INTRODUCTION Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) play a specific role in the development of a competitive economy based on knowledge and innovation. This technology allows for a higher life quality for the citizens, assists in facilitation and efficiency of business processes, as well as the increase of effectiveness and governance transformation. Development of the ICT sector is considered a horizontal policy since the effects and influence of its implementation is extended on all social and economic sectors of the country. Priorities of ICT on a European level are contained in Europe 20201 - a strategy for a sustainable and comprehensive growth, which aims at the preparation of the EU economy for the challenges of the next decade. The Digital Agenda for Europe (DAE)2, is directly related to the field of Information and Communication Technology. To draw an analogy with the European Union policies and priorities, the development of ICT and the digital agenda are part of the programme of the Albanian Government for 2013-2017. The programme views the ICT and e-services development as closely related to the economic and social development of the country. The government programme has determined that the government will work on three main dire- ctions by setting out measurable objectives: - - - First, in adding and promoting electronic services for citizens, businesses and administration. Increase of transparency and improvement of public administration services according to the Open Government Partnership initiative will remain a priority. Second, in using the ICT for the purposes of education in order to transcend the digital gap and to empower the youth. Policies will be oriented toward the improvement and expansion of human capacities in order to increase the number of consumers and to promote the development of e-service providers. Thus, the creation of youth jobs who can be employed in the Albanian and regional market and beyond that, will be encouraged. Third, in consolidating the digital infrastructure in the whole territory of the Republic of Albania, by strictly respecting the European principles of free and honest competition. Currently, the ICT are one of the major moving forces of economy. A quarter of GDP’s growth in the EU comes from the ICT sector. Investments in ICT and innovation until 2020 are expected to contribute in the producti- http://eur-lex.Evropa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2010:2020:FIN:EN:PDF A Digital Agenda for Europe, COM(2010)245, approved on 19.05.2010, EC, http://www.digitalEvrope.org/ DesktopModules/Bring2mind/DMX/Download.aspx?Command=Core_Download&entryID=157&PortalId=0&TabId=353 1 2 8