AGP Executive Report

AI in Business: Infobip marks 20 years with 17.5% global revenue growth and says AI is driving its next phase, with a new Sarajevo campus planned and Bosnia & Herzegovina already home to 1,500+ staff. Space & STEM: ESA has signed an agreement with Vast for the Vast-PAM-1 mission to the ISS, aiming to send Greece’s first crewed astronaut to orbit (training to begin soon). Health Tech: Medicana highlights robot-assisted heart surgery through small ports, keeping the surgeon in full control while using 3D imaging and precise instruments. Education Tech: Across the Balkans, schools are easing heavy schoolbags with lockers, split textbooks, and digital materials. Local Innovation: A 15-year-old from Bugojno got 7,200 votes for a LEGO Ideas model of Sarajevo’s Sebilj, chasing 10,000 to become an official set. Regional Security & Water: A new analysis argues Balkan rivers are becoming security assets and pushes for a shared EU-backed “Balkan Water Pact” to manage drought, energy needs, and cross-border impacts. Tech, but not for Bosnia: China and CEEC unveiled a 2030 vision for innovation cooperation covering AI, biotech, and green energy.

BiH Tech & Industry: Infobip marks 20 years with AI-led growth and plans a new Sarajevo campus, with Bosnia and Herzegovina already home to 1,500+ employees. Health Tech: Medicana highlights robot-assisted heart surgery through small ports, stressing the surgeon stays in full control while the system boosts 3D visualization and instrument reach. Space & Research: ESA signs a deal with Vast for Greece’s first crewed mission to the ISS, with an ESA flight surgeon set to become the first Greek astronaut pending approvals. STEM Education: Across the Balkans, schools are easing heavy schoolbags via lockers, split textbooks, and digital materials. Local Innovation: A 15-year-old from Bugojno built a LEGO model of Sarajevo’s Sebilj and has surged past 7,200 votes on LEGO Ideas. Environment & Industry: Heavy metal contamination remains a concern around Zenica Steelworks despite production halt, keeping pressure on monitoring and cleanup. Regional Water Security: A new report frames water as a geopolitical axis, pointing to transboundary river management and shared hydrological data as key for the Balkans.

Election Tech in BiH: The Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina approved test elections for Sept. 11, running simulated voting plus cyber security and digital forensics checks for the electoral information technology system, with “imaginary polling stations” used to mirror real procedures. BiH in the Science Pipeline: A new GFCM technical unit for the Adriatic Sea was inaugurated in Split to strengthen science-based fisheries management, with Bosnia and Herzegovina among the participating countries. AI Push in the Region: Croatia’s Infobip marked 20 years with global growth and a shift toward AI, including plans for a new Sarajevo campus and continued expansion of its communications infrastructure work. Robotics in Medicine: Medicana highlighted robot-assisted heart surgery through small ports instead of sternum division, emphasizing surgeon control plus advanced 3D imaging and instrument precision. Local STEM Creativity: A 15-year-old from Bugojno submitted a LEGO model of Sarajevo’s Sebilj to LEGO Ideas, aiming for 10,000 votes to become an official set. Tech & Security Watch: Croatia is tendering 40 fixed high-tech speed radar systems with wider enforcement capabilities, including wrong-way and illegal overtaking detection.

BiH Election Tech Testing: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Central Election Commission launched test elections on Sept. 11 to check election technologies and run cyber security and digital forensics readiness drills, using simulated polling stations and voting flows. AI in Local Industry: Croatia’s Infobip marked 20 years with continued global growth and a new Sarajevo campus plan, while shifting operations further toward artificial intelligence and next-gen communications infrastructure. Space Milestone for Greece: ESA signed an agreement with Vast for the Vast-PAM-1 mission to the ISS, aiming to send Greece’s first crewed astronaut, with training and crew roles set pending review. Healthcare Robotics: Medicana highlighted robot-assisted heart surgery through small ports instead of sternum division, stressing surgeon control plus 3D imaging and precise instrument movement. Regional Water Politics: A Balkans-focused analysis argues water is becoming a strategic security issue, pointing to transboundary river plans and the need for shared governance and hydrological data exchange. Science & Environment: Research reports persistent heavy metal contamination around Zenica Steelworks despite a production halt, raising questions about cleanup and monitoring. Tech Culture from Sarajevo: A 15-year-old from Bugojno hit 7,200 votes on LEGO Ideas with a model of Sarajevo’s Sebilj, chasing 10,000 votes for an official set. Science Cooperation in Fisheries: A new GFCM technical unit was inaugurated in Split to strengthen science-based, sustainable fisheries management across Adriatic countries including BiH.

