FY 2024 Bosnia and Herzegovina Country Opinion Survey Report ECR Business Intelligence Team | January 2025 Acknowledgements The Bosnia and Herzegovina Country Opinion Survey is part of the County Opinion Survey Program series of the World Bank Group. This report was prepared by the Business Intelligence (BI) team, led by José De Buerba (Senior External Affairs Officer) and Svetlana Markova (Senior External Affairs Officer). Yulia Danilina, Jessica Cameron, Nan Lin, and Sofya Gubaydullina oversaw the design, reporting, and analysis of the survey results. Noreen Wambui and Irina Popova provided data support. BI acknowledges the significant contribution from the Bosnia and Herzegovina country team and independent field agency PRIME Communications. In particular, BI is grateful for the support from Jasmina Hadzic (External Affairs Officer) who coordinated the survey-related activities from Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Contents Objectives Methodology Overview Overall Context Overall Attitudes Toward the World Bank Group World Bank Group’s Support for Development Areas World Bank Group’s Engagement on the Ground in Bosnia and Herzegovina World Bank Group’s Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work The Future Role of the World Bank Group in Bosnia and Herzegovina Communication and Outreach Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology 3 Objectives This survey was designed to assist the World Bank Group (WBG) in gaining a better understanding of how stakeholders in Bosnia and Herzegovina perceive the WBG. The survey explored the following questions: 1. Overall Context: How familiar are stakeholders with the WBG? How much do they trust the WBG? 2. Key Indicators: What opinions do key stakeholders have of the WBG regarding its effectiveness, relevance, alignment with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s development priorities, and other key indicators? Are opinions improving or declining? 3. Development Priorities: What areas of development are perceived to be the most important? Have the priorities changed over the past three years? How effective is the WBG perceived to be in these areas? 4. Engagement on the Ground: How is the WBG perceived as a development partner in Bosnia and Herzegovina? Are opinions improving or declining? 5. Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work: What do key stakeholders value the most regarding the WBG’s work in Bosnia and Herzegovina? What opinion do key stakeholders have of WBG financial instruments and knowledge products? Are opinions improving or declining? What are stakeholders’ suggestions for improving WBG’s effectiveness? 6. Communication and Outreach: What are the preferred communication channels? Are there differences among stakeholder groups in terms of preferred channels? 7. Message Recall: What key topics do stakeholders recall from the WBG communication, and from what channels? 4 Methodology Overview Government Institution ▪ Fielded May – July 2024 37% ▪ 413 potential participants were asked to complete a mostly quantitative survey Private Sector 12% ▪ Respondents received the questionnaire via email and completed the survey online Office of the President, Prime 10% Minister, Minister ▪ List of names provided by the WBG country team and supplemented by the field agency ▪ Process managed on the ground by the field agency Civil Society Organization 10% ▪ 107 participants (26% response rate) Bilateral or Multilateral Agency 9% ▪ 68% from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and 30% from Republika Srpska Local Government Office or 7% ▪ 47% currently collaborate with the WBG Staff ▪ Compared to FY21 Country Survey Academia / Research Centers 5% ▪ 191 participants (48% response rate) ▪ 62% from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and 35% from Media 5% Republika Srpska ▪ 43% collaborated with the WBG Office of a Parliamentarian 4% Click here for details of the Respondent Sample and Methodology. What is your primary professional affiliation? (Select only 1 response) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=107) 5 6 Overall Context “[For the BiH], the key weaknesses include organization and processes in the public sector. The lack of organizational and technical knowledge in the public sector hinders the development of other segments of society. Attention should be focused on the development of the legal framework and application of standards (programs) that will have effects on the work of the public sector.” (Government Institution Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Bosnia and Herzegovina? (N=58) Familiarity with the World Bank Group ▪ Comparison of FY21 and FY24: Respondents in this year’s Country Survey reported significantly higher levels of All Respondents 6.5 familiarity with the World Bank Group compared to respondents in the FY21 Survey: Government Institutions 6.9 Mean familiarity: FY24 = 6.5 FY21 = 5.5 Office of President, Prime 6.7 Minister, Minister ▪ Collaboration with the WBG: