Other Infrastructure Study
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Publication
Assessment of the Digital Market in Croatia
(World Bank, Washington, DC, 2021-02)With a view to supporting Croatia’s continued efforts to advance its digital transformation, this report contains the findings of a comprehensive study of the digital sector in Croatia. In this study, the digital sector is defined as the internet (fixed and mobile), telephony (fixed and mobile), and pay TV markets. The study examines indicators of Croatia’s performance relative to a set of peer countries and the European Union (EU) average, with an emphasis on fixed and mobile broadband services as foundational elements of the digital transformation. To complete the assessment, other related factors, such as human capital, the integration of digital technology into the economy, and digital public services, are also considered at a higher level. The study then identifies specific gaps pertaining to digital infrastructure as well as the regulations and policies needed for a vibrant and competitive digital sector. On the opportunities side, the study assesses the relevance of encouraging the development of four emerging technologies in Croatia: the Internet of Things (IoT); artificial intelligence (AI); data centers and cloud services; and smart cities. The report concludes with high-level strategic and actionable recommendations drawn from the analysis. In light of the three national disasters that have recently affected Croatia, namely, the Zagreb earthquake in March 2020, the December earthquakes that struck the Sisak-Moslavina County, and the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19), this report also highlights the role that digital infrastructure and services could play in strengthening Croatia’s resilience to such crises. -
Publication
Greener Transport Connectivity for Eastern Partnership Countries
(World Bank, Washington, DC, 2020-06)The Eastern Partnership (EaP) is a joint policy initiative, which aims to deepen and strengthen relations between the European Union (EU) and its six Eastern neighbours. One of its four priority areas is stronger connectivity which includes the extension of the Trans European Transport Network (TEN-T) to the EaP region. On the policy front, it aims at achieving regulatory convergence across transport modes between member countries and with the EU to heighten the focus on energy efficiency and combat climate change. The EaP countries experienced a large shock to their economies following the end of the Soviet Union in 1989. At the same time, EaP countries are acutely aware of the need to converge with the EU in terms of energy efficiency, environment and climate change goals. The EU is currently formalising its European Green Deal, which is a roadmap for making the EU's economy sustainable. The objective of this study is to assist decision-makers in prioritizing strategic transport policies and infrastructure investments. It develops the evidence base and prioritisation framework for improving the transport sector of the region including improved energy efficiency and sustainability so that it is not left behind by advances in the EU. The study has also developed an online visualization tool to help policy makers explore and use the results of the modelling exercise. -
Publication
Belt and Road Initiative: Azerbaijan Country Case Study
(World Bank, Washington, DC, 2020-06)Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), announced in 2013 and formalized in 2015, is China’s long-term commitment and aims to improve connectivity within Asia as well as between Asia and other continents via transport corridors (rail, road, maritime, air) and deeper economic, political, and cultural integration between China and the countries in Europe and Africa (National Development and Reform Commission, 2015). This study analyzes a potential impact of the BRI on Azerbaijan’s economy by focusing on (1) Azerbaijan’s connectivity and trade with the BRI economies; (2) its recent improvements in transport, power, and ICT infrastructure as part of the China, Central Asia, West Asia economic corridor; (3) its remaining connectivity gaps and challenges; and (4) potential economic effects of BRI on Azerbaijan’s trade, foreign investment, growth and welfare. Finally, the study concludes with policy implications that would mitigate the BRI risks and maximize the benefits. -
Publication
Serbia Railways Asset Management Plan Using Life-Cycle Costs
(World Bank, Washington, DC, 2020-05-09)The objective of the World Bank’s technical assistance (TA) in the asset management planning ofSerbia’s railways, using the life-cycle cost (LCC) method, is to improve the condition of key track infrastructure in the country. The appropriate use of the LCC model would enable Serbian Railways Infrastructure (Infrastruktura Zeleznice Srbije, IZS) to optimize the use of the scarce financial resources available for maintaining track infrastructure. The LCC model offers a simple and inexpensive way to estimate the longevity and condition of track infrastructure and the costsassociated with its renewal and maintenance. This is important, as the model’s concepts and principles form the foundation for the establishment of a more advanced rail asset management(RAM) system. This TA introduces this capacity in IZS, with a focus on track infrastructure, and thus, paves the way for further advances in RAM, which ideally will cover all rail system components (structures, signaling, rolling stock, and others). This report describes the LCC model, as it is applied to managing track assets; outlines the steps followed during the TA to transfer requisite knowledge to IZS; and recommends how IZS might solidify the implementation of the LCC model. The report concludes with recommended next steps and offers guidance for other countries seeking to improve the sustainability of their rail infrastructure. -
