The Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) and the University of Technology of Troyes (UTT) have partnered on a digital forensics programme to tackle the cyber skills gap. The 11-week programme, adapted from UTT’s N-Tech course, provides hands-on training to police investigators on cybercrime. WB3C, funded by France, Slovenia and Montenegro, offers trainers and facilities and covers travel and accommodation costs, while UTT supplies the curriculum and instructors. Each participant receives a laptop with installed specialized forensic software and, upon passing a final exam, a recognized qualification.

This programme directly addresses the immediate shortage of skilled cybercrime investigators and digital forensics experts by upskilling professionals already in the field, reducing case backlogs and enhancing law enforcement capacity. As the progress of Western Balkans states towards EU accession primarily relies on judicial reforms, the need to enhance the institutional and operational capacities of law enforcement and achieve full interoperability is a priority. 

To ensure long-term impact, WB3C and UTT are working to embed the digital forensics curriculum into local university programmes. University faculty members have been invited to participate in the current course to familiarize themselves with the content and methodology, enabling them to deliver the programme to future generations of students. This approach, resembling the train-the-trainer model, aims to institutionalize digital forensics education and create a lasting pipeline of qualified cyber professionals. The programme also engages accreditation bodies, police academies and other essential stakeholders to develop a standardized and sustainable educational framework. The WB3C-UTT partnership exemplifies how public and academic sectors can collaborate to address both immediate skills shortages and long-term capacity building.