13.05.2024.
Luka Balen, the director of the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund, took part in the panel discussion on the green and digital transition that opened this year’s Career Week organised by University North, putting focus on the importance of investing in education, especially in the STE(A)M field.“It is crucial to invest in knowledge and blend science and economy to achieve progress. We are facing major challenges, especially related to climate change and the consequences it will cause," Balen warned, pointing out that it was important to encourage not only interest in the IT sector, but in waste management, energy, including space management as well. "In the last few years, Croatia made great steps forward in raising environmental standards, and more than half a billion euros in grants have been invested in municipal waste management projects. We also have in place the waste management systems that is among the better regulated ones under which we collect and recycle over 85% of these types of waste. Our companies that deal with the recovery of such waste are the circular economy market leaders in this part of Europe," he reminded.
Apart from the director of the Fund, their thoughts about the opportunities the green transition had for young people and the economy, were shared by the minister of economy and sustainable development Damir Habijan, special advisor to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia Zvonimir Savić, state secretary Bernard Gršić as the representative of the Central State Office for the Development of the Digital Society, Dario Kaurić, advisor to the Management Board of transmitters and communications Dražen Crnković, Director of DUCATI Komponente, Member of the Management Board of HPB Ivan Soldo, President of the Management Board of HAMAG BICRO Vjeran Vrbanec and Hrvoje Puljiz, Director of CARNET.
Dean of University North, Professor Marin Milković, PhD, pointed out at the opening ceremony that the labour market is looking for talents in the STE(A)M field and companies that employ these talents have a competitive advantage in the global market. "Although we have very good employability, when we talk about establishing and creating new study programs, it is crucial to keep up with the needs of the economy. Everything we do, we do for the benefit of our students and for the benefit of the economy of northern Croatia," Milkovic concluded.
Vice-dean for cooperation with the economy, EU projects and interinstitutional cooperation of the University North Professor Petar Mišević, PhD, pointed out that many successful careers of University North students began at Career Week - an event that has been successfully connecting the academic and business community for years.
