The first BitA Brunch was held in Sarajevo: A dialogue was initiated between representatives of the state government and the IT industry

23.06.2023.

On Thursday, 22 June 2023, Bit Alliance, as the umbrella association of IT companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, organized the first-ever BitA Brunch — an event becoming a platform for constructive dialogue between the IT industry and government representatives in Bosnia and Herzegovina. At today’s BitA Brunch, representatives of Bosnian IT companies were addressed by Edin Forto, the newly appointed Minister of Communications and Transport of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

BitA Brunch has become a key event that created space for discussion on matters vital to the digital transformation of society. Its goal is to foster constructive dialogue between the IT industry and government representatives, ensuring effective information flow and building synergy for societal development.

The IT industry has become a crucial driver of digital transformation, impacting all aspects of life — from education and healthcare to business operations. BitA Brunch gathered key stakeholders who had the opportunity to present their views and proposals related to the development of the IT sector, enabling the industry to share insights, experience, and priorities with policymakers in a constructive way.

“As the leading association of IT companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we have been consistently addressing two critical challenges the IT sector faces daily — the shortage of qualified talent and underdeveloped infrastructure, along with the lack of development incentives. Through BitA Brunch, we aim to build a partnership between the private sector and government to jointly address challenges and create a favourable business environment. Only through active collaboration can we achieve positive change and progress with broad societal benefits. We believe that establishing a platform for direct communication and dialogue is the right way to ensure effective information flow, and we hope other sectors will recognize the importance of similar initiatives.”— Damir Maglajlić, Executive Director of Bit Alliance

Organized under the patronage of KLIKA, one of the largest IT companies in BiH, BitA Brunch gathered key industry representatives and policymakers.

“The IT industry is one of the most significant export-oriented sectors in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and it is crucial that authorities at all levels — especially the state level — recognize its importance. With proper incentives and support, IT sector revenues could reach 2 billion BAM within just two years, which would be a major success for our small economy and an opportunity for developing other industries connected to IT. Digitalization is inevitable. The EU is taking it very seriously, and as a candidate country, Bosnia and Herzegovina has new opportunities ahead. We live in an exciting time in which AI is rapidly becoming essential to private and professional life, and BiH must be ready not only to follow technological advancement but also to regulate it. We look forward to cooperation with Minister Forto and believe that during his term we will address many of the existing challenges.”— Edin Deljkić, co-founder of Klika and long-time Bit Alliance Board Chair

Minister Forto emphasized the importance of information and communication technology for the country’s economic growth and development, stating that the Ministry of Communications and Transport will actively support the work and progress of the IT industry.

He highlighted cybersecurity and digitalization as key priorities and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to advancing these processes. He also emphasized BiH’s integration into Digital Europe, noting that negotiations have already been initiated and are expected to be completed by the end of the year, unlocking access to EU digital innovation funds.

“Based on today’s event, I am hopeful that in the coming period, through initiatives from the private sector and experts, we will serve as a channel within the ministry to turn these ideas into reality. I believe this is only the first of many discussions we will have.”— Edin Forto, Minister of Communications and Transport of BiH

During the event, participants had the opportunity to share opinions, proposals, and ideas on key issues related to the IT sector and its role in economic development.

The BitA Brunch initiative marks an important step toward establishing strong cooperation between the IT industry and government in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its role in promoting innovation, digital transformation, dialogue, networking, and societal development will undoubtedly have long-term positive effects.

Bit Alliance announced that BitA Brunch will become a recurring event, providing a continuous platform for dialogue and collaboration — supporting the growth and progress of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the digital era