Bridging the skills gap in Bosnia and Herzegovina: The role of soft skills in the digital economy

As the digital economy continues to evolve, the demand for humancentric competencies is becoming increasingly critical. This study examines the role of soft skills in bridging the skills gap in modern business environments, with a focus on communication, teamwork, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. Based on a survey of 71 senior managers and executives from diverse business sectors in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the findings indicate that communication skills are the most highly valued, followed closely by teamwork and adaptability. At the same time, emotional intelligence, though necessary, ranks comparatively lower. To contextualise these insights, the study incorporates ICT adoption data from the Agency for Statistics of Bosnia and Herzegovina to explore how digitalisation is reshaping workforce demands. The observed trends suggest that the need for problem-solving, adaptability, and interpersonal competencies could intensify as automation and digital tools become more integrated into business operations. The study highlights the growing need for interactive, feedback-driven training methods rather than traditional instructional approaches to develop these skills effectively. The findings inform strategic recommendations for human resource development, educational curricula, and organisational policies to ensure that businesses can cultivate a workforce capable of navigating the challenges of an increasingly digitalised economy.