Program

The program begins with the opening of the conference, featuring welcoming speeches from guests and representatives of the organizers.

The Mayor of Vukovar presents to the conference participants the reasons why we have gathered and emphasizes the advantages of investing in Vukovar, as well as Vukovar’s position in today’s dynamic economic, demographic, logistical, and geopolitical environment.

Energy is one of the key components of economic competitiveness. Following the start of the war in Russia, and now with the introduction of secondary US sanctions, Croatia has become a key energy hub in this part of Europe. The LNG terminal plays a major role in this.

On the other hand, the development of artificial intelligence and the use of electric cars are increasing the demand for electricity, which requires investment in infrastructure, from power plants to transmission lines and charging stations.

More on everything at the panel.

Artificial intelligence is shaping industries, while the very existence of industry depends on supply chains. In the global geopolitical game, the awareness of the domestic economy regarding these processes is of utmost importance.

These processes shape the price and availability of business inputs for almost every company—from raw materials and rare metals to machinery and software, everything today is a subject of the geopolitical game. Tariffs, subsidies, and national currency manipulation are back in fashion. Countries are using unique economic assets for geopolitical competition. This, naturally, reflects on entrepreneurial business operations and the economic climate.

Therefore, find out the current global situation and the possible consequences of the growing influence of artificial intelligence, as well as the shortening and relocation of supply chains, on the domestic economy.

Artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and defense are becoming increasingly important parts of the economy. Artificial intelligence is used to increase efficiency and transform entire industries, but also to carry out cyberattacks that can paralyze parts of the economy. Therefore, these are industries closely tied to the security of the domestic economy.

Find out from foreign and domestic companies and institutions what is being worked on in Croatia in the fields of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and defense. Learn how these disruptive processes affect the shaping of everyday business and lives, and what the broader application of these technologies is.

Croatia is an important transport hub for this part of Europe. Vukovar stands out here, equipped with a river port, railway infrastructure, and proximity to two European road transport corridors. From the Port of Vukovar, it is possible to transport goods at low costs to all of Central Europe through the Rhine-Main-Danube river system. However, in addition to all this, it is important to have sufficient storage and transport capacities. More about this in the panel.

An opportunity to introduce all event participants, including the audience.

Through several waves of emigration, approximately as many people have left Croatia as currently reside in it. Many of them or their descendants are today successful entrepreneurs and business people with specific knowledge, best practice examples, and significant capital. Many also have an emotional need to connect with their homeland, and some are ready to invest in Croatia or even move back. However, this potential still remains locked. The theme of this lecture is how to unlock that potential.

The National Memorial Hospital “Dr. Juraj Njavro” Vukovar possesses specific knowledge related to treating the consequences of war. Unfortunately, due to the war in Ukraine and military conflicts in other parts of the world, such expertise is becoming increasingly necessary. Furthermore, Vukovar is becoming an essential link in pharmaceutical production in Croatia, with companies like Medical Intertrade and Jasenka present. How to further strengthen the healthcare sector and related activities will be the theme of this panel.

Supply chain disruptions during the pandemic, the rise in fertilizer prices as a consequence of the energy crisis, natural disasters, and similar occurrences have already proven how easily risks in the domain of food security can materialize. At the same time, domestic agriculture suffers from inefficiency and an insufficient subsidy system, while significantly cheaper competition arrives through imports, resulting in declining agricultural production year after year.

How to approach these and other challenges and risks during current geopolitical tensions, as well as the importance of local agriculture, are some of the topics of this panel.

Representatives of state and commercial banks, EU and national fund consultants, representatives of local entrepreneurial institutions, business associations, and business angel associations discuss the possibilities for financing business startup, growth, and new investments.

A discussion on tourism potential regarding attracting investments and visitors to the Vukovar-Srijem County area.

Industrial hemp was once an extremely important part of Croatia’s agricultural industry. Whether it is time for its comeback and what the investment opportunities related to industrial hemp are, is the topic of this panel.

Economic zone tour, prominent companies and tourist potentials of Vukovar