First Economic Forum of the University of Zagreb

This event brought together representatives of the economic and financial sectors and the academic community to discuss key elements that contribute to the strengthening and competitiveness of Croatia. 

“The idea of ​this Economic Forum of the University of Zagreb is to achieve strong engagement in research and innovation, precisely through the higher education sector,” emphasized Stjepan Lakušić, Rector of the University of Zagreb.

“I can say without reservation that the potential we have in our people, in our youth, in many of our companies and institutions is beyond great. Our common task is to turn this potential into what it deserves, and that is the driving force of Croatia’s development and future,” said Siniša Krajnović, President of the Management Board of Ericsson Nikola Tesla and President of the Economic Council of the University of Zagreb.

“I believe the key to success is in connecting: connecting academic excellence with business agility, research with application, and vision with action. We need to ensure that the innovations that emerge from our faculties find their way to the market and that cooperation between the University and the economy brings tangible results: new jobs, new technologies, new successes,” concludes Krajnović.

“Cooperation should create jobs that will ensure that people stay in Croatia, attract foreign experts, and create a stable and resilient country,” added Lakušić.

He also said that Croatia’s development directions until 2030 should include a sustainable economy, strengthening society’s resilience to crises, digital transition, and balanced digital development.

State Secretary at the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth Nikola Mrvac welcomed the gathering on behalf of Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and wished it success, saying that cooperation between the economy and science strives for a sustainable society which is not based solely on profit, but on a balance between desirability, which is what people really need, and feasibility, which is the technical possibility of sustainability and what nature and society can tolerate, as well as proper actions that make way for dignity.

“Such a system becomes an ecosystem, balanced and compassionate, and makes Croatia better,” said Mrvac.

The Forum also presented the award for economic excellence, the Academic Oscar, which was awarded to the companies Končar and Doking. The awards were received on behalf of the winners by Gordan Kolak, President of the Management Board of Končar, and on behalf of the Doking company by Ante Bakić, Member of the Management Board. As part of the Economic Forum, two panels were held: The Role of the University of Zagreb in the Realization of a Competitive and Innovative Croatia, and Education, Scientific Research and Partnership with the Economy: the Key to Success for a Prosperous and Competitive Croatia, which were attended by renowned representatives of the academic community, economy, institutional and public life. Siniša Krajnović, President of the Management Board of Ericsson Nikola Tesla and President of the Economic Council of the University of Zagreb, also participated in the panel The Role of the University of Zagreb in the Realization of a Competitive and Innovative Croatia.