ICT SECTOR AND ITS ROLE IN THE WESTERN BALKAN COUNTRIESCOMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

In this paper, the ICT sector is analyzed as a separate economic branch in Montenegro and in the
countries of the region - Croatia, Macedonia, Serbia and Kosovo. For the purposes of analysis within the wider ICT
market, the IT market has been identified as relevant, and special attention has been paid to this part of the IT sector.
The presented results are based primarily on the opinions of representatives of the IT sector in Montenegro and the
mentioned countries of the region, but also the views of representatives of business associations, academia, state
institutions, as well as assessments of citizens and business sector of Montenegro. Views on the importance of the
ICT sector for economic growth and development of the country, as well as the way in which the ICT sector can
affect the economy. Also, the current state of the IT sector of Montenegro and its advantages and disadvantages in
relation to the IT sector of neighboring countries were discussed. An overview of incentives and barriers for the
development of the IT sector in the mentioned countries is given, and finally a comparative analysis of the observed
countries.