In order to identify the needs of citizens and the business sector in the field of socio-economic development in local communities, the Network for Building Peace conducted four consultative workshops and five focus groups in 9 local communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Bosanska Krupa, Derventa, Gorazde, Gornji Vakuf/Uskoplje, Gradacac, Kotor Varos, Laktasi, Tesanj and Usora.
Consultative workshops and focus groups gathered representatives of the business sector but also civil society, the media, local communities and other stakeholders to share their insights on topics related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
These local communities were selected as potential examples of good practice in local economic development aimed at reindustrialization and increased employment. Namely, these communities proactively approach the processes of socio-economic development and the creation of a favorable environment for business development.
The initial results of the research show that the most prominent problem facing the business sector in these communities is the lack of manpower. The mass departure of young but also skilled workers and experts has a negative impact on the local economy. Representatives of the business sector emphasized the need for better connection of the business sector with educational institutions, but also to create solutions that will keep young people to stay and work in their communities.
As in the 16 local communities in which the survey was conducted in the previous cycle, this year our survey shows that there has been impoverishment and an increase in economic inequalities. Taking into account the increase in prices, the citizens are afraid that there could be famine on a larger scale.
The results of the conducted consultative workshops and focus groups are used as a basis for the analysis of the situation in local communities, together with primary research as well as in-depth interviews and a national survey. The results of this extensive research will be presented to the public in the fall this year.