Respondents who indicated that they collaborate with the WBG reported significantly Bilateral /Multilateral Agency 6.7 higher levels of familiarity with the institution’s work: Mean familiarity: Collaborate with WBG = 7.9 Private Sector 6.4 Do not collaborate = 5.3 Civil Society 4.4 ▪ Stakeholder Groups: Respondents from government institutions, the office of the President, Prime Minister, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Minister, and bilateral/multilateral agencies reported the Mean Rating of Familiarity highest levels of familiarity with the WBG’s work, whereas civil society respondents had significantly lower levels of Note: Government Institutions include respondents from familiarity. government institutions and local government. The sample size from the Office of a Parliamentarian, academia, and media was insufficient for inclusion in the stakeholder analysis. How familiar are you with the work of the World Bank Group in Bosnia and Herzegovina? Q Scale: 1 Not familiar at all – 10 Very familiar 7 Stakeholders Most Familiar with the EU, WBG, and the UN ▪ Respondents in this year’s Country Survey were asked to indicate their familiarity with the work of several international European Union 7.4 organizations, in addition to the World Bank Group. Of these organizations, respondents in Bosnia and Herzegovina indicated the highest levels of familiarity with the work of the World Bank Group 6.5 European Union, followed by the World Bank Group and the United Nations. United Nations 6.5 European Bank for Reconstruction and 6.4 Development (EBRD) International Monetary Fund 6.1 European Investment Bank 6.0 (EIB) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Familiarity How familiar are you with the work of these organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina? Q Scale: 1 Not familiar at all – 10 Very familiar 8 The WBG and the Central 7.0 World Bank Group* Bank are the Most Trusted 6.2 Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 7.0 Institutions in Bosnia and Central Bank* 5.4 6.9 Herzegovina Private sector * 5.8 6.6 Respondents in Bosnia and Herzegovina rated the WBG International Monetary Fund* 5.6 and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Central Bank as the most trustworthy institutions. Trust in these institutions Civil society (e.g., NGOs, 6.5 has grown significantly since the last survey effort in CBOs)* 5.3 FY21. 6.3 FY24 United Nations* 5.5 FY21 Of note, trust increased in most of the institutions studied in both survey years, especially for the media and BiH Bilateral and multilateral 6.3 institutions and entity governments. organizations 6.0 6.2 Academia / research centers 5.9 Local government 5.7 Media* 4.7 BiH Institutions and entity 5.5 governments* 3.7 5.2 *Significant difference Parliament / legislative branch between years 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 How much do you trust each of the following institutions to do what is right for Bosnia and Herzegovina? Mean Rating of Trust Q Scale: 1 Not at all – 10 Very much 9 10 Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group “Much stronger conditioning of local authorities in the continuation of cooperation, especially in the direction of improving the system of corporate management in public companies, since they are the cancer of the wounds of the entire society.” (Private Sector Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Bosnia and Herzegovina? (N=58) WBG Key Performance Indicators were Consistent with FY21 6.6 In FY24, respondents gave the highest ratings for Relevant role in development 6.3 the WBG’s relevance to development in Bosnia and Herzegovina, positive influence on shaping development policy, and effectiveness. Ratings for Positive influence on shaping 6.5 the key performance indicators have slightly development policy 6.2 increased compared to FY21, but the changes haven’t reached statistical significance. Effectiveness in helping Bosnia and 6.5 FY24 Herzegovina achieve results^ 6.2 FY21 Alignment with development 6.4 priorities 6.3 Helps end poverty in Bosnia and 6.3 Herzegovina 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree Q The WBG has a positive influence on shaping the development policy in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree How effective is the WBG in helping Bosnia and Herzegovina achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Scale: 1 Strongly disag ree – 10 Strongly agree The WBG’s work helps end poverty in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree ^Compared to a mean score of the two questions asked in FY21: “Overall, please rate your impression of the WBG’s effectivenes s in Bosnia and Herzegovina.” Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective; “To what extent does the WBG’s work help to achieve development results in Bosnia and Herzegovina?” Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree 11 Government Principals 8.6 Trust the WBG to do what 7.2 and Private Sector is right for Bosnia and 6.1 Herzegovina* 5.6 Stakeholders Had More 8.1 Positive Perceptions 7.6 Office of President, Prime Minister, Effectiveness in helping 6.4 of the WBG Bosnia and Herzegovina achieve results 5.7 6.0 Minister Government Comparisons of ratings for key performance 7.7 Institutions indicators between stakeholder groups show that respondents from high government offices and 7.1 Bilateral the private sector gave the highest ratings for the 6.5 /Multilateral Alignment with Agency WBG’s work across all KPIs. development priorities 6.4 5.2 Civil Society In contrast, respondents from civil society were 7.3 more critical of the WBG’s work, especially regarding the WBG’s alignment and trust in the 7.0 Private Sector WBG. 6.8 Relevant role in 6.6 development 5.8 7.3 6.9 Positive influence on 6.7 shaping development 6.4 *Significant policy 5.8 difference between 7.5 stakeholder groups 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Q For question wording and scales, please see the previous slide. Mean Rating 12 Familiarity Leads to More Positive Perceptions 8.2 Comparing ratings of key performance indicators Trust the WBG to do what 6.6 among respondents highly familiar with the WBG is right for Bosnia and Herzegovina* 4.9 (ratings of 8-10 on a 10-point scale) and those with little familiarity with the WBG (ratings of 1-4 on a 10- 7.6 point scale), one can see that the more familiar Effectiveness in helping Bosnia and 6.0 stakeholders are with the WBG, the more positive Herzegovina achieve results* their perceptions of it and its work are. 4.1 7.5 Meaningful engagement and outreach can Positive influence on shaping 6.1 continue to increase positive perceptions. development policy* 4.7 7.4 Alignment with development 5.9 priorities* 4.5 7.4 Relevant role in development* 6.2 5.0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating How familiar are you with the work of the WBG in Bosnia and Herzegovina? High Familiarity (8-10) Some Familiarity (5-7) Low Familiarity (1-4) *Significant difference between levels of familiarity Q For question wording and scales, please see slide 14. 13 Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Key Performance Indicators are Lower than in Other Europe and Central Asia Countries and Other IBRD Countries 7.0 Trust the WBG to do what is right 7.4 7.4 6.6 Bosnia and Relevant role in development 7.2 Herzegovina 7.1 FY24 6.5 Effectiveness in helping achieve Other ECA 7.4 results Countries FY24 7.2 6.5 Positive influence on shaping 7.5 Other IBRD development policy 7.1 Countries FY24 6.4 Alignment with development priorities 7.5 7.2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating FY24 Other IBRD countries: Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, El Salvador, Georgia, Gulf Cooperation Council, Moldova, Morocco, Q Namibia, Paraguay, Poland, Seychelles, Tunisia, Uruguay, and Viet Nam 14 FY24 Other ECA countries: Croatia, Georgia, Moldova, and Poland Stakeholder Trends Across Performance Indicators Respondents from the private sector, closely followed by the respondents from the Office of President, Prime All Respondents 6.5 Minister, Minister had higher mean ratings across the aggregated responses to the nineteen COS indicator questions compared to respondents from civil society. Private Sector 7.0 Collaboration with the WBG: Respondents who indicated that they collaborate with the WBG gave significantly higher ratings across the aggregated indicator questions compared Office of President, Prime 6.9 Minister, Minister to respondents who did not collaborate with the WBG: Mean rating: Collaborate with WBG = 7.3 Government Institutions 6.7 Do not collaborate = 5.7 Bilateral /Multilateral Agency 6.4 Civil Society 5.4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Aggregated Indicator Questions Q All Indicator Questions were asked on a Scale from 1 to 10. Click here for details on these Indicator Questions. 15 16 World Bank Group’s Support for Development Areas “I believe that supporting the education of this society could be of the greatest benefit to this country. In addition, there is significant support for civil society, as well as environmental projects of all kinds, and private businesses, but only where the support is really effective.” (Office of Parliamentarian Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Bosnia and Herzegovina? (N=58) WBG: Focal Development Education 39% Areas Jobs / skills development 31% Energy 31% In FY24, most stakeholders wanted the WBG to focus its Private sector development 29% resources on education. Jobs/skills development, energy, Environment/natural resource mgmt 28% private sector development, and environment/natural Youth development 27% resource management were also considered top priorities. Macroeconomic stability 27% The current top priority – education – has grown in Public sector governance 27% prominence since the last survey (24% of respondents Transport infrastructure 26% selected it as a priority in FY21). Energy was also a more Digital infrastructure development 25% prominent priority