Mr. Mario Đuragić, Highlights International Cooperation and EU Support at EDIH ONEX Conference

Banja Luka recently hosted the first "EDIH ONEX" conference, titled "Services of Partner Organizations," which saw significant participation from a diverse group of stakeholders focused on advancing digital innovation. The conference was organized by a consortium of partner organizations from the Republic of Srpska, in cooperation with the Committee for European Integration and Regional Cooperation of the National Assembly of the Republic of Srpska.

Mr. Mario Đuragić, the Head of the Republic of Srpska Representation in Brussels, was a notable attendee at the event. His participation underscored the importance of international representation and support in regional digital initiatives.

In addition, Mr. Đuragić addressed the conference, highlighting the critical importance of international cooperation in advancing digital innovation. He emphasized the significant role that representation in Brussels plays, illustrating how it serves as a crucial bridge between the Republic of Srpska and the European Union. Mr. Đuragić elaborated on the numerous advantages provided by EU institutions, detailing the various tools and resources they offer to support digital transformation. By leveraging these tools, local businesses and organizations can enhance their capabilities, align with EU standards, and gain access to broader markets and funding opportunities. His speech underscored that effective representation and active participation in EU initiatives are vital for fostering sustainable growth and innovation within the Republic of Srpska.

The conference brought together partners from the Digital Innovation Hub "ONEX", the Universities of Banja Luka and East Sarajevo, and the Agency for Mediation, Information, and Financial Services of the Republic of Srpska. The primary objective of the consortium was to enhance cooperation with local partners in implementing EU projects, support digital transformation, and boost the innovative capacities of domestic companies.

Dr. Bojan Ćudić, coordinator of the EDIH ONEKS consortium, opened the conference by presenting the consortium's activities. He emphasized the project's support from various institutions within Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina, aiming to expedite the digitization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Keynote speeches were delivered by Zlatan Klokić, Minister for European Integration and International Cooperation of the Government of Republika Srpska, and Edin Forto, Minister of Communications and Transport in the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Both highlighted the critical need for digital advancement in the region and expressed their commitment to supporting these initiatives.

Other speakers included Dražen Višnjić, Director of the Agency for Information and Communication Technologies of the Republic of Srpska.

The event featured a panel discussion with experts such as Vladimir Orlović, Director of the Analytics and Business Solutions Sales Department at m:tel, Dr. Božidar Popović of the University of East Sarajevo, Dr. Dragan Gligorić from the University of Banja Luka, and Dragan Ninić of Lanako. They discussed the mechanisms of the "EDIH network" and its role in supporting companies through digital transformation.

Participants gained insights into the "EDIH network," which serves as a crucial support system for companies embarking on their digital journey. This conference was a valuable platform for presenting the activities of the domestic EDIH to businesses, the public, and policymakers at all government levels.

The event marked a significant step towards fostering a collaborative ecosystem for digital innovation in the Republic of Srpska, showcasing the concerted efforts of local and international stakeholders to drive progress in this critical area.