On September 11, 2024, professionals from across the agri-food sector gathered at Hotel Hollywood in Sarajevo for a workshop organized by CREDI as part of the SMARTLABOR project. The event focused on the integration of digital skills in the Western Balkan agri-food sector, providing a platform for experts, stakeholders, and innovators to exchange knowledge and insights.
The event kicked off with an introduction by Dr. Nermin Oruč from CREDI, who presented the SMARTLABOR project and its overarching goals of driving technological adoption in agriculture across the region. Attendees were provided with an overview of the project’s vision to support evidence-based policymaking and the enhancement of labor market skills.
Following this, Professor Aleksandra Nikolić from the University of Sarajevo’s Faculty of Agriculture delivered a compelling presentation on the key challenges facing Bosnia and Herzegovina’s agricultural sector. She highlighted issues such as labor shortages, technological gaps, and the need for modern farming practices, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the topic.
A group discussion, led by CREDI researchers Nermin Oruč and Ilma Kurtović, saw active participation from stakeholders representing academia, business, institutions, and CSOs. The session focused on assessing the current landscape of skills and training programs in Bosnia and Herzegovina and identifying strategies to meet future demands.
The event concluded with a set of strategic recommendations aimed at addressing the challenges discussed. These key messages will be shared with relevant stakeholders to advocate for the transformative changes needed in the region’s agri-food sector.
This event was part of the SMARTLABOR initiative, led by the Public Policy Research Center (CENTER) from Serbia, with the support of partners such as CREDI from Bosnia and Herzegovina and IMPETUS from North Macedonia. The project is funded by the “SMART Balkans – Civil Society for Shared Society in the Western Balkans” initiative, with support from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The event successfully created a collaborative environment where stakeholders engaged in meaningful dialogue, setting the groundwork for future advancements in the agri-food sector across the Western Balkans.