in FY24 (only 10% in FY21). Financial markets development 19% Regional integration 16% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG Agriculture / food security 15% could do to increase its effectiveness in Bosnia and Herzegovina? Climate change 15% “[…] Improving access to finance for vulnerable groups through Health / pandemic preparedness 14% targeted programs for women and youth, agriculture, artisans, EE Social protection 13% and RES users, etc. which include more favorable credit conditions Debt management 13% and additional technical support for business start-up and development. Water / sanitation 12% 3. Improvement of the regulatory framework Urban development 10% 4. Support for innovative financial products and the development of new products and services such as payment transactions, Gender equity 8% microinsurance, card products, etc.” (Private Sector Respondent) Disaster risk management 7% Social inclusion 4% Which areas should the WBG prioritize to have the most impact on development results in Bosnia Trade 4% 17 Q and Herzegovina? (Select up to 5) (Percentage of Respondents, N=104) Effectiveness of WBG’s Sectoral Support The WBG’s work in environment/natural resource management, climate change, Finance / Institutions / Economic Growth and water supply and sanitation infrastructure received the highest effectiveness ratings. Of note, the perceived effectiveness of the WBG’s work in climate change 6.3 has significantly improved. The perceived effectiveness of the WBG’s work in the Regional integration areas of energy/extractives, urban development, and agriculture and food security declined but did not reach statistical significance. Macroeconomic stability 6.3 Human Development Debt sustainability 6.3 5.8 FY24 Gender equity 6.0 Public sector governance 5.9 FY21 5.7 Social inclusion 6.0 FY24 Private sector development 6.3 5.4 FY21 Health 5.5 6.0 Job creation / employment 5.7 5.4 Social protection 5.2 5.5 Trade Environmental Sustainability Infrastructure 6.4 Environment / natural resource 6.6 Water supply and sanitation infrastructure 6.6 management 6.3 Transport 6.4 6.5 Climate change* FY24 5.5 5.8 FY21 Energy/extractives 6.3 5.9 Agriculture and food security *Significant difference 5.6 6.3 Digital development FY24 between years 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 FY21 Mean Rating of Effectiveness 5.1 Urban development 5.8 How effective has the WBG been at achieving development results in each of these areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective Q (If you have NO exposure to/experience in working in any of the sectors listed below, please respond “Don’t know”) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Mean Rating of Effectiveness 8 9 10 18 19 World Bank Group’s Engagement on the Ground in Bosnia and Herzegovina “[The WBG should] establish better communication, greater accessibility of its employees and greater information in order to become familiar with the work and the possibilities of using available funds.” (Respondent from the Office of the President, Prime Minister, Minister) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Bosnia and Herzegovina? (N=58) The WBG is Seen as a Long-Term Partner In FY24, respondents continue to see the WBG as a long- 7.7 Being a long-term partner to term partner to the country. Perceptions of the WBG’s Bosnia and Herzegovina openness and staff accessibility are also rather positive. 7.9 Perceptions of the WBG’s flexibility have improved in FY24, although not significantly. Openness (sharing data and 6.7 other information) 6.5 Access to WBG staff and 6.7 experts FY24 6.6 In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG FY21 could do to increase its effectiveness in Bosnia and Herzegovina? Responsiveness to needs in 6.4 “Increase visibility, include all relevant organizations and Bosnia and Herzegovina institutions from certain areas, more proactively inform the 6.0 general public about their activities.” (Government Institution Respondent) Flexibility when circumstances 6.1 change in Bosnia and Herzegovina 5.5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in terms of the following? Q Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree 20 ^Compared to the mean of institutional flexibility and flexibility to changes in the country context asked in FY21. The WBG’s Collaboration with the Government in Bosnia and Herzegovina is Seen as Consistently Effective In FY24, the WBG received the highest ratings for the BiH institutions and entity 7.3 governments 7.0 effectiveness of its collaboration with the BiH institutions and entity governments, followed by its collaboration with other donors and development partners. The WBG’s Other donors and 6.9 collaborations with civil society and the private sector development partners 6.6 improved slightly but not significantly. Of note, WBG’s collaboration with academia received the lowest 6.6 Local government effectiveness ratings. Civil society (e.g., NGOs, 6.2 CBOs) 5.8 FY24 FY21 6.2 Private sector 6.0 Parliament / legislative 6.2 branch 5.9 Academia / research centers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in terms of collaborating Q with the following groups? