317 KB0 KB201220252025Kelečević, TeodoraLesjak, Dušanletnik:14številka:2str. 369-386DOI:10.53615/10.53615/2232-5697.14.387-398ISSN:2232-5697COBISSID_HOST:253254147URN:URN:NBN:SI:doc-I2B8RXVNenMednarodna fakulteta za družbene in poslovne študijeInternational journal of management, knowledge and learningcompaniesdigital transformationdigital worlddigitalizacijadigitalizationdigitalna transformacijadigitalni svetmanagementpodjetjaWestern BalkansZahodni BalkanDigital transformation of companies in the Western Balkans|Purpose: This paper assesses the state of digital transformation in the Western Balkans and identifies key opportunities and barriers to competitiveness, sustainable development, and integration into the European Single Digital Market. Methodology: A comparative, indicator-based analysis is applied, combining statistical data, policy review, and a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and national strategies. Findings: Results reveal significant disparities: Croatia and Slovenia are near EU benchmarks, while Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia lag due to weak digital skills and infrastructure. Advancing human capital, SME digital adoption, and supportive policy frameworks is essential for competitiveness and EU integration. Contribution: The study provides one of the few comparative analyses of digital transformation in the Western Balkans, offering new insights on SMEs, structural barriers, and policy measuresTEXTznanstveno časopisjejournalsSlovenian National E-content AggregatorNational and University Library of SloveniaMednarodna fakulteta za družbene in poslovne študije Celje