Delivering impact: IMPETUS as Work Package 2 Leader in MKSafeNet

As the Work Package 2 Leader within the MKSafeNet – Safer Internet Centre project, IMPETUS played a central role in designing the institutional, operational, and sustainability framework for the Safer Internet ecosystem in North Macedonia.

📌 Key achievements include:

📊 Feasibility & System Design

• Led the development of a comprehensive Feasibility Study for establishing the national Safer Internet Centre (SIC)
• Defined operational, legal, technical, and institutional requirements aligned with EU standards

The Government Decision (Official Gazette No. 175, 21/08/2025) establishes the SIC as the single national coordination and contact point for reporting mechanisms and for providing advice and support to children, youth, parents, educators, and other stakeholders on safe use of digital technologies. A subsequent Government Ruling (29 October 2025) appointed the National Coordinator, Deputy Coordinator, and inter-institutional members from several ministries.

Both acts stem directly from the  Feasibility Study and design framework developed and drafted by IMPETUS – Center for Internet, Development and Good Governance’s experts, translating policy objectives into a clear, operational, whole-of-government model aligned with EU Safer Internet standards.

This achievement demonstrates the value of high-level policy architecture, expert advisory support, and a multi-stakeholder governance methodology in building sustainable national systems for child online safety.

📈 Sustainability & Strategic Framework (T2.2)

• Co-developed the Sustainability Plan with consortium partners
• Delivered a long-term model including:
  • budget forecasting
  • operational roadmap
  • risk assessment framework
  • partnership strategy across public sector, private sector, and civil society
• Ensured continuity of services, reporting mechanisms, and awareness activities

⚙️ Governance & Operational Framework (T2.3.1)

• Developed core internal acts for SIC operation, including:
  • Rules of Procedure
  • Personal Data Protection Policy
  • Cyber Incident Response Plan
  • Incident reporting tools and RACI matrix
• Established a structured, compliant, and accountable operational model

📑 Reporting & Data Systems (T2.3.2)

• Designed Guidelines for Helpline Reporting via the BIK platform
• Standardized data collection, reporting formats, and timelines
• Strengthened evidence-based monitoring of online risks affecting children

🇪🇺 Regulatory Alignment (T2.3.3)

• Developed DSA Implementation Guidelines
• Supported institutions in understanding obligations, compliance, and roles
• Contributed to national alignment with EU digital governance frameworks

🛡️ Ethics & Governance (D2.1)

• Delivered Ethical Compliance Report
• Strengthened transparency, accountability, and good governance practices across the consortium

📚 Capacity Building & Ecosystem Strengthening

• Supported DSA and AI Act trainings for institutional stakeholders
• Implemented Call for Schools initiative (12 schools, 15 teachers, 8 municipalities)
• Strengthened cooperation with the Personal Data Protection Agency (AZLP) through:
  • joint activities
  • awareness events
  • signed Memorandum of Understanding

🌐 Why this matters

Through these contributions, IMPETUS helped lay the foundations for a functional, sustainable, and EU-aligned Safer Internet Centre, strengthening national capacities for:

• child online protection
• incident reporting and response
• digital policy development
• cross-sector coordination

👉 This is not just project delivery — this is system building.

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