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree 21 Stakeholders Want the Bank to Collaborate More with Private Sector Just over half of respondents in this year’s survey indicated that the WBG should collaborate more with the private sector in addition to its partnership with the BiH institutions Private sector 51% and entity governments. Approximately one-third of respondents welcomed more collaboration with local government and academia. Local government 36% Academia / research 34% centers Parliament / legislative 25% branch In your opinion, what is the most important thing the Civil society (e.g., WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Bosnia and 22% NGOs, CBOs) Herzegovina? “Be more open to the non-governmental sector, more clearly publish projects in which it is possible to participate, and Other donors and 17% increase media presence.” development partners (Civil Society Respondent) In addition to its partnership with the BiH institutions and entity governments, which of Q the following should the WBG collaborate with more to have greater impact in Bosnia 22 and Herzegovina? (Select up to 2) (Percentage of Respondents, N=99) 23 World Bank Group’s Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work “Assist the private sector in development and competitiveness and use appropriate mechanisms to pressure the executive and legislature to work for the benefit of citizens.” (Media Respondent) “Increase visibility, include all relevant organizations and institutions from certain areas, and more proactively inform the general public about their activities.” (Government Institution Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Bosnia and Herzegovina? (N=58) Financial Resources Considered the Bank’s Greatest Value to Bosnia and Herzegovina Respondents considered the WBG’s financial resources to be its greatest value to Bosnia and Herzegovina (62% of Financial resources 62% respondents). Technical assistance and implementation support followed, with 39% of respondents emphasizing them. Technical assistance and 39% implementation support In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Bosnia and Herzegovina? Knowledge and analytical products 27% “Establishing systemic support for the microfinance sector (MF) 1. Strengthening the capacity of the MoF sector by providing support to the work of the Association in order to strategically contribute to the development of financial inclusion and Capacity development and training 22% sustainable development through technical assistance and training and digitization of services/digital transformation of the sector. Donor coordination 14% - Establish online systems/dashboard at the level of the MFI Monitoring and Evaluation Association in order to measure the impact of microfinance programs on economic growth and poverty reduction. Use data for continuous program improvement. Mobilizing third party financial 12% Measure quantitative and qualitative indicators including ESG resources business indicators. - Encourage various levels of education, training, exchange of best practices from the world of microfinance, etc.” Convening / bringing together 11% (Private Sector Respondent) different groups of stakeholders Which WBG instruments do you VALUE the most in Bosnia and Herzegovina? (Select up to 2) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=104) 24 The WBG Effectively Monitors and Evaluates Projects it Supports Regarding the WBG’s financial instruments, The WBG effectively monitors and 7.7 respondents had the highest levels of agreement that evaluates the projects it supports in the WBG effectively monitors and evaluates its Bosnia and Herzegovina* 6.9 projects and insists on accountability through its lending. Perceptions of how effectively WBG monitors The WBG insists on accountability 7.6 and evaluates projects have improved significantly through its lending compared to the FY21 results. The WBG’s Environmental and Social 7.0 ▪ Overall, respondents from the private sector gave Framework requirements are higher ratings to all financial indicators than other reasonable 6.8 stakeholder groups. Private sector respondents FY24 rated the Bank’s insistence on accountability through The conditions of the WBG’s financing 6.6 lending especially high (private sector mean = 8.6). are competitive compared to markets FY21 The WBG provides financial support in 6.1 a timely manner 6.3 The WBG’s financial instruments meet 6.0 the needs of Bosnia and Herzegovina 5.9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating *Significant difference To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree between years Q ^Compared to "The World Bank Group disburses funds promptly" in FY21 25 Half of Respondents Used the WBG’s Knowledge Work; Perceptions are Positive and Have Improved since FY21 The WBG brings global expertise