BiH Economic Forum: Synergy of Knowledge and Technology as Key to a Sustainable Future

(Patria) - The 10th Economic Forum of Bosnia and Herzegovina 2025 was held today in Sarajevo, organized by the Faculty of Economics of the University of Sarajevo.

The Forum's theme "Sustainable Development and Digital Transformation" was presented through two panels and a practical workshop, with speakers including experts and professionals from the public and private sectors, as well as representatives of BiH authorities.

In her opening address, the Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Prof. Dr. Meliha Bašić, welcomed those present.

- I am convinced that the synergy of all sectors - government, economy, academia and civil society, along with engaging all our citizens, is key to achieving the goals of sustainable growth and applying digitalization in all segments.

We need to understand that digital transformation is not just a technological process. It is a catalyst for changes in the way we work, communicate, manage and do business, and it is not that we lack resources, primarily knowledge but also digital tools, and that is the central message of this year's Forum - said Bašić.

The Forum's keynote speakers were the Minister of Transport and Communications of BiH Edin Forto, the Governor of the Central Bank of BiH Jasmina Selimović, and the Permanent Representative of BiH to the UN Zlatko Lagumdžija.

Forto emphasized that digital transformation is no longer an abstract concept, but an unstoppable process shaping modern society.

- The introduction of digital services triggers entire chains of development of new technologies. Once digitalization starts, it becomes an engine of change - said Forto.

Governor Selimović stated in her speech that this topic has for many years sparked debates in academic and business circles about how best to use technology for economic, social and intellectual progress.

She pointed out that it is no coincidence that digitalization first found its place in the financial sector, which, besides being one of the most competitive sectors, is also a sector that had the resources to invest in digitalization, thereby laying the foundations for the development of numerous other sectors - from online commerce to digital services.

Digital transformation implies doing things in a new way and changing the business model.

- Only then will the benefits of digital transformation become evident, and we will reach a situation where we save resources, both financial and human, and all others. In fact, that is, I would say, the only, right path - concluded Selimović.