Innovation for employment in Albania’s ICT sector

This case study forms part of a series of analyses of RisiAlbania’s market systems interventions in Albania’s ICT, Tourism and Agricultural sectors.

It focuses on RisiAlbania’s efforts to take advantage of emerging changes in the market for information security services - increased regulatory attention to cybersecurity and data protection in several areas of the Albanian economy - to spur uptake of upgrades and generate jobs for young Albanians.

The programme involves supporting the National Authority for Electronic Certification and Cyber Security (NAECCS) to develop and enforce new standards, and partnering with local firms like LegalCert and InfoSecurity to provide advisory and certification services. The goal is to create a robust market for information security services, thus fostering employment and improving compliance with international standards.

The case study describes the analytical and partnering tactics RisiAlbania used to achieve its goals.

Intervention description

RisiAlbania implemented three primary interventions to support the cybersecurity sector in Albania.

The first intervention involved working with the NAECCS to create a more robust regulatory environment, which included developing bylaws and publicising new standards for information security.

The second intervention focused on supporting local service providers, LegalCert and InfoSecurity, to develop cybersecurity and data protection advisory services.

The third intervention targeted the development of relevant training programmes in collaboration with non-formal training organisations and universities. These interventions led to significant adoption and adaptation of new business models by the partners who expressed strong intent to continue these models beyond project support.

This programme’s results measurement system underwent a pre-audit review using the DCED Standard.