Publication
Ukraine National Quality Infrastructure Gap Assessment
(World Bank, Washington, DC, 2017-05)On request of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine, an NQI Market Gap Assessment for Ukraine was conducted to inform various reform initiatives being implemented by the Government of Ukraine. This Assessment is aimed at evaluating market gaps between supply of and demand for quality assurance services in Ukraine and includes analyses of the current status and capabilities of facilities providing quality assurance services and of producers’ demand for such services, particularly in relation to European Union market access. -
Publication
Greek Logistics : Unlocking Growth Potential through Regulatory Reform and Complementary Measures
(Washington, DC, 2013-11)The World Bank Group (WBG) wrote this report as part of a project designed to assess the competitiveness of the logistics sector in Greece and to develop policy recommendations. The World Bank is carrying out the project at the request of the Greek Ministry of Development, Competitiveness, Infrastructure, Transport, and Networks (currently split into the Ministry of Development and Competitiveness and the Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport and Networks). The report is part of a technical assistance package provided by the World Bank Group to the Government of Greece on enhancing the business environment and trade logistics. The package has been facilitated by the Task Force for Greece (TFGR, an arm of the European Commission), which arranged the financing from the EC technical assistance budget. The document is structured in the following way: First, it provides an overview of the state of logistics in Greece, comparing the country to its peers and highlighting some of the important features that distinguish the country's situation. Second, it provides detailed, technical observations on specific aspects of the logistics environment in Greece. Third, the report describes key actions, drawn from both expert observations and the working groups' conclusions that the Greek government may want to undertake to improve its logistics performance. Finally, in the Annexes it describes the intensive, consultation process that is allowing key stakeholders within the business and policy-making communities in Greece to provide inputs for a national logistics strategy. -
Publication
Republic of Belarus : Municipal Water Sector Review
(Washington, DC, 2013-06)This paper offers a diagnostic of the water and wastewater sector for the Republic of Belarus, addressing the sector's institutional, organizational, technical, and economic aspects, with a specific focus on urban areas. Significant national investment programs have enabled Belarus to significantly improve the quality of water and wastewater services, but major challenges remain. Water utilities show an overall acceptable performance that could be improved upon, especially in small towns. The sector's legal and institutional framework is well-defined and functional, but an insufficient operational regulation undermines the efficiency of services. The water and wastewater sector in Belarus urgently requires modernization. This review recommends that utilities be regionalized to generate economies of scale; the capacities, means, and resources be pooled; and access to funds be facilitated. Utility regulation needs to be reinforced by the introduction of benchmarking or yardstick competition, and by the set-up of performance-based contracts with their asset-owners. Key recommendations to improve the efficiency of utility operations include the development of a performance-oriented management culture and the involvement of the private sector. -
Publication
Romania - Functional Review : Transport Sector
(Washington, DC, 2010-10-15)This report describes the results of the Functional Review of the transport sector in Romania. During its early transition years, Romania implemented radical structural reforms in the institutions of the transport sector, but over the last decade there has been concern that these changes have not led to tangible improvements in transport policy administration nor in the efficiency and effectiveness of the main delivery institutions in the railway and road sectors. The Review has tried to discern the main reasons for these shortcomings and to identify remedial actions. It focuses on three main challenges: the administration of the transport sector as a whole; the corporate governance of state-owned road and railway companies; and the priorities for the companies themselves. Attention is also given to budgeting issues and opportunities for greater private sector participation.