to Bosnia 7.9 and Herzegovina as part of its knowledge work^ 7.3 Working with the WBG increases Bosnia and 7.7 Herzegovina’s institutional capacity 7.1 Have you ever used the WBG’s knowledge work, 7.5 No including participating in Yes I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s 50% workshops or training 50% knowledge work in Bosnia and Herzegovina programs? FY24 When I need to consult the WBG’s 7.2 FY21 knowledge work, I know how to find it The WBG’s knowledge work is tailored to 7.2 Bosnia and Herzegovina’s context*^^ 6.5 *Significant Significance of WBG knowledge work 6.9 difference Respondents from bilateral or multilateral agencies and civil contribution to development results in Bosnia between years society were significantly less likely to have used WBG 6.3 and Herzegovina* knowledge work (40% and 9%, respectively) than other stakeholder groups. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating Have you ever used the WBG’s knowledge work, including participating in workshops or training programs? (Percentage of Respon dents, N=98) Q To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree How significant a contribution do you believe the WBG’s knowledge work makes to development results in Bosnia and Herzegovina ? Scale: 1 Not significant at all – 10 Very significant ^Compared to “Source of relevant information on global good practices" asked in FY21. 26 ^^Compared to "Are adaptable to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s specific development challenges and country circumstances" in FY21 . 27 The Future Role of the World Bank Group in Bosnia and Herzegovina “Hold the authorities accountable when it comes to corruption and poor governance. By turning a blind eye to these corrosive issues, the WB is essentially propping up bad actors.” (Bilateral/Multilateral Respondent) “1. Investing more funds in the employment of young people and women. 2. Simplification of complicated procedures carried out by the World Bank.” (Government Institution Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Bosnia and Herzegovina? (N=58) How Can the WBG Increase its Effectiveness? (Open-Ended Responses) Greater alignment with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s needs, better understanding of local context and capacity; more engagement with stakeholders, and increased monitoring of WBG-funded projects Engagement Operational Effectiveness • Engage on a more local level to better understand the Operational • Speeding up the approval process needs and context in Bosnia and Herzegovina Engagement Effectiveness, • Reducing bureaucratic procedures • Involve local experts for better context sensitivity 22% 19% • More effective collaboration with the national government and other donors and partners to achieve Focus Area greater results • Private sector development and employment creation Focus Area • Support for the microfinance sector Knowledge, Knowledge 11% 17% • Public sector governance, capacity building • More support for capacity building and training, especially at the local level Communication Results, • Increase the accessibility of WBG knowledge work Communication, • More communication regarding WBG projects 11% and their results to increase awareness and experts 15% Financial • Active dissemination of knowledge work Results Support, 5% • Communication with the government at all levels • Projects that are tailored to the country specifics and Financial Support aligned with national priorities • Increased financial support, especially for priority needs • More rigorous and continuous monitoring of WBG-funded • Financial support of small-scale projects projects to ensure objectives are met In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to increase its effectiveness in Bosnia and Herzegovina? (N=58) Q All percentages are calculated based on the total number of comments made by respondents; individual comments could be counted multiple times depending on the number of topics they covered, so the sum of all percentages may be greater than 100%. 28 29 Communication and Outreach “The most important thing is to establish coordination with other international institutions and donors. It is much more important that there is a unified strategy than a particular activity that the WBG could choose.” (Media Respondent) “Access to WBG resources (statistics, publications, research, conferences, magazines). Working with young people from elementary school so that they can fully and properly use WBG resources in a timely manner and become a member of the global community in such a way as to ensure the protection of their existence, identity and freedom towards people, things, others.” (Academia Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Bosnia and Herzegovina? (N=58) Events and Direct Contact with Staff were the Most Preferred WBG Communication Channels Respondents most preferred to receive the WBG’s communications through events/conferences/seminars/workshops (in person or online) and direct contact with staff. Top