Albania is not only not benefiting from the trend of nearshoring (delegation of production to other markets), but on the contrary, those jobs that are are being closed and processes are being transferred abroad. The increase in labor costs and the losses brought about by the fall of the euro caused many factories that produce clothes, shoes, food, etc. in Albania to be transferred abroad. “21% of Albanian workers say that part of the work done in their workplace has been moved to another location or country (14% in the Western Balkans and 16% in the EU)” says the results of the European Skills and Countries Survey of Labor for 2023.
The transfer of jobs due to increased costs in Albania was much higher than in other Balkan and European countries. As the survey shows, the labor market in Albania is experiencing a major transition. About a third of Albanian workers have experienced the introduction of new digital technologies in their workplace. Respondents were asked about the changes that had taken place in their workplace during the last 12 months in terms of management, the work itself, new digital technologies, new products or services, or the relocation of production.
For example, about one in three (35%) indicate that new digital technologies have been introduced (26% in wB5 and 43% in the EU). Moreover, almost half of them (47%) say that new products or services have been developed in their workplace (38% in WB5 and 37% in EU) and new management methods have been integrated (45% vs. 30% in WB5 and 35% in BE).
The introduction of new digital technologies is most often reported by younger workers (53% of those aged 25-34 vs. 21%-35% in other age groups). Similarly, 66% of those in skilled occupations report such a change. Such changes also occurred more often in the public sector, education and health (44%) and services (42%) than in agriculture or industry (24%).
The rise of digital technologies has transformed the economy and the way people work, fueling a growing interest in the future of work. While the employment consequences of digitization have been the subject of much debate, less is known about how digitization is affecting what workers do and whether and how education and skills development can enable individuals to benefit, rather than be threatened by technological change. The European Skills and Jobs Survey1 (ESJS) collects information on skills and jobs requirements, skills and qualifications mismatches, and the participation of older workers in further education and training. A special attention is also given to the evidence on the exposure of workers to digital technologies and their impact on skill needs. (Monitor)
