Representatives of the CROSS-REIS project participated in the 20th International Symposium on Organizational Sciences – SymOrg 2026, held from 10–12 June 2026 at Kopaonik, Serbia. Organized by the Faculty of Organizational Sciences, University of Belgrade, SymOrg is one of the leading scientific conferences in Southeast Europe dedicated to management, organization, innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable development.
Under the theme “Resilient and Intelligent Organizations in Times of Permanent Disruption,” the conference brought together academics, business leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and innovation experts to discuss how organizations can successfully navigate technological change, economic uncertainty, and emerging societal challenges.
As part of the conference programme, Professor Saša Čegar, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Rijeka and partner representative in the CROSS-REIS project, participated in the roundtable discussion “Competency-Based Education: The Voice of the Market.” The discussion was moderated by Vesna Damjanić, Editor-in-Chief of Bloomberg Adria, and gathered distinguished representatives from academia, industry, innovation institutions, and the entrepreneurial sector.
The panel focused on the competencies required for future labour markets and the role of higher education institutions in preparing graduates for rapidly changing professional environments. Participants discussed the importance of adaptability, entrepreneurial thinking, lifelong learning, and stronger cooperation between universities and industry.
During the discussion, Professor Čegar emphasized critical thinking as one of the key competencies of the future, highlighting its importance for navigating increasingly complex economic, technological, and social environments. Other panelists stressed the need to better understand the societal implications of technological change, foster entrepreneurial mindsets through practical experience, and strengthen the capacity of individuals to learn, collaborate, and adapt throughout their careers.
A common conclusion of the roundtable was that competitiveness in the age of artificial intelligence will depend not only on technical knowledge, but also on transferable skills such as problem-solving, communication, initiative, and resilience. Participants agreed that developing these competencies requires continuous dialogue and cooperation between higher education institutions, employers, innovation organizations, and policymakers.
The discussion closely aligns with the objectives of the CROSS-REIS project, which seeks to strengthen research, innovation, and entrepreneurial ecosystems in the Western Balkans through enhanced collaboration between academia and practice. Participation in SymOrg 2026 provided an excellent opportunity to exchange experiences, promote project objectives, and contribute to ongoing debates on the future of education, skills development, and innovation-driven growth.
