Support for the Economy and Business Development: Young IT Experts in Zenica Have the Most Modern Space for Innovative Ideas!

Interview by: Delvin Kovač

The Regional Development Agency for the Central Bosnia and Herzegovina Region (REZ) opened an IT HUB on November 22nd at its official premises in Zenica. It is a center intended for IT experts who are graduating from universities, aiming to connect them with private companies for knowledge sharing, as well as with the University of Zenica.

The project is worth around 300,000 BAM, of which 200,000 was provided by the Government of Zenica-Doboj Canton (ZDK), the Federal Ministry of Development, Entrepreneurship and Crafts contributed 50,000 BAM, while REZ provided the space.

The Minister of Economy of ZDK, Samir Šibonjić, who attended the opening along with several other ministers and members of the ZDK Assembly, stated that with such projects, they continue to provide support to the economy and young people who wish to dedicate themselves to developing their own business ideas, which they will be able to start realizing in the REZ business incubator.

- This is the most modern IT center for the development of digital technologies in BiH. This has created conditions for our young people, who are involved in the IT sector, to develop their projects using state-of-the-art equipment - Minister Šibonjić said on that occasion.

In an interview with the Patria News Agency, Šibonjić emphasizes that the IT HUB Zenica project is a significant step towards creating better conditions for young people in the field of information technology in the ZDK region.

The opening of this center, the minister highlights, is an important initiative aimed at providing young people with a modernly equipped space for work, learning, and the development of their professional skills.

- IT HUB Zenica is designed to meet the needs of young experts and enthusiasts, providing them with access to state-of-the-art equipment, super-fast internet of 200/200 Mbps, and modern computers - says Minister Šibonjić.

He explains that the IT HUB space is designed to include a co-working area that encourages teamwork and idea exchange, a training room for education and professional development, a large meeting room equipped with a smart board for interactive presentations, and a cafeteria and kitchen that provide a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere.



- The goal of this project is, among other things, to retain young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina by creating conditions that will enable them to stay and develop their careers here, instead of seeking opportunities abroad.

In this way, the Ministry of Economy of ZDK demonstrates its commitment to supporting young people and the development of the IT sector, which is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the modern business world.

Our commitment to this project sends a clear message that we want to create better opportunities for younger generations and shows that it is possible to achieve great things through cooperation and vision - Šibonjić points out.

According to him, the primary goal that the Government of ZDK wants to achieve with this and similar projects focused on young people is to create equal opportunities for them compared to their peers in the EU and beyond.

- Given that BiH has young people who are extremely talented, innovative, and full of potential, the Government recognizes the importance of creating adequate conditions for their development.

Through projects like IT HUB, the aim is to provide young people with access to modern equipment and resources so they can achieve top results in various fields, especially in the IT sector, which is a key global driver of the economy - Šibonjić adds.

And the main goals, our interlocutor adds, include:

• Retaining young people in the country. By providing support, education, and conditions for professional development, the Government aims to reduce the emigration of young people abroad;

• Development of the local community and economy. By supporting young people who have the potential to contribute to the development of new technologies and innovations, the economic and social development of the entire community is strengthened;

• Increasing global competitiveness. By enabling young people to work in top conditions, their ability to compete equally with experts from more developed countries is increased;

• Building long-term relationships with young people. The Government of ZDK wants to show young people that they are key partners in building and developing BiH, creating a shared vision for a better future.

- Ultimately, projects like this are not just an investment in infrastructure, but also in the future of the country, as they enable young people to reach their full potential and contribute to the development of their homeland - these are the words of Minister Šibonjić.



As stated during the opening ceremony, the IT HUB in Zenica will be accessible to young people not only from the ZDK region but also from SBK. We asked the Minister about the significance of young people from the IT sector from two different cantons having the opportunity to socialize, gain new acquaintances and knowledge, and exchange ideas?

- The opening of the IT HUB in Zenica, which is accessible to young people not only from ZDK but also from SBK, has enormous significance because it provides a space for joint learning, work, and networking of young people from different regions - replies Minister Šibonjić.

Key advantages of this approach include:

• Networking and collaboration. Young people from different cantons will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, experiences, and knowledge, which can result in innovative projects and solutions in the IT sector. This interaction fosters new friendships, as well as professional connections that can be invaluable in the future;

• Exchange of diverse perspectives. As they come from different backgrounds, young people will bring their specific ideas and ways of thinking, thereby increasing creativity and innovation within the IT HUB;

• Support for the joint development of the region. This creates synergy between the two cantons, contributing to the development of the wider region and strengthening its economic potential through the IT industry, which is considered the industry of the future.

• Motivation for young people to stay in BiH. By creating a place where young people can work and develop, a clear message is sent that they have a future in their homeland. Through socializing and working in a modern environment, their connection with the local community is strengthened.

- The Government of ZDK clearly demonstrates vision and commitment to the development of the IT sector and the creation of conditions for young people. This project is not just a workspace, but also a platform for building future leaders and experts who will contribute to the development of BiH.

Through joint efforts, via the IT HUB and similar projects, we can achieve great results that all citizens will be proud of - concluded Minister Šibonjić in his interview with Patria.