "If we want to unlock the full potential of innovation, the public sector must take on the role of early adopter and driver of new solutions," Dukaj stated. He highlighted that the Ministry of Public Administration, through the development of key digital systems, electronic identification, electronic signatures, and interoperable registers—building a shared digital infrastructure—enables all institutions to more easily and quickly implement innovative and sustainable solutions. Minister Dukaj identified three key prerequisites for public procurement to become a true driver of innovation in the region: shifting from the lowest price criterion to the concept of best overall value, strengthening...