PROGRESS OF THE WIN INNOVATION GROUP IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

The WIN innovation group of Bosnia and Herzegovina was established in July 2024. In addition to representatives of the WIN project’s partner institutions, we are exceptionally pleased that our innovation group includes representatives from both stakeholders and target groups, namely the association of parents of children with special needs PUŽ, the Linnovate foundation, successful local businesses, as well as both the Minister of Labour, Health, Welfare, and Displaced Persons and the Head of the Service for the Coordination of Development and Integration of the Herceg-Bosnian County.

The work of the innovation group began with the presentation of research conducted within the WIN project, as well as other relevant research, analyses, and surveys on the state of the labour market and the needs of unemployed persons at the cantonal level.

Given the experience and involvement of our members, the obstacles in the labour market were soon identified and as a direct response, the challenge frame specifying several possible courses of action was defined. In order to connect better with our beneficiaries, the innovation group also created persona maps, keeping in mind the target group they represent.

Based on all the insights gathered at the WIN innovation group meetings, the members proposed five social innovations that could prove beneficial for women in our pilot region. The potential innovations include solidarity programs that would subsidize contributions for women during maternity leave or the introduction of afternoon shifts in kindergartens, education programs on business management, employment programs for socially sensitive categories of the population, as well as programs to promote and support flexible forms of employment and new forms of entrepreneurship, such as social or agricultural enterprises.

The 3rd phase of the innovations group’s work continues in January 2025, when one social innovation will be selected, elaborated, and refined to suit the needs of both the labour market and the women of this pilot region.