Over 50 participants had the opportunity to learn more about the challenges of the innovation and opportunities that it makes on various socio-economic levels, at the Regional Conference “Challenges and opportunities for innovative economic development” held in Mostar today. The main goal of the Conference was to initiate periodical meetings
between main stakeholders aiming to support innovation and development
by bringing together high-level public officials, representatives of
major companies, research and development organisations and innovation
support providers in Herzegovina region in FBiH. The two case studies on development of innovation support system from Slovenia and Croatia were also presented, outlining what is to be expected in future for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Conference was organised by BiH Federation Ministry for Development, Entrepreneurship and Craft, BiH Federation Ministry for Education and Science and INTERA Technology Park in Mostar, in cooperation with the EU funded project “INOVO – Institutional capacity building of three innovation centres and research sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina”.
The INOVO project has worked intensively since January 2013 with relevant BiH Federation Ministries and INTERA Technology Park on strengthening capacities of the authorities for better development of innovation policies.
Head of the Mostar Office of the EU Delegation to BiH/EUSR Marsaili Fraser said: „Bosnia and Herzegovina has huge capacity in its people, successful in many fields, as well as in science and innovation. The innovations can be one of the key factors to better prosperity and economic growth of this country, which brings more jobs and better lives for citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
Mladen Kostić, Director of INTERA Technology Park Mostar emphasized that the Conference is about the future: “What the authorities need to do, but also what do we as individuals need to do be more innovative. This event should contribute to better understanding of innovation. We should be aware that the only way out of the trap of average incomes and to go forward towards the European integrations through entrepreneurship and more added value.”
The Conference provided unique opportunity for networking, developing common understanding of the challenges and opportunities for innovation development, influencing economic development and employment rate.
“I am confident that this exceptional event where all four stakeholders of innovation process – public administrations, enterprises, universities, and intermediary organisations as INTERA Technology Park – are meeting will provide a new impulsion for innovation and innovative economic development in the region and BiH. I am pleased that INOVO project was able to assist in springing-up these processes.” stated Kastytis Gečas, INOVO Team Leader.
This Conference is a final event in the series of regional events that INOVO will organise.
FBiH Minister of for Education and Science, Damir Mašić and FBiH Minister of Development, Entrepreneurship and Crafts, Sanjin Halimović also spoke at the Conference.
The EU is funding INOVO project in the amount of 534,460 Euros from IPA 2010. The project is implemented by the Consortium led by European Consulting Group.
