Bosnia and Herzegovina has taken an important step forward in digital transformation by joining the Digital Europe program and launching the Fusion X project, which is now part of the European Digital and Innovative Hubs network (EDIH). This project brings together institutions, the academic community, and the economy to help small and medium-sized enterprises and the public sector implement new technologies, especially artificial intelligence, and become more competitive in the market. The first funds from the European Union have been received, and it is expected that the amount could increase significantly in the coming years.
Project Fusion X: 11 Partners and a Focus on Digital Transformation
The project was presented by Belma Mujdinović, who emphasized that it is being carried out with EU support and in cooperation with the Ministry of Communication and Transport of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“Within the consortium, we have eleven partners from institutions, academia, and the business sector. Our goal is to help small and medium-sized enterprises and institutions solve real issues in business operations and processes through the implementation of new technologies with minimal investment risk in digital transformation,” Mujdinović said.
She added that representatives from institutions, the economy, and the academic community will discuss the benefits of the project, which together form the key pillars of digital transformation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Forto: Bosnia and Herzegovina Finally on the Map of Digital Europe
Edin Forto, Minister of Communications and Transport of Bosnia and Herzegovina, announced that although Bosnia and Herzegovina is the last country in the Western Balkans to join the Digital Europe program, it was the fastest to be accepted after submitting its application.
“We are talking about a vast amount of money sitting in Brussels, waiting to be utilized. For every BAM or euro we contribute, we will get two back – not into the budget, but where they are needed most,” said Forto.
He explained that EIDH is a consortium bringing together universities, research institutions, the private sector, and state institutions, aimed at addressing key challenges.
“One of the biggest challenges in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the development and digitalization of small and medium-sized enterprises. They make up 90 percent of our economy, and we must help them take a step forward. If they do not adopt digital tools already used in Europe, we risk falling behind,” Forto warned.
He added that Bosnia and Herzegovina has withdrawn 1.2 million BAM from this program.
“If we act wisely, we can withdraw ten times more in the coming years.”
Muhić: No Digitalization Means Lagging Behind
Haris Muhić, project coordinator and representative of the Center for Advanced Technologies, highlighted the importance of Bosnia and Herzegovina joining the Digital Europe program, which has a total potential of 7.6 billion euros.
“Our goal, together with our partners, including BH Telecom and Verlab, is to help small and medium-sized enterprises and public administration become more competitive. Without digitalization, we will fall behind,” Muhić said.
He stated that the development of artificial intelligence and new technologies is crucial for the future of business.
“We must adapt quickly. Technology is advancing so rapidly today that the intervals between industrial revolutions are now measured in years, not decades,” he added.
How Will the Service Look in Practice?
Lela Gurbeta Pokić, Program Coordinator, explained the specific benefits for companies and institutions.
“Digital Innovation Hubs enable faster adoption of technologies, especially artificial intelligence. Companies will receive information on which technology to use, how to implement it, where to find suppliers, and which training programs are necessary,” she said.
She added that the service has already been tailored based on the experiences of other EU countries.
“These services have been verified by EU experts. The focus is on employee training, technology testing, and advisory support, including access to additional financing,” she emphasized.
The goal is to reduce investment risk and accelerate digital transformation processes within companies.
Academic Community: Focus on Students and the Labor Market
Diana Vuković, Professor at the Faculty of Economics at the University of Bihać, stressed the importance of the academic community in this process.
“The University of Bihać has a dual role – providing expertise and laboratory facilities for companies, while working with students who will soon enter the labor market,” she said.
She emphasized that digital transformation requires new competencies.
“Through this project, we aim to adapt our curricula to improve students’ digital skills and motivate them to develop their own ideas and startups,” she added.
She also pointed out the importance of connecting education, research, and industry.
“This is key to developing the innovation scene in Bosnia and Herzegovina and reaching the standards of the region and the European Union,” she concluded.
Focus on Startups and Innovation
Within EDIH, special attention is given to startups, representing the third key segment of support. The goal is to strengthen the innovation potential of Bosnia and Herzegovina by connecting knowledge, research, and industry, which should further contribute to developing a more competitive and sustainable economy.
By joining the European Digital Innovation Hubs network, Bosnia and Herzegovina has the opportunity to accelerate its digital transformation and access significant EU funds. However, the key challenge remains how quickly institutions and the business sector will recognize and take this opportunity.
