Creating Space for the Transformation of Science and Education

The Dean of the Faculty of Organization and Informatics (FOI) in Varaždin, Prof. Dr. Marina Klačmer Čalopa, emphasizes that the upcoming construction of the new campus of the faculty and the first academic incubator in Croatia will connect the academic, scientific research community and the economy.

When does the construction of the campus begin and what is happening with the first academic Regional Center for Pre-Incubation in Smart Industry?

– In the coming months, one of the most important infrastructural projects in the history of the Faculty of Organization and Informatics should begin, the project ‘Construction and Equipping of Research Infrastructure – FOI 2′, financed by a loan from the World Bank under the project ‘Digital, Innovative and Green Technologies’ (DIGIT), as decided by the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports. This is an infrastructural project worth 20 million euros, recognized as strategically important at the national level and which will contribute to the development of science and higher education in the long term. The new FOI campus is designed as a modern educational and research environment primarily focused on the needs of students and researchers. By realizing this project, FOI is not only building a new building but also creating space for the transformation of science and education tailored to the challenges of the digital and green society of the future. At FOI, through one of the first career centers in educational institutions, the Center for Student Support and Career Development (CPSRK), we monitor changes coming from the labor market and strive to actively respond to challenges and opportunities in the field of digital and smart industry. This approach has led to the establishment of the Regional Center for Pre-Incubation in Smart Industry, which is already under construction, with project completion planned by mid-next year. This is the first academic incubator of this type in Croatia, which will operate as an integral part of the new FOI 2 campus. The project is led by Prof. Dr. Nina Begičević Ređep, and the Center will serve as a central place for connecting the academic community, scientific research work, and the economy.

How do you adapt study programs to the labor market?

– FOI’s focus is based on a thoughtful combination of courses from STEM fields and courses from the business domain. This approach enables the development of key competencies needed for the modern labor market, including agility, critical and strategic thinking, teamwork, creative problem-solving, and competencies for managing digital transformation. Students apply innovative technologies during their studies, including artificial intelligence and advanced analytical tools, working on real projects and in collaboration with over 400 partner companies.

What international accreditations does FOI have?

– FOI has achieved excellent results in national and international quality assurance processes, which we are proud of. The study program Information and Business Systems is currently undergoing international accreditation by ASIIN, while the study program Entrepreneurship Economics has already been accredited by EFMD. The faculty has also successfully passed the reaccreditation process by AZVO, confirming the high academic standards and quality of study programs in the national context.

Have you introduced artificial intelligence into teaching?

– Yes. FOI recognized the importance of artificial intelligence very early on and is now among the leading institutions in its integration into teaching. Artificial intelligence is taught in specialized courses, as well as applied in a number of other areas studied at FOI. Interestingly, FOI’s AI Lab was established more than ten years ago when artificial intelligence was not yet widely discussed. From the Lab comes B.A.R.I.C.A., one of the first AI assistants at the University of Zagreb.

What does it mean to be a leader in the system of science and higher education?

– Leading a higher education institution is a great honor but also an exceptional responsibility. It is often said that behind a successful organization stands not an individual but an entire team, and this is particularly evident in the academic environment. FOI’s recognition and success are the result of the joint work of teachers, researchers, students, and non-teaching staff, all of whom are experts in their fields, diverse in their approaches, but united by a common goal. Challenges such as rapid technological development, institutional sustainability, or the implementation of large infrastructural projects, such as FOI’s new campus, cannot be overcome individually but exclusively through shared knowledge, trust, and responsibility.

*Content created in collaboration with the Faculty of Organization and Informatics.