During the WB-MIGNET Spring School on AI and Migration, held in Sarajevo in May 2025, over 30 participants from across the Western Balkans, Türkiye, and Croatia came together to explore how artificial intelligence can be used to respond to current and emerging migration challenges. As part of a hands-on ideation exercise, participants co-created seven innovative project ideas that demonstrate the power of cross-sectoral collaboration and technology-informed thinking.
The following concepts reflect a bold and practical vision for the region—where AI is not just a buzzword, but a tool to unlock smarter, more humane, and future-ready migration governance.
AI Platform for Matching Local Businesses with Diaspora
This idea proposes the creation of a smart digital platform that connects local employers with diaspora professionals and investors based on real-time labour market data and business needs. By combining AI-powered matchmaking with sector-specific forecasting, the platform aims to unlock diaspora potential as a driver of economic growth and knowledge exchange.
Research on Labour Market Demands Using AI
Participants emphasized the importance of accurate, up-to-date data on labour market needs across the region. This initiative envisions an annual research mechanism, powered by AI analytics, that identifies sectoral trends and skills gaps—supporting more responsive education, training, and employment policies.
AI-Supported Inclusion of Migrant Children and Youth
This project focuses on using big data and machine learning to improve the integration of migrant youth and children into education, health care, and social systems in host countries. By analyzing access barriers, tracking service gaps, and identifying inclusion trends, the approach aims to support evidence-based, child-centred integration strategies.
AI Skills Simulator for Regional Mobility
A virtual tool that helps individuals explore employment opportunities across the Western Balkans by mapping transferable skills, identifying training needs, and forecasting job availability. With AI at its core, the simulator would support mobility within the region while promoting more inclusive labour markets.
AI Requalification for Remote Gold Economy Jobs
This idea targets individuals who want to requalify for high-value remote work in digital industries such as fintech, IT, and online services. The project proposes personalized learning journeys supported by AI, helping people upskill and transition into careers that are less dependent on geographic location.
AI for Training and Scheduling in the Silver Economy
Recognizing the ageing population and growing demand for care services, this initiative would use AI to optimize the training and deployment of care workers. From managing certification paths to real-time workforce scheduling, the platform would improve efficiency and service quality in the care sector.
Using AI to Map Informal Migration Patterns
Informal and undocumented migration remains one of the most difficult areas to understand and address. This project suggests harnessing AI to analyze fragmented and unconventional data sources to uncover hidden migration flows—supporting more proactive policy responses and protective measures for vulnerable groups.
These project ideas are not just theoretical—they represent actionable pathways toward smarter, tech-enabled migration policies that reflect the realities and ambitions of the Western Balkans. Designed collaboratively by researchers, CSOs, practitioners, and innovators, they are ready to be further developed, piloted, and funded.