Higher Education Institutions Conference 2024: Dubrovnik as a Hub of Academic Innovation
The Higher Education Institutions Conference (HEIC) 2024, held on the 19th and 20th of September in Dubrovnik, gathered approximately 50 participants from various European countries, including Croatia, Italy, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Poland, Estonia, Greece, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany, Spain, Luxembourg, Ukraine, Slovenia, and Sweden. The conference provided a platform for discussing current issues in higher education, with a particular focus on the application of artificial intelligence (AI).
The HEIC conference has been held annually since 2013, when the Zagreb School of Economics and Management (ZŠEM) received the prestigious AACSB accreditation, thus affirming the quality of its study programs. With the aim of promoting a high-quality higher education system, ZŠEM and its partners organize the HEIC conference annually, and this year’s edition once again confirmed its status as an important event for networking and development in the educational sector.
Keynote Speakers and Engaging Topics
The conference was opened by Dr. Mate Njavro, Dean of ZŠEM, followed by a keynote speech by Prof. Steven Watson from the University of Cambridge on the role of artificial intelligence in education.
One particularly interesting presentation was given by Prof. Izabela Grabowska from Kozminski University, who introduced participants to the new European university alliance EUonAIR. ZŠEM joined this alliance in July 2024, and EUonAIR focuses on the development of education in the field of so-called Collaborative AI within the European Education Area. This initiative responds to the needs of the newly adopted AI Act by the European Parliament, which is recognized as a key framework for managing AI risks and fostering its development.
Prof. Micael Dahlen from the Stockholm School of Economics gave a lecture entitled "The Pursuit of Happiness: Myth or Reality?" addressing the topic of happiness and well-being. The program also featured a presentation by Prof. Thomas Bieger, former President of the University of St. Gallen, on strategic approaches for higher education institutions. Panel discussions followed on strategic challenges in education and AI-driven innovations. Participants discussed the future of science and research, emphasizing how AI could shape the development of higher education institutions.
Networking and Cultural Experience in Dubrovnik
Alongside a rich academic program, HEIC 2024 offered participants the opportunity to network during a gala dinner and an organized tour of Dubrovnik. Accompanied by a professional guide, participants explored historical landmarks such as Stradun and Dubrovnik Cathedral, marvelling at the beautiful architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage city and the picturesque landscape of the Adriatic Sea. This tour allowed participants to fully experience Dubrovnik’s historical and cultural heritage, further enriching their conference experience.
As a host, Dubrovnik once again stood out as a top destination for international conferences, providing the perfect setting for a world-class event and an unforgettable cultural experience.
