The Importance of Applying Lean Innovation for Enhancing Harmonization of Customs Procedures in context of Digitalization of Customs Administration – A Case Study of Serbia

Abstract

As a part of the Strategy for modernization, customs administrations face a need for the introduction of new communication information technologies (ICTs) that builds on a long and successful European history on technology and innovation. Hence, apart from compliance of legislation that prescribes customs procedures, customs authorities face important decisions regarding design and implementation. In that context, this empirical research explores the extent to what digitalization of the Customs Administration of Serbia can improve the customs transit performances, in terms of enforcement of trading policy, without applying certain managerial tools, such as process thinking in lean innovation. The final data analysis of the research indicates that managing the organization through the functional units, rather than the processes, and without applying lean principles to the digital transformation initiative would not completely standardize the customs transit procedure.