engleski

Research of development and growth perspectives of the local ICT sector

Eastern Croatia and its most important urban and university center city of Osijek have undergone a drastic transformation of the economic structure in the last quarter century. With the disappearance of traditional industries (metal processing, wood processing, textiles, graphics and part of the food processing industry) and the inadequate development of the primary sector (agriculture, forestry) a huge gap was created in the economics equality of the regions in Croatia. The young generations of educated people remain unemployed for a relatively long time, migrate to large urban centers (in this case to Zagreb) or even emigrate to European countries in search of employment. Under these conditions, a small enthusiastic groups and individuals appear who, relying solely on its own intellectual capital, leave the limitations of the local environment and begin to produce services that can be implemented in the global market. This capital primarily consists of the knowledge and skills of the creative use of ICT. Recognizing the limitations of small separate groups in this sector, began their association in order to achieve better positions in the regional and global market, find new market niches, as well as to create educational centers parallel to the official teaching at schools and universities. There was no classic cluster approach applied, but in early 2013 the non-profit, non-government association named Osijek Software City (OSC) was founded. Its aim is to increase the attractiveness of IT development profession in Osijek, encourage IT entrepreneurship, networking and design of cooperation programs. Today, Osijek Software City brings together more than 40 companies and dozens of individuals. The aim of this study is to assess the possibilities for further development of the regional ICT sector, analyze data on the number of businesses and employment in this sector, as well as to determine whether there is a possibility that this region becomes more competitive and attracts even more young and educated IT professionals and large companies.

Croatia ; digital economy ; employment ; information technology ; IT sector

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