Diaspora knowledge mobility project


Many members of the 2 million diaspora of Bosnia and Herzegovina are ready to contribute to the development of their country with their knowledge, skills and investments. Switzerland supports the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees in creating mechanisms for transfer of diaspora knowledge and skills to local development actors, scientific, research and educational institutions and students, which will contribute to Bosnia’s economic and social development. 

RegionCountry Topic Period Budget
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Migration
Education
Diaspora for development
Education policy
01.11.2023 - 31.10.2027
CHF  1’000’000
Background The diaspora members retain a strong emotional, financial, and family connection to Bosnia. Many of them are interested in contributing to the development of their homeland with knowledge, skills and financial investments. There is also a growing number of organisations that connect and network diaspora in their host countries and are willing to pool and mobilise their human resources for the development of Bosnia. Recognizing the potential of diaspora for societal development, the government has created a policy framework on diaspora engagement. As part of these efforts, a state Coordination Body to coordinate cooperation with the diaspora between institutions on different levels is to be established. 
Target Accelerated economic and social development of Bosnia and Herzegovina through increased diaspora engagement. 
Target group The target groups of the Project are:
i) the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees and governmental institutions dealing with the diaspora and involved in the Coordination Body for Cooperation with diaspora
ii) diaspora organisations and individuals
iii) public institutions
iv) 10 municipalities
v) universities, students and three high schools
Outcomes
  • The Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees, in collaboration with other institutions and diaspora organisations, disposes of and uses effective mechanisms for working with and transferring knowledge and skills from the diaspora
  • Local communities benefit from the knowledge and skills of the diaspora through new and enhanced services of local governments
Results

Expected Results:  

  • Inter-institutional diaspora coordination mechanisms strengthened
  • Diaspora Scientific Hub established and operational as a centre of excellence and knowledge transfer service
  • Diaspora knowledge and skill resources are mobilized within the scientific and research sector, volunteerism, internship as well as the science, technology, engineering and mathematics education
  • Capacities of local governments are strengthened and they are equipped with structures and tools to effectively connect and partner with diaspora


Results from previous phase:   Switzerland supported Bosnia through the Diaspora for Development Project to create concrete opportunities for diaspora engagement. Strategic frameworks and tools were developed for this purpose at different levels of government and diaspora-involved local development initiatives implemented. However, no comprehensive knowledge transfer tool was created and support to inter-institutional coordination and municipalities is still necessary. 


Agency SDC
Credit Swiss cooperation with Eastern Europe
Project Partners Contract Partner
Private sector
Foreign state institution
  • Central State of South East
  • Foreign private sector North
  • Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees


Projects Coordination To avoid duplication and to share lessons learned the project will be closely coordinated with the “Diaspora Invest Activity” of USAID, which focuses on diaspora engagement in economic development, and with the SDC supported project “Youth for Change” through Mozaik Foundation, which has an economic diaspora component. Cooperation with the Institute for Youth Development KULT, which runs a volunteer platform volontiraj.ba will be ensured. It will be also explored if coordination with the SDC “LED” Project would be beneficial for knowledge transfers. 
Budget Current Phase Swiss Budget CHF    1’000’000 Swiss Disbursement Till Know CHF    311’680 Budget Inclusive Project Partner CHF    1’000’000 Total Project Since First Phase Budget Inclusive Project Partner CHF   1’000’000
Project Phases Phase 1 01.11.2023 - 31.10.2027   (Current Phase)