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Region open for business City of OsijekOsijek-Baranja County 2

Where? 3

City of Osijek Osijek-Baranja County - developing cultural scene - tourism opportunities due to rich history and mid-European architecture CONSTRAINT & OPPORTUNITY? - recession - lack of industry - favorable geographic position - agriculture and food industry due to fertile plains soil between the rivers Sava, Drava, and Danube… CONSTRAINT & OPPORTUNITY? - recession - lack of „added value products” 4

Silicon Valley in Osijek – Osijek Software City (OSC) „children of the (revolution) recession” -In a time of recession, in Osijek emerged successful IT companies that produced products for export (software) -IT companies joined together their forces within an initiative (and later on an NGO) called: „Osijek Software City” WHY? - IT companies are in constant need of skilled labor force - IT companies are in a process of growth (if the right business eco-system is set for them) 5

Osijek Software City Main objectives of Osijek Software City: 1)To increase attractiveness of software developers’ profession in Osijek 2) To increase competitiveness of computer programmers on a market 3) To stimulate entrepreneurship in ICT sector How to implement this objectives? = Including others? 6

Who are the „Others”? = STAKEHOLDERS 7 - Academic community (J. J. STROSSMAYER UNIVERSITY OF OSIJEK) - Local and Regional Authorities (City of Osijek / Osijek-Baranja County) - Business sector (members of Osijek Software City)

Connecting all stakeholders – how? - Stakeholders needed glue to connect them. Who is the „glue”? = Croatian Employers’ Association (non- profit and independent employers' association that represents, promotes and advocates for the interests of its members / promotes ideas of entrepreneurial spirit, rights and freedom / recognizing the potential of joint action and the importance of the employers’ association in tripartite relations. ) 8

Results? = International Brown Forum Fostering the ICT Ecosystem - Brown Forum brought together decision makers from throughout Central and Southeast Europe to discuss how to grow the potential of the information and communication technology sectors in their countries. 9

More results… - Closed meeting and discussion at Croatian Employers’ Association of Osijek Software City and: 1) Mayor of Osijek 2) Rector of Osijek University = that resulted with concrete future arrangements such as: - adjusting curriculums in programs of University - finding proper work space for members of OSC 10

Indirect expected results -Raising up the employment -Raising up the export -Raising up the GNP -Raising up the level of skills of Osijek University graduates -Attracting other IT companies to join the „Croatian Silicon Valley” and thus making City of Osijek and Osijek-Baranja County a: Region open for business 11

Thank you for your attention! Contact: CEA - Regional Office Osijek Osijek, Trg Lj. Gaja 6 Tel/fax: 031/