Public-private Partnerships for Inclusive Cyber Crisis Response in Developing Countries: Western Balkan Region

Abstract

This chapter critically examines the role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in promoting cybersecurity in the Western Balkans and emphasises their growing importance in the digital economy. The study navigates the complexities arising from the EU's support for PPPs against the backdrop of historical centralisation and public sector reluctance in the region. Through a comprehensive analysis, the authors find that PPPs significantly improve cybersecurity when public expertise is synergised with the innovative capacities of the private sector. These partnerships not only improve local cybersecurity infrastructure, but also act as catalysts for economic and innovative activities that are crucial for regional development. The research findings show that PPPs close the technological and skills gaps in developing countries, strengthen their defence against cyber threats and facilitate deeper integration into the global digital economy. The importance of PPPs also extends to their role as a critical enabler for the WB region's alignment with EU cybersecurity standards, a necessary step towards EU integration and regional prosperity. The chapter emphasises that PPPs should be a central part of national security policies, as they are essential for sustainable development in the digital age. It concludes by advocating a structured approach to PPPs that includes clear objectives, risk-sharing and confidence-building in order to fully realise their potential to strengthen the cybersecurity framework of local and regional environments.