Digital Economy
The Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region is lagging behind in creating the building blocks and infrastructure for a successful digital economy. Even though some countries have made advances in public (e-government) and private sector projects, significant efforts and resources are required to address and improve taxation, financing, labour, social, education and innovation support systems to prepare for the digital economy. Perhaps the greatest obstacle to the digital efforts in the wide CEE region is a lack of cooperation and fragmented relationships between and within the countries and a lack of efficient public-private partnerships in key sectors.
These building blocks should include development of ecosystems in the CEE region to support innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as the required infrastructure such as transport links, telecommunication infrastructure, and better regulations. This transformation should aim to mobilize innovation and entrepreneurship for the digital economy, but also deliver more transparent, stronger and accountable governments and public institutions trusted by the public.
Sources of innovation in key sectors should be identified and programs designed to attract innovative companies and their global talent to the region. This would accelerate transition to the new digital economy and enable circular…
