Foresight analysis of the agri-food sector in the Western Balkans

The Western Balkans region, renowned for its rich food production history and proximity to the EU market, is poised for significant growth in the agri-food sector, due to global shifts towards sustainability and digitalisation.

In order capitalise on this, the European training foundation (ETF) launched Skilling up the Western Balkans agri-food sector: digitalising, greening. The study is implemented within the framework contract led by IBF Impact SA (Belgium).

Part of the broader project Engaging enterprises in skills development, this initiative aims to bridge the gap between small and medium enterprises and the educational sector, emphasising upskilling and reskilling, in line with the digital and green transitions. It also seeks to improve the quality of education and training, supporting skills' development within small and medium enterprises, and enhancing the link between vocational education and innovation systems.

Within the agri-food sector, ETF identified three key areas:

• digitalisation in agriculture and food processing;
• biochemical and microbial products;
• organic and functional foods.

However, for a more focused and in-depth analysis, the first two areas have been merged by ETF into a single category named "agri-tech", which includes both digital and biochemical innovations. 

The foresight exercise will thus concentrate on two main areas: "agri-tech" and "organic and functional foods" – the latter emphasising the production of foods with health benefits and sustainable practices.

The study aims to achieve two main goals:

• developing a comprehensive foresight exercise focusing on agri-tech and organic and functional foods across six Western Balkans countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia);
• strengthening regional and EU cooperation among local stakeholders and establishing deeper connections with those in EU member states.

Additionally, the study has the following as specific objectives:

• developing a skills' vision and roadmap – i.e., a long-term vision and strategy for skills' development in the agri-food sector, aiming for the year 2035. This includes identifying essential skills for niche growth, adapting to new technologies, and ensuring a consistent skills' supply;
• promoting stakeholder networking, namely collaboration among participants within the Western Balkans' ecosystem and strengthening ties with EU stakeholders;
• formulating recommendations to address skill shortages.

FGB will lead the implementation of the foresight exercise, which includes drafting the background paper, facilitating three stakeholders' workshops and preparing the final foresight report (vision, roadmap and recommendations). 

The project leader for FGB is Līga Baltiņa.