Implementation of ICT against corruption in the higher education of Kosovo

Abstract: Despite the statements of the institutions of Kosovo in media that will uncompromisingly fight corruption, in everyday life it is not noticed by citizens. Kosovo’s institutional framework against corruption, to say the least, suffers many shortcomings in its implementation. This research, aimed the identification of the corruption practices in higher education institutions of Kosovo and depiction of possible counter-responses through the use of ICT, and it is useful for different national or foreign organizations that are determined to combat corruption, for implementation of their projects. University of Northern Kosovo is not included in this research. The qualitative approach of this study uses surveys, case studies, and interviews as methods for data collection. These data were analysed by mapping the identified corrupt practices, together with appropriate anti-corruption actions types and ICTs used. Results have shown that respondents perceive the level of corruption in these institutions, from medium to high, manifested mostly in examinations, access to universities and colleges, and professor behaviour. Also, the most common type of corruption came out to be nepotism. Results have shown that regarding ICTs, a whole range of them can be used for anti-corruption, including: web pages, social media networks, ID cards, cell-phone/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth signal jammers or detectors, procurement systems, etc. Exploitation of these technologies would significantly reduce corruption in higher education institutions.