Preferred WBG Channels Bilateral All Office of President, Government /Multilateral Civil Society Private Sector Respondents PM, Minister Institutions Agency Event / conference / seminar / workshop (in 68.4% 55.6% 77.3% 37.5% 54.5% 75.0% person or online) Direct contact with staff (e.g., in person, 45.3% 33.3% 47.7% 62.5% 27.3% 33.3% virtually, phone, email) e-Newsletters 33.7% 33.3% 29.5% 25.0% 27.3% 50.0% Social media (e.g., Facebook, Twitter) 13.7% 0.0% 11.4% 25.0% 36.4% 8.3% Direct messaging (e.g., WhatsApp, Telegram, 7.4% 22.2% 6.8% 0.0% 9.1% 8.3% Viber) How would you prefer to receive communication from the WBG? (Select up to 2) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=95) 30 64% Recalled Seeing/Hearing Information about the WBG Recently, Most Often through Direct Contact with Staff Nearly two-thirds of all respondents recalled hearing or seeing something about the WBG recently. Respondents most often reported seeing/hearing about the WBG through direct contact with staff, events, or WBG websites. Direct contact with WBG staff 52% Event / conference / seminar (in person 41% or online) WBG websites 38% No Newspapers (print or online) 25% 36% Do you recall seeing or hearing Social media 25% anything about the WBG Television (TV) 23% recently? Yes 64% e-Newsletters 15% Radio 5% Direct messaging (e.g., WhatsApp, 3% Telegram, Viber) Other 2% Blogs 2% Podcasts 2% Do you recall seeing or hearing anything about the WBG recently? (N=96) Q If you answered “Yes”, where do you recall seeing or hearing this information? (Select all that apply) (Percentage of Respond ents, N=61) 31 The WBG’s Economic Forecasts and Work on Climate Change were the Most Commonly Recalled Topics Respondents most frequently recalled the WBG’s WBG economic forecasts 69% economic forecasts, followed by work or research on climate change, job creation/employment, and digital Climate change 41% economy. Job creation / employment 31% Digital economy 31% Human capital (education, health) 23% Ending poverty in developing 18% countries Women empowerment 18% Changes to the WBG financial and 10% operational model Other 5% Food security 5% Youth development 5% Debt relief for developing countries 5% Pandemic preparedness 3% If you answered “Yes”, what topics were included in what you saw or heard about WBG’s work or research? Q (Select all that apply) (Percentage of Respondents, N=61) 32 Climate Change Communications can be More Impactful when Related to Stakeholders’ Top Concerns: Air Pollution, Decreased Crop Yields, and Food Insecurity More than 7 in 10 respondents were very concerned about the potential impact of air pollution and decreased crop yields/ increased food insecurity due to climate change in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Approximately two-thirds of respondents were also very concerned about more frequent droughts and water availability. These key areas of concern should be considered to make communications about climate change more impactful. Very concerned Somewhat concerned A little concerned Not concerned at all Air pollution 74% Decreased crop yields / increased food insecurity 74% More frequent and severe droughts 66% Decreased water availability / quality 65% More frequent and severe floods 62% Land and forest degradation 60% More frequent and severe heatwaves 59% Loss of jobs 58% More frequent and intense wild fires 52% Extinction of plant / animal species 47% Climate-driven migration 36% Increased erosion of shoreline 29% Coastal flooding due to sea level rise 24% Q How concerned are you about the following potential impacts of climate change in Bosnia and Herzegovina? (Percentage of Respondents, N=~92) 33 34 Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology Sample Demographics What is the primary specialization Do you of your work? (N=97) collaborate/work with the World Bank Public sector governance 15% Group (WBG) Generalist (specialize in multiple Yes 14% in Bosnia and No 47% sectors) Macroeconomics, fiscal / debt Herzegovina? 53% 12% (N=107) management Other 11% Education 9% Private sector development / trade 8% Legal / human rights 8% Gender equity 5% Digital development 4% Which of the World Bank (IBRD/IDA) 88% Energy 4% following WBG agencies do you Social protection 2% International Finance collaborate/work 46% Corporation (IFC) Transport 2% with in Bosnia and Herzegovina? Environment / natural resource Multilateral Investment management 1% (N=50) 2% Guarantee Agency (MIGA) Agriculture and food security 1% Urban development 1% 35 Sample Demographics (continued) Which best represents your What’s your age? (N=97) geographic location? (N=97) 25 or younger <1% Federation of 26-35 5% Bosnia and 68% Herzegovina 36-45 30% Republika 30% Srpska 46-55 38% Other 2% Prefer not to specify, 2% 56 and above 22% Other, 2% Prefer not to 4% specify Male What is your 52% Female 44% gender? (N=97) 36 Detailed Methodology Percentage of Respondents FY 2021 FY 2024 Government Principals: Office of the From May to July 2024, a total of 413 stakeholders