The fifth FER Connect, a traditional gathering of FER alumni and students, completely filled hall D1 where the guest lecture "Technology and Competitiveness: Europe and Croatia in the Race for the Future" was held by Siniša Krajnović, PhD. The new CEO of Ericsson Nikola Tesla (ENT) thrilled about 250 attendees by sharing his professional experience gained worldwide. He focused on Croatia’s position in technological development and compared its competitiveness and innovation with other European countries and China.

Krajnović, PhD, emphasized a sense of responsibility toward the Croatian economy, as one of the leaders of the largest domestic ICT company, the necessity of strategic investment in knowledge and technology inspired by China, strengthening the unified European market, and talent development. The audience showed great interest, and the speaker answered questions for nearly an hour.

"In this period of challenging geopolitical, social, and economic circumstances, the technology race becomes key for future competitiveness. The world is increasingly multipolar, with Europe lagging behind the USA and China in digital technologies and investments in research and development. Market fragmentation, capital shortage, and slower workforce adaptation further complicate the position. At the same time, Europe’s strength lies in advanced manufacturing, renewable energy capacities, high scientific productivity, and quality education", Krajnović said.
 

"Generative artificial intelligence and new technologies open space for innovation and barrier reduction. To ensure competitiveness at the European and national levels, it is necessary to strengthen the unified European market through investments in advanced technologies, collaboration among all ecosystem stakeholders, and talent development", concluded the ENT leader.

Mladen Pejković, chairman of the FER Alumni Board, pointed out that FER Connect brings together exceptional individuals who bring new insights and perspectives on technology, linking economy and technological development for the benefit of the wider community.

"This year’s second FER Connect continues the tradition of relevant lectures offering top-level, globally recognized experts’ views on strategic technological development, serving as a meeting place for FER alumni and all interested in the impact of technology on economy and society. We are very pleased that in one of his first public appearances after taking up his new role, Dr. Krajnović shared his rich international experience with the FER community", Pejković said.

FER Dean Prof. Vedran Bilas thanked the FER Alumni Board for their continuous work, which has resulted in a series of very successful and recognized activities such as the Alumni Foundation for annual scholarships for students from less privileged backgrounds and those who have distinguished themselves with excellence, the Alumni mentoring program for students, and, ultimately, FER Connect.

"There is no greater energy and strong emotion at this faculty than when generations who have left gather, connected today by our strong alumni community. Many FER talents began their professional journeys at ENT, with which FER has maintained collaboration for several decades. Therefore, I am extremely pleased that one of Dr. Krajnović’s first appearances after taking over ENT was here at FER", Bilas stated.
 

To recall, FER Connect is an initiative of the Alumni Board of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing at the University of Zagreb, which gathers former students who are now renowned experts across various economic sectors, aiming to network, share relevant information, and create a platform for collaboration beneficial to the broader social community. The board consists of 16 alumni and was founded on the initiative of the current dean, Prof. Vedran Bilas.