Digital (R)evolution 4.0: by accelerating digitalisation, we are strengthening the domestic economy and its competitiveness

Faster adoption of digital technologies in business, both in part of increasing internal productivity and in the direction of innovation and the creation of new added value in the market, can significantly boost the overall competitiveness of the domestic economy, most of them small and medium-sized companies that according to the European Commission’s 2023 report on the state of the Digital Decade are lagging behind in the digital transformation compared to their European competition. This is the conclusion of the largest domestic business conference on digitalisation of Digital (R)evolution, which gathered over 500 entrepreneurs.

In recent years, the Croatian ICT industry has positioned itself as the fastest growing part of the economy, and according to the Digital Croatia Strategy for the period until 2032, the sector has the potential to continue to grow rapidly and reach 13 percent of Croatia’s GDP. The main driver of growth in this sector is the digital transformation of the global economy and society. That is why the Digital (R)evolution warned that we should not allow us to have a high-tech sector on the one hand, without the rest of the economy taking advantage of technology and thus losing its competitiveness and market position.

The domestic ICT industry is experiencing impressive growth, becoming a catalyst for progress in our economy. With more than 6,500 entrepreneurs and nearly 55.000 employees, this branch is not only part of the economy, but a key engine of innovation. We are witnessing that the ICT sector has become one of the most resilient during the pandemic, the energy crisis and constant technological change. Its role in transforming our society through digitalisation is crucial. Increasing revenues, profitability and investments in R & D clearly demonstrate the vitality of this sector. But at the same time, we are facing a digital divide, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises, which we must not allow. We have clearly identified the measures that can accelerate digitalisation in Croatia, but we have seen that we can do a lot in this way, through the Digital (R)evolution, where we show successful examples of digitalisation to entrepreneurs first-hand and educate them and inspire them to follow this path, said Irena Weber, CEO of HUP.

Examples of good practices of digitalisation of business were presented by representatives of domestic companies. Consultant Ivan Malić showed how technology helps PPK Valpovo to make better business decisions. Dr. Medical Specialist in Pediatrics and Pediatric Neurology Goran Kuzmac from the Sabol Polyclinic presented the mobile and web application SENDD which, using artificial intelligence, quickly, without going to the doctor’s office, recognises different degrees of potential damage in the infant. President of the Management Board of Bauwerk Group Croatia, Igor Benaković showed that the global leader in the production of innovative multi-layer parquet and wooden flooring, creates a business culture in Đurđevac from which the “Smart Factory” is being developed, and by using selected technologies he builds a “digital twin”, using virtual reality, artificial intelligence and the IoT network of sensors. Marko Ćosić, Director of Digital Sales, Customer Support and Operational Affairs in Croatia Insurance, talked about LAQO GPT, a customer support system that uses artificial intelligence for faster and better customer experience. Croatia Osiguranje also presented the first AI assessment centre for motor vehicle damage on the European insurance market. Vjekoslav Budimir, founder and director of 3D Lab, Futura Dent, presented the digital transformation in dentistry. President of the Management Board of Hrvatske šume, Nediljko Dujić presented an advanced surveillance and communication system for early detection of fires in remote and inaccessible locations. Roberto Gobo, director of digitalisation in Valamar presented examples of the use of technologies in the hotel industry through their reservation center. Nexi Group has distinguished and implemented an additional module of the existing fraud management system combining machine learning techniques with a large amount of historical data presented by Željka Perok, Senior Product Manager Group.

The conference also showed potential applications of the latest technologies such as artificial intelligence, through an interview with Draženko Kopljar, PBZ board member Filip Filković-Philatz, film director and artist, Natalija Perić, partner of law firm Mamić Perić Reberski Rimac and Boris Dril, member of the Management Board of Hrvatski Telekom and vice president of the HUP-ICT association. Boris Drilo concluded that artificial intelligence can contribute to positive changes in all industries if applied correctly.

“Through the fourth edition of the Digital Revolution conference, we tried to once again point out to entrepreneurs that the application of digital technologies has no alternative and must become an imperative for all companies that want to function in the Croatian and common EU market. Computerisation and even digital transformation do not necessarily require large capital investments, as the technology has already become available with the advent of the cloud. People are at the centre of digital transformation and often only need more readiness to change. Through the examples of domestic companies of different sizes and from different sectors, which already possess the knowledge and experience that have been implemented in business, HUP ICT wants to encourage entrepreneurs to boldly and decisively embark on digital transformation. The interest of entrepreneurs in this conference has shown that education through practical examples and creation of new business contacts is most effective for animating entrepreneurs on new projects that will ultimately increase productivity, stability and competitiveness of the entire economy”, said Hrvoje Balen, President of HUP-ICT Association.