Prishtinë, 03.03.2017 – The fourth industrial revolution lies in digital economy. ITC is making changes all over the world today, and is proven to represent a game-changer for the global economic course. Private sector initiatives, regardless of the budget, can give our country a different development course, said the Minister of Economic Development, Blerand Stavileci.

Minister Stavileci made these comments in a lecture in front of Riinvest College students in Prishtina, with which he continued to discuss on sector developments in general.

The Head of MED said that the advantages of the ICT sector are limitless, and that it remains accessible for all people. I have strived to make ICT a priority and present it as a good opportunity for our economy, and certainly there were some initial doubts. The only sector that currently operates in a positive balance is the services sector, whereas ICT has witnessed a 23% growth in the last five years,” Stavileci said, underscoring that our youth can easily adapt to ICT.

Speaking of the concrete steps undertaken by MED, he mentioned the four thousand square meter Start-Up Incubator, the WoW platform, centers of creative economy and innovation and a platform for youth in ICT.

“Regarding the accelerators, last week I received a concept document from Microsoft. Initially, we will start with ICT and later with innovation, under a platform that will establish centers of creative economy and innovation throughout Kosovo”, Stavileci said, adding that Microsoft will coordinate all activities while MED will participate in the project funding, along with other donors such as WB and EBRD. Further, Minister Stavileci reemphasized that the digital economy program will include three pillars: digital infrastructure, digital businesses and digital skills. “Under digital skills, we will promote a platform for youth education dedicated to grades 6 to 9 (e-learning), in order to better prepare them for future challenges in the ICT sphere. Some of these programs are already processed and we’ve allocated funds for their implementation, whereas others will start from scratch and all good ideas will be financially supported,” he said.

The Head of MED said that there are vast employment possibilities in ICT and in the private sector, bearing in mind our youth has established platforms, services and products that now turn over millions, but were established as start-ups with very small financial support.

In terms of strategic documents, Stavileci mentioned the approval of the National ICT Strategy, encompassing nine pillars, and the Kosovo Digital Economy program (KODE.).