Program Priority: PA 5 – Better Governance in the South Adriatic program area
Specific Objective 5.1: Improving efficient public administration by strengthening legal and administrative cooperation and cooperation between citizens, civil society actors, and institutions, particularly to address legal and other obstacles in cross-border regions
Duration: 54 months (01/07/2023 – 31/12/2027)
Total project value: €4,498,540.98 (including EU contribution and mandatory national co-financing provided by each project partner), while the project value for the Ministry of European Affairs amounts to €280,476.00
Project Summary: The strategic project on good governance aims to increase the efficiency of public administration partners in responding to the needs of citizens and territories. The project intends to develop a series of interventions to improve:
a) The efficiency and quality of public services provided through simplified procedures and digital tools;
b) Skills and capacities of public administrations in managing digitalization processes/tools and cohesion policy mechanisms, particularly regarding programming/managing different funds for greater territorial impact.
Specific Objectives:
- Create necessary conditions for monitoring and supporting public administration in the process of strengthening and improving the efficiency of services provided.
- Empower and enhance human capital in public administration through the acquisition of digital skills and improved knowledge of EU cohesion policy, programming, and fund management.
The first specific objective will be achieved by defining a strategic framework and specific operational plans for improving digital skills; implementing pilot actions for specific IT tools addressing territorial needs; and creating a Multifunctional Hub providing knowledge transfer support via networking platforms and a cross-border working group offering expert guidance.
The second specific objective will be achieved through capacity-building activities aimed at improving the skills of public administration staff, focusing on both digital competencies and EU cohesion policy, programming and management of ESI funds, as well as participation in projects and advancement of accession processes for Albania and Montenegro.
Project Partners:
- Lead Partner (LP): Region of Apulia, Italy (Department for Economic Development – Digital Transformation Sector)
- Project Partner (PP): Region of Molise, Italy (Department of the Regional Government Presidency / European Territorial Cooperation Service)
- PP: State Agency for Strategic Programming and Coordination of Assistance (SASPAC), Albania
- PP: Ministry of Finance, Montenegro
- PP: Ministry of European Affairs, Montenegro
Project Goal: Enhance governance and digitalization in public administration
Under the EU regulations for 2021–2027, governance has been introduced as a key element, posing an additional challenge for territorial partners in the program area. Although public administrations have begun modernizing administrative procedures, significant differences exist in speed and implementation. Two main areas remain in focus:
The need for faster and more efficient data management with accelerated digitalization to improve services for citizens;
The need for deeper understanding of EU rules, procedures, and tools for better use of funds and greater benefit for territorial and local authorities, especially in the context of Albania and Montenegro’s accession processes.
Key Project Component: Digital transition and simplification of administrative processes, along with development of new skills. Project activities will be implemented through complementary action streams.
Project Management:
The Lead Partner is responsible for project management, partner coordination, and internal communication. A Management Board (MB) will be established, consisting of one full member and one deputy member per partner. The MB will adopt rules of procedure at its first meeting, defining principles for project implementation and management. Decisions will be made by consensus, with meetings held at least every six months, including online options. The MB will monitor and validate activities, financial status, and quality of periodic reports.
Target Groups:
The main target groups of WP3 are local authorities and public administrations in Italy, Albania, and Montenegro. This includes municipal and regional staff responsible for delivering administrative services, managing EU-funded projects, digital transformation, and administrative modernization. Several hundred public administration staff are expected to benefit directly from capacity-building and empowerment activities under WP3.
Key Project Activities:
Multifunctional Hub for Institutional Empowerment and Networking
Provides a networking and knowledge-sharing platform to empower public institutions and stakeholders.
- Networking Platform: Offers access to specialized support, best practices, policy guidance, training, and capacity building. Open-source and supported by national agencies and universities with relevant expertise. Linked directly to WP2 and WP3.
- Working Group: Composed of partners and experts, providing tailored support on project-related topics.
Target group: Partners, collaborators, and local authorities directly using the e-learning and networking platform and receiving tailored support through the working group.
Outcome: The hub will create a network providing knowledge on policies, rules, best practices, training, and capacity building. The working group ensures specific knowledge transfer for sustainability and application of new skills and tools.
2. Digitalization Processes and Tools in the Perspective of EU Accession
Aims to improve administrative processes and simplify procedures in public administrations through IT tools aligned with a joint strategic model and partners’ operational plans. Phase one: analysis of current status and development of a joint strategic model. Each partner defines an operational plan to improve digital skills and simplify processes. Pilot actions will test new IT tools and improve information flow, enhancing public service quality. Communication activities aim to promote best practices and integrate them into regional programs, national policies, and wider stakeholders.
3. Empowerment and Capacity Building
Focuses on improving skills of partners and stakeholders, especially local authorities. Capacity building targets qualification of personnel in digitalization and knowledge for efficient service delivery. Enhances participation in EU programs and projects to increase the impact of EU funding on partner territories.
Activities focus on accession processes and alignment with the EU acquis, particularly for Albania and Montenegro. Supported by the Multifunctional Hub, ensuring sustainability and application of acquired knowledge.
Project Results:
Cross-border Cooperation Post-Project: Partners will maintain cross-border cooperation after project completion using project results as strategic tools. The Multifunctional Hub and e-learning platform will support continued capacity building, networking, and knowledge transfer. A Memorandum of Understanding will ensure long-term partner engagement.
Joint Strategies and Action Plans: Contribute to indicator RCR79 through integrated activities resulting in:
- O.1.1 Multifunctional Hub: Strategic tool supporting partner and user empowerment through knowledge transfer and capacity building networks.
- O.2.1 Joint Strategic Model (JSM): Model outlining digital process management and administrative simplification requirements, implemented via operational plans for effective digital service delivery.
- O.2.2 Pilot Actions and IT Tools: Strategic approach for digital transition and administrative processes in an experimental environment, creating digital tools for partners, direct users, and citizens.
MINISTRY OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS