What we did
The project
Knowledge for Reform Action (K4RA) in the Western Balkans is a project launched by Norway and implemented by UNOPS to assist Western Balkan countries in acceding to the European Union. We partnered with UNOPS to design and provide a solution that would enable Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia (collectively known as WB6) to better share resources and knowledge related to necessary pre-accession reforms.
The end solution was to be a platform that would provide both UNOPS consultants and WB6 stakeholders with a means to communicate through different content types while addressing their respective privacy concerns and user needs.
Building a comprehensive resource for EU accession
We created a digital environment where users can access, interact with, and use a wide range of information that is localized and directly related to their accession. The platform not only collates research and data but also provides guidance on the EU Acquis (negotiation clusters) to help diverse users understand and effectively apply this information.
Creating a user-centric knowledge management strategy
Our team developed a user-friendly interface that simplified the complexity of accession topics, ensuring that users from various backgrounds can benefit from the platform’s resources. By integrating advanced knowledge management strategy, comprehensive audience / journey mapping, and UX/UI principles, the platform offers an intuitive way to better understand national priorities and locate relevant resources.
Building a new brand for collaboration
In order to be successful, the K4RA program needed to be branded in a way that resonated with those working in the region; it also needed to reflect the contributions of both Norway and UNOPS in one identity. A modern and engaging visual identity was developed, incorporating elements that resonate with the region’s cultural and historical context while also appealing to a global audience. This strategic branding ensured that K4RA’s visual communication effectively conveyed its role as a catalyst for transformative policy reform and regional development, fostering a sense of unity and forward momentum among its diverse stakeholders.
Supporting ongoing EU accession needs
Since its launch, the Western Balkans Knowledge Platform has become a key instrument for policymakers, enabling them to base their decisions on sound data and analysis. The platform has fostered greater transparency, accountability, and cooperation among Western Balkan countries, contributing to more coherent and aligned reform efforts across the region.
Looking forward, UNOPS plans to expand the platform’s content library and enhance its interactive capabilities to address emerging challenges and opportunities in the Western Balkans. Future updates will include more detailed case studies, access to consultants to support countries, and enhanced collaboration tools that allow users to contribute content and engage in discussions directly on the platform.
