Bit Alliance and Supernova organized the 8th Smart City Forum in Banja Luka

19.12.2024.

Bit Alliance, in cooperation with the company Supernova, organized the 8th Smart City Forum in BiH, which was held on December 17 in the premises of the Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Srpska in Banja Luka.

This important event brought together a large number of experts in the field of digital transformation, representatives of local governments, educational institutions, IT companies and international organizations, with the aim of exchanging ideas, experiences and solutions for the improvement of smart cities in BiH and the region. The event was moderated by Hamza Čengić, associate for marketing and projects at Bit Alliance.

"Innovative solutions for smart cities: Digital transformation of urban areas and the help of local agencies, ministries and EU partners. The role of the public and private sector for the entire ecosystem", was the topic of the first panel discussion, which was held as part of the Smart City Forum. The panelists were Lejla Hujdur, an IoT expert from m:tel, Ana Lojić, an independent professional associate for the preparation of applications, making project proposals and monitoring the implementation of the City Development Agency of the City of Banja Luka, Nikola Dragović, the director of the Science and Technology Park of the Republika Srpska and Srđan Bjelić, the manager of the Sector for promotion and support in the sale of ICT and business solutions of the company Supernova BiH. The panel discussion was moderated by Kristina Erak, operational manager of Bit Alliance.

One of the conclusions of this panel is that simple, smart solutions are needed that follow the lifestyle of citizens, with the use of best practices and successful models from the region. Participants emphasized the importance of cooperation between local communities, the private sector and international partners in order to ensure development adapted to the specific needs of local communities.

After the panel discussion, Zoran Jakovljev, project manager of GIZ in Serbia, shared his experiences from the implementation of digital projects financed by EU partners. The presentation provided an overview of successful practices from the region, highlighting key factors that contribute to the sustainability and scalability of digital initiatives. Special focus is placed on challenges and solutions that enable faster digital transformation through public and private sector partnerships.

Then followed a presentation called "Smart building", which was held by Damir Savić, head of the department for sales of ICT services of the company m:tel, during which an insight into the latest technological solutions and innovations in the field of smart buildings was provided. Through this presentation, the key functionalities and advantages that modern smart buildings bring, including improved energy efficiency, security systems and process automation, are presented, with the aim of improving everyday life and business.

The second panel discussion was entitled "Synergy for digitization, ICT and smart cities: Science, innovations and technologies. The influence of DIH in Bosnia and Herzegovina". The panelists were Zoran Bojanić, program manager of the Smart City program of the company Lanaco, Srđan Bjelić from the company Supernova, Gordana Gardašević from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering in Banja Luka, Goran Rodić - head of the department for economic development in the City Development Agency of the city of Prijedor and Slobodan Dragičević, secretary of the branch association for ICT technologies, manager of the PKRS IT Center and chief designer at the RS Chamber of Commerce.

- By improving knowledge, it is necessary to develop and create additional values ​​that will enable greater economic profit and the realization of profits that directly contribute to local development - said, among other things, the participants of this panel.

The Smart City Forum also saw the signing of the Partnership Agreement between the Urban Development City of Banja Luka (CIDEA) and Supernova BiH.

This event once again confirmed the importance of cooperation and exchange of experience and knowledge between all actors of society in creating sustainable and innovative solutions for smart cities, with the aim of improving the quality of life and development of local communities.