Innovation as a Driver of Sustainable Development

Innovate for Growth Conference Kicks Off in Sarajevo

October 21, 2025

The international conference “Innovate for Growth: Accelerating Sustainable Development through Innovation” opened today in Sarajevo, bringing together policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors from Bosnia and Herzegovina, the European Union, and the Western Balkans to explore how innovation can accelerate progress towards sustainable development and economic growth.

Organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bosnia and Herzegovina within the framework of the project “Economic Governance for Growth (EGG2)”, funded by the Government of the Kingdom of Norway, the two-day conference is part of SDG Week in Bosnia and Herzegovina 2025.

Opening the conference, Arnhild Spence, UN Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasized that innovation is essential for building a more inclusive and sustainable future:

“Innovation is more than technology. It is about transforming how we govern, how we serve, and how we include people in development. By fostering inclusive innovation ecosystems, Bosnia and Herzegovina can accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and ensure that no one is left behind."

Arnhild Spence, UN Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Kathrine Biering, Ambassador of Norway to Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighted Norway’s support for initiatives that strengthen innovation and competitiveness:

“Norway strongly believes that innovation is the foundation of sustainable growth and progress. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, we see tremendous potential – in young entrepreneurs, researchers, and creative minds – to drive new ideas that can transform the economy and society. Supporting innovation means investing in the country’s future, creating opportunities, and strengthening resilience. Norway is proud to partner with Bosnia and Herzegovina in building a more dynamic, knowledge-based, and forward-looking society.”

Kathrine Biering, Ambassador of Norway to Bosnia and Herzegovina

The event’s opening session also featured a TED-style address by Michiel Scheffer, President of the Board of the European Innovation Council (EIC), on “Innovation as a Catalyst for Growth.”

Throughout the conference, participants will discuss ways to strengthen innovation ecosystems, promote collaboration between academia and industry, enhance access to financing, and equip young people with 21st-century skills for the jobs of the future. The programme includes sessions on innovation policy, research commercialization, startup support, and inclusive technology.

The conference concluded on 22 October, with recommendations for advancing innovation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans, inspired by EU best practices and regional success stories.

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