G.R.I.D. Forum: Have Startups Taken Over the Role of Development Centers and Universities in Innovation Development

The role of startups in innovation development was discussed at the G.R.I.D. forum by Davorin Cetto, CEO of Syntio, and Dejan Iličić from the AI Center Lipik, with Božidar Pavlović as the moderator from the Cro Startup association, who stated at the beginning that startups have taken over the role of development centers and universities in innovations.

Iličić mentioned that the AI Center for Artificial Intelligence in Lipik is preparing resources for the labor market.

– My idea was to bring together people and companies that think alike or similarly into one place, into a HUB, so we can gather people who will create through new technologies in the future – said Iličić in the introduction.

Davorin Cetto stated that his company was digital from the start, so they did not need transformation. He also noted that last year, the Financial Times included them in the group of the fastest-growing companies in the EU, and that they have opened offices in Denmark and the USA.

– The company grows as the number of jobs increases, and as revenues grow, it is necessary to constantly invest in and develop various processes within the company – says Cetto, adding that it is simpler for them at Syntio than for other companies that have been on the market for several decades when it comes to transformation and digitalization.

Regarding ESG, Cetto mentioned that this year they decided for the first time to submit a non-financial report and that abroad, as well as with investors ESG is one of the first questions they ask.

'Production' of Personnel

Dejan Iličić explained how new personnel are being created in Lipik. He stated that they utilized all state programs for the AI center and that they provide everyone with a six-month training program for programmers that anyone can apply for, regardless of experience.

– In six months, one can really learn to program if they dedicate themselves to it, of course with the help of mentors  – said Iličić.

He added that there is an increasing number of employers in Croatia who, in agreements with universities, organize courses to obtain the personnel they need. Cetto also mentioned that in their search for personnel, they launched a Summer School, which has proven to be very successful and has shown great interest so far.

Tax Policy

Cetto spoke about the role of the state, believing that the state should not provide too much assistance but should only reduce payroll contributions, seek synergy between the state and entrepreneurs, and must listen rather than come up with generic solutions that do not result in significant innovations.

Regarding the role of the state, Iličić stated that they received a lot of help in Lipik when opening the center, but it would be good to have even more programs for startups.