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SARAJEVO, June 11 (FENA) - The EIT Community Hub Bosnia and Herzegovina, the first national entry and coordination point of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), was officially opened today at Sarajevo City Hall.
The event brought together high-ranking representatives of European and domestic institutions, including representatives of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Directorate-General of the European Commission for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, the Ministry of Civil Affairs of BiH, the City of Sarajevo, as well as representatives of academia, the business sector, the startup ecosystem, and international organizations.
The program presented the role of the EIT Community Hub in BiH, as well as concrete opportunities offered by the EIT community to local stakeholders, including access to European knowledge networks, innovation initiatives, mentorship support, training, and financial instruments.
With the launch of this hub, Bosnia and Herzegovina is more directly connected to one of the most important European innovation ecosystems, which brings together education, research, industry, startups, the public sector, and international partners.
EIT Innovation Officer Luke Incorvaja stated that EIT, as the largest European innovation ecosystem, brings together academia, researchers, and the public and business sectors to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness.
He stressed that the new hub will enable local innovators, entrepreneurs, and students to access European programs, knowledge, and partnerships.
He added that Bosnia and Herzegovina has the potential to become a regional leader in innovation and that EIT will support the development and integration of the domestic ecosystem into the European framework.
The Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomed the opening of the EIT Community Hub, emphasizing that it represents a concrete step forward in integrating BiH into European programs even before full EU membership.
EU Delegation representative in Sarajevo Karel Lizerot stated that the hub enables Bosnia and Herzegovina to access EU instruments and funds, including the Horizon Europe program intended for member states and candidates.
He stressed that EIT, through its communities, connects education, research, and the business sector to enable knowledge transfer and financial support, adding that the location of the hub in FabLab is a good example of such cooperation.
He added that the EU expects Bosnia and Herzegovina to continue using European financial support to improve research and innovation and to be better prepared for EU membership.
EIT Community representative office in Bosnia and Herzegovina representative Darija Ler stated that the opening of the EIT Community Hub represents the first official step in establishing a national contact point of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology in the country.
She emphasized that the office will connect local innovators, young talents, companies, and researchers with the European market through educational programs, projects, and financial instruments.
According to her, the goal is to enable stakeholders in BiH to identify and develop the potential of their innovations and increase participation in EIT programs.
She added that the hub will serve as a bridge between the domestic innovation ecosystem and the European network of researchers and investments, with the aim of strengthening competitiveness and innovation development in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Director of the FabLab network in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Edin Škaljić, stated that BiH has a significant number of talented people, but that their connection to European networks through available programs is crucial.
He stressed that EIT represents an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with European partners and integrate BiH into the innovation space.
He underlined that innovation is key to the country’s development, especially in the context of the green and digital transition.
He added that the EIT Community Hub is not a temporary project, but a permanent body that will work long-term on developing the innovation ecosystem in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
It was emphasized that the hub will act as a local entry point for domestic innovators, researchers, universities, companies, and public institutions, enabling them structured access to European programs and partnerships in the fields of innovation, education, entrepreneurship, and technology transfer.
The event also addressed key topics for the country’s development, including future skills, startup growth, linking research and industry, intellectual property, strategic cooperation, and the role of the diaspora in strengthening Bosnia and Herzegovina’s innovation potential.
(FENA) S. R.