in Bosnia and Herzegovina were invited to President, Prime Minister; office of a 3% 14% provide their opinions on the WBG’s work by participating in a Country Opinion Survey (COS). A Parliamentarian list of potential participants was compiled by the WBG country team and the field agency. Government Institutions: Employee of a Ministry, Department, Project Participants were drawn from the Offices of the President, Prime Minister, Minister, and Parliament, Implementation Unit, Independent 38% 37% government institutions, local governments, bilateral or multilateral agencies, the private sector, Government Institution, Judiciary, State- civil society, academia, and the media. Owned Enterprise Local Government 3% 7% Of these stakeholders, 107 participated in the survey (26% response rate) . Respondents received the questionnaire via email and completed it via an online platform. Bilateral/Multilateral Agency: Embassy, Development Organization, Development 9% 9% This year’s survey results were compared to the FY21 Survey, which had a response rate Bank, UN Agency of 48% (N=191). Civil Society Organization: Local and Comparing responses across Country Surveys reflects changes in attitudes over time, as well as regional NGO, Community-Based Organization, Private Foundation, 14% 10% changes in respondent samples, methodology, and the survey instrument itself. To reduce the Professional/Trade Association, influence of the latter factor, only those questions with similar response scales/options were Faith-Based Group, Youth Group analyzed. In addition, the stakeholder compositions for both survey years were quite similar. The differences in stakeholder composition between the two years—for example, a higher response Private Sector: Private Company, 19% 12% Financial Sector Organization, Private Bank from government respondents and a lower – from the private sector— should be considered when interpreting the results of the past-year comparison analyses. Academia / Research Center 7% 5% Key statistically significant findings (tested at the research standard of p < .05) are noted throughout the report. Media 4% 5% Breakdowns for individual questions by stakeholder group can be found in the “Bosnia and Other 2% 0% Herzegovina COS FY24 Appendices with data breakdown.xlsx” file published in the WBG Total Number of Respondents* 181 107 Microdata Library, along with the survey microdata and this report. What is your primary professional affiliation? (Select only 1 response) Q *Not all respondents provided information about their professional affiliation. Therefore, the total number of respondents listed in the table is lower than the N reported in the methodology. 37 Indicator Questions Every country that engages in the Country Opinion Survey (COS) must include specific indicator questions, several of which are aggregated for the World Bank Group’s annual Corporate Scorecard and are highlighted in red below. A1_5. How much do you trust the World Bank Group to do what is right for Bosnia and Herzegovina? Scale: 1 Not at all – 10 Very much A2. How effective is the World Bank Group in helping Bosnia and Herzegovina achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective A3. How significant a contribution do you believe the WBG's knowledge work make to development results in Bosnia and Herzegovina? Scale: 1 Not significant at all – 10 Very significant To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree A4. The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Bosnia and Herzegovina. A5. The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Bosnia and Herzegovina. A6. The WBG has a positive influence on shaping development policy in Bosnia and Herzegovina. A7. The WBG’s work helps end poverty in Bosnia and Herzegovina. To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in terms of each of the following? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree C1_1. Responsiveness to needs in Bosnia and Herzegovina C1_2. Access to WBG staff and experts C1_3. Flexibility when circumstances change in Bosnia and Herzegovina C1_5. Being a long-term partner to Bosnia and Herzegovina To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in terms of collaborating with the following groups? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree C2_1. BiH institutions and entity governments C2_4. Private sector C2_5. Civil society C2_6. Other donors and development partners To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree C4_1. The WBG’s financial instruments (i.e., budget support, loans, grants, trust funds) meet the needs of Bosnia and Herzegovina. C4_3. The WBG provides financial support in a timely manner. C6_1. I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s knowledge work in Bosnia and Herzegovina. C6_4. The WBG’s knowledge work is tailored to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s context. 38 Thank you For more information about this report or the Country Opinion Survey program, please contact: countrysurveys@worldbankgroup.org