Round Table on Research and Innovation Strategies Held within the REDETE Conference
At the Faculty of Economics, University of Banja Luka, on September 11, 2025, a round table entitled “Research and Innovation Strategy for the Development of the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Bosnia and Herzegovina” was held as part of the program of the international REDETE Conference.
The event gathered representatives of institutions providing support to the entrepreneurial infrastructure, as well as professors and associates of the Faculty of Economics. Four international projects involving the University of Banja Luka were presented, among them RDBIH, which focuses on developing research and development strategies and strengthening innovation capacities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The discussion emphasized the need to enhance cooperation between the academic community and the business, public, and non-governmental sectors, as well as the importance of a systematic approach to the development of innovation and the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The event was organized with the support of the European Union.
Published 15.09.2025 at 15:10
Representatives of the University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Economics, Attend Three Day RDBiH Project Meeting in Ulm
Representatives of the School of Economics at the University of Banja Luka – Dean Prof. Dr. Milenko Krajišnik, Prof. Dr. Jelena Poljašević, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Biljana Srdić Gojković and Teaching Assistant Vladana Ritan – participated from 15 to 17 July 2025 in the three‑day consortium meeting of the “RDBiH – Development of Research & Development Strategies and Centers in Bosnia and Herzegovina” project, held at the Technical University of Ulm (THU) in Germany.
Alongside the University of Banja Luka delegation, the meeting brought together colleagues from partner universities and research centres across the European Union, as well as representatives of relevant ministries and industry partners. The programme featured presentations on European R&D practices, strategic updates from Bosnian and Herzegovinian universities and institutions, and interactive workshops dedicated to crafting effective R&D strategies. Participants also made a special visit to Liebherr’s research centre in Ehingen, where they were introduced to cutting‑edge industrial R&D facilities.
During plenary discussions, attendees examined the key research and development needs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, planned a series of national forums and defined the next steps for implementing the project’s findings. All participants underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to establish strong, sustainable R&D structures that will enhance the long‑term competitiveness and innovative capacity of academic and research institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Published 22.07.2025 at 07:31
RDBiH Project Presented at the 12th Science Festival in Banja Luka
The Faculty of Economics at the University of Banja Luka presented its activities within the project “RDBiH – Strengthening Research and Development Capacities in Bosnia and Herzegovina” during the 12th Science Festival held on May 23–24, 2024, at the Sports Hall of the University Campus and the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
The festival, traditionally organized by the Ministry of Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of the Republic of Srpska, attracted a large a large number of visitors, including preschoolers, primary and secondary school pupils, students, and the general public, who had the opportunity to explore science through over 100 exhibits, workshops, demonstrations, and experiments in an interactive and engaging way.
At the Faculty of Economics’ exhibition booth, the goals and achievements of the RDBiH project were presented, emphasizing efforts to strengthen the research capacities of universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina through improved infrastructure, support for young researchers, and stronger cooperation between academia and the private sector. Visitors also had the chance to learn more about the project website (rdbih.ues.rs.ba) and opportunities for involvement.
The project presentation was part of the University of Banja Luka’s broader participation in this year’s Science Festival, together with other faculties and partners, all aimed at promoting science and encouraging young people to engage in research.
The RDBIH project is funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed in this document are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). The EU and EACEA cannot be held responsible for them.
Published 16.05.2025 at 12:06
RDBiH Project Promoted at the 3rd International Fair in Gradiška
The Faculty of Economics of the University of Banja Luka presented its activities at the 3rd International Fair in Gradiška, held at the Gradiška Arena from 25 to 27 April 2025.
During the promotion of study programs and cooperation with businesses and institutions, special emphasis was placed on promoting the University of Banja Luka's project titled "RDBiH – Strengthening Research and Development Capacities in Bosnia and Herzegovina" (rdbih.ues.rs.ba). The official project website was also presented, offering detailed insights into the objectives, activities, and results aimed at strengthening the research and innovation potential of domestic universities.
As part of a panel discussion, Prof. Dr. Milenko Krajišnik, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and a member of the RDBiH Steering Committee, spoke about the importance of investing in scientific research, developing infrastructure, and providing systematic support to research as key prerequisites for economic progress and innovation. On this occasion, he emphasized the significance of projects like RDBiH, which contribute to strengthening ties between the academic community and the business sector, as well as enhancing research capacities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Throughout the Fair, visitors were provided with information about the opportunities that the RDBiH project offers for the development of research capacities, networking with businesses, and participation in project activities. The presentation of the project was part of the Faculty of Economics' broader engagement focused on promoting study programs, business cooperation, and involvement in international initiatives.
* Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
Published 28.04.2025 at 09:46
Two-Day Kick-Off Meeting Held within the RDBIH Project
A two-day kick-off meeting of the ERASMUS+ CBHE project "Development of Research & Development Strategies and Centers in Bosnia and Herzegovina (RDBIH)" was held at the University of Sarajevo on February 12–13, 2025.
The University of Banja Luka and the Faculty of Economics are participating as partners in this international project, which aims to strengthen research and development (R&D) capacities in Bosnia and Herzegovina through the development of strategies and the establishment of R&D centers.
Specific Objectives of the RDBIH Project
- Developing research and development strategies at the entity and cantonal levels in Bosnia and Herzegovina,
- Establishing R&D centers at universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina,
- Creating a network of R&D centers across the country.
During the first day of the meeting, participants had the opportunity to present the institutions involved in the project. On the second day, February 13, the Steering Committee and Local Board were established, followed by the first meeting of the Steering Committee. Subsequently, a second workshop was organized, focusing on key aspects of project implementation.
Topics discussed during the workshop included:
- Dissemination and sustainability of the RDBIH project,
- Quality control and monitoring,
- Analysis of results,
- Defining milestones for 2025.
Additionally, the Action Plan for the first year of project implementation, including a travel plan, was defined. Special attention was given to financial and administrative aspects of reporting, as well as the procedures for concluding partnership agreements. The meeting concluded with a summary of key findings and final discussions, providing a solid foundation for the successful implementation of the project in the coming period.
Project Coordination and Partners
The project is coordinated by the University of Novi Sad, and its implementation started on November 1, 2024, with a planned duration of 48 months.
The RDBIH project brings together 15 partners, including leading universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, international partners, and relevant ministries. The participating universities are the University of Banja Luka, University of East Sarajevo, University of Zenica, University of Tuzla, University of Sarajevo, and University of Mostar. The project also includes international academic institutions such as the Technical University of Ulm in Germany and the University of Macedonia in Greece. In addition to academic partners, several governmental institutions are involved, including the Ministry for Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of Republika Srpska, the Ministry of Science, Education, Culture, and Sports of the Herzeg-Bosnia Canton, the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of the West Herzegovina Canton, the Ministry of Education and Science of the Tuzla Canton, the Ministry for Science, Higher Education, and Youth of the Sarajevo Canton, and the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of the Zenica-Doboj Canton. Furthermore, the project is supported by BIT Alliance BiH, a key industry partner contributing to the development of research and innovation capacities in the country.
This meeting marks an important step towards achieving the project’s objectives, with participating partners discussing strategic guidelines and future activities within the RDBIH project.
Published 14.02.2025 at 13:26