Inovacije i poduzetništvo: otvaranje puta ka svjetlijoj budućnosti u BiH

Inovacije i poduzetništvo: otvaranje puta ka svjetlijoj budućnosti u BiH

Nova direktorica misije USAID, Nancy Eslick, i ja upravo smo završili posjetu Banjaluci za vrijeme koje smo se fokusirali na inovacije i poduzetništvo.  Sastali smo se sa raznolikom skupinom ljudi koji rade na istoj stvari – uspostavi moderne i prosperitetne Bosne i Hercegovine.  Od poduzetnica, preko lidera u oblasti tehnologije, do ministra za naučnotehnološki razvoj, visoko obrazovanje i informaciono društvo Republike Srpske – svi sa kojima smo razgovarali govorili su sa dosta emocija o tome šta bi ova zemlja mogla da bude i imali su ideje kako to ostvariti.  Iako rade u različitim oblastima, ciljevi su im isti – fokusirani su na borbu protiv korupcije, izgradnju mreža podrške i unapređenje sistema obrazovanja.

Poduzetnice sa kojima smo se sastali opisale su koliko je bio težak put do uspjeha, te smo razgovarali o njihovoj potrebi za mentorskim mrežama, lakšim pristupom kreditima, posvećenim uposlenicima i poreskim olakšicama za startupe kako bi bili uspješni.  Njihova strast, upornost i odvažnost pomažu im da idu dalje.

Nakon ove posjete jasno je da je obrazovanje ključno za ekonomski preokret i bolji kvalitet života bh. građana.  Da biste uspjeli u globalnoj ekonomiji, morate dobro poznavati matematiku, prirodne nauke i posjedovati vještine za kritičko razmišljanje, te se razumjeti u moderne tehnologije i sredstva.  Zato USAID podržava STEM obrazovanje kroz naš program ENABLE.

Velike kompanije poput NCR, Kolektora i Lanaca upošljavaju na stotine radnika, ali imaju problema da popune sva radna mjesta.  Sve više sarađuju sa srednjim školama i univerzitetima, te stvaraju nove mogućnosti učenicima i studentima, ali su reforme neophodne na svim nivoima obrazovnog sistema – od prvog razreda do univerziteta – da bi se zadovoljila potreba za radnom snagom.  Neke druge impresivne inicijative sa kojima smo upoznati u Banjaluci uključuju ROBOKIDS program, m:telov program za djecu koji promoviše poduzetništvo i inovacije, te programe Interkont i Virtualna berza Banjalučke berze koji promoviraju finansijsku pismenost.

Srđan Rajčević, ministar za naučnotehnološki razvoj, visoko obrazovanje i informaciono društvo u Vladi RS, govorio je o interesu ministarstva da se razvije elektronska uprava i reformiše visoko obrazovanje.  USAID promoviše elektronsku upravu s ciljem smanjenja stepena korupcije i pojednostavljenja poslovanja.  Novi koraci ka osiguranju kvaliteta visokog obrazovanja trebalo bi da spriječe izdavanje lažnih diploma.  Nastojanja da se povećaju kapaciteti u izučavanju tehnoloških predmeta i da se izrade posebni programi za potrebe sektora IT ključni su za ekonomski rast.  Pozvao sam ministra da razmisli da li bi veliki broj uspješnih bh. građana u dijaspori mogli biti osnova za promovisanje veza između univerziteta u RS i SAD.

Svi ljudi sa kojima smo se sastali tokom ove posjete razumiju izazove poslovanja u Bosni i Hercegovini, ali su također naglasili nevjerovatan potencijal zemlje i njenih građana.  I mi vjerujemo u građane ove zemlje i čestitamo onima koji grade put ka boljoj budućnosti.

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Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Opening a Path to a Brighter Future in BiH

Our new USAID Mission Director, Nancy Eslick, and I just finished a trip to Banja Luka focused on innovation and entrepreneurship. We met with a diverse group all working toward the same thing, a modern and prosperous Bosnia and Herzegovina. From women entrepreneurs to leaders in the technology sector to the Republika Srpska Minister for Scientific and Technological Development, Higher Education and Information Society, everyone we spoke to was passionate about what this country could be and had ideas for how to get there. Though they worked in different fields, they shared the same goals, centered on combating corruption, building support networks, and strengthening education.

The women entrepreneurs we met described a difficult path to success, and we discussed how they need mentor networks, easier access to credit, dedicated employees and tax holidays as start ups to help them succeed. Their passion, resilience and courage keep them going.

A big takeaway from the visit is that education is key to turning around the economy and improving quality of life for Bosnian citizens. The ability to succeed in the global economy requires strong math, science, and critical thinking skills, as well as an understanding of modern technologies and tools. That's why USAID is supporting STEM education through our ENABLE program.

Major companies such as NCR, Kolektor, and Lanaco are employing hundreds of employees, but struggle to fill their workforce needs. They are increasing their engagement with high schools and universities and creating opportunities for students, but this may not be enough to meet their future workforce needs. Reforms are needed at all levels of the education system, from first grade through university, to meet labor market needs. Other impressive initiatives we learned about in Banja Luka include the ROBOKIDS program, m:tel's Playground program fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, and the Banja Luka Stock Exchange's Interkont and Virtual Stock Market programs that promote financial literacy.

Srdan Rajcevic, RS Minister for Science and Technology, Higher Education, and Information Society described his ministry's interest in expanding eGovernment and reforming higher education. USAID promotes eGovernment to limit corruption and improve the ease of doing business. New efforts at quality assurance for higher education should clamp down on fake diplomas. Efforts to expand capacity in technology subjects and tailor programs to meet IT sector needs are critical for economic growth. I encouraged the Minister to consider Bosnia and Herzegovina's large and successful diaspora as a good place to start promoting connections between RS and US universities.

Everyone we met on this trip recognized the challenges of doing business in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but they also emphasized the incredible potential of the country and its people. We too believe in the people of this country and applaud those who are paving the way to a better future.