Election Tech in BiH: Bosnia’s Central Election Commission announced test elections for Sept. 11 (09:00–15:00), simulating voting at “imaginary” polling stations and running cyber security and digital forensics checks on the electoral information technology system. Space for Greece: ESA signed an agreement with Vast for the Vast-PAM-1 mission to the ISS, aiming to send Greece’s first crewed astronaut, pending panel approval. Health Tech: Medicana reported robot-assisted heart surgery through small rib ports instead of splitting the breastbone, with the surgeon staying in full control via console and 3D imaging. Regional Science Cooperation: The GFCM set up a new Adriatic Sea technical unit in Split to strengthen science-based, sustainable fisheries management across Albania, BiH, Croatia, Italy, Montenegro and Slovenia. Industry & Materials: Sisecam is investing in a magnetron sputtering coater in India to boost energy-efficient coated glass production. Local Environment Watch: Soil contamination concerns persist around Zenica Steelworks despite a production halt, with new sampling tied to baseline data. Security & Monitoring: Croatia plans 40 fixed high-tech radar/camera systems to detect multiple traffic violations, including wrong-way driving and illegal overtaking.

BiH Election Tech Testing: Bosnia’s Central Election Commission announced test elections for Sept. 11 (09:00–15:00), simulating voting at “imaginary” polling stations and running cyber security and digital forensics checks on the electoral information system. Adriatic Fisheries Science: A new GFCM technical unit was inaugurated in Split to strengthen science-based fisheries management across the Adriatic, with Bosnia and Herzegovina among the participating countries. Industrial Environment Watch: Research by Bosnia’s Agropedological Institute found heavy metal contamination still persists in soil around Zenica Steelworks even after production was halted, using post-shutdown sampling compared with 2010 baseline data. Healthcare Robotics: Medicana Health Group in Turkey highlighted robot-assisted heart surgery through small ports, keeping the surgeon in full control while using 3D imaging and articulated instruments. Regional Tech & Industry: Sisecam announced a Magnetron Sputtering Coater investment in India to boost energy-efficient coated glass production. Local Governance & Infrastructure: U.S. lawmakers met BiH Presidency member Željko Komšić, discussing security, investment, and the Southern Interconnection gas project. Elections in the Region: Serbia’s Aleksandar Vucic called a snap parliamentary election for Oct. 25 amid months of protests, setting up a major political test.

Biometric Elections Upgrade: Bosnia and Herzegovina will use biometric voter identification, ballot scanners, and electronic results transmission at about 5,000 polling stations for the 4 October general elections, with fingerprint scanners aimed at cutting identity theft and ballot fraud; the Smartmatic contract (about 38m euros) followed a contested procurement and appeals. Security Tech & AI in Defense: The 4th Sarajevo Security Conference drew 300+ participants to discuss Europe’s security in a divided world, including cognitive warfare, energy security, and the role of new technologies and artificial intelligence in defense. Election Politics, Governance Stakes: Analysis of the 2026 election campaign frames the Presidency race as a referendum on Bosnia’s next coalition model, warning that vetoes and parliamentary dynamics could stall government formation and slow EU/NATO progress. Local Tech & Infrastructure Diplomacy: Bosnia’s Presidency member Željko Komšić met UK envoy Karen Pierce, stressing continued UK support for reforms and highlighting the Southern Interconnection gas project as a key infrastructure and investment driver. STEM/Industry in the Region: DPM Metals reported drilling intercepts at the Dumitru Potok and Rakita North copper-gold-silver prospects, expanding its 2026 program to up to 35,000 metres. Science & Society: A new Sarajevo museum dedicated to Islamic culture and art officially opened, focusing on preserving and presenting local heritage through research and permanent exhibitions.

Biometric Elections Rollout: Bosnia and Herzegovina will use biometric voter identification, ballot scanners, and electronic transmission of results at about 5,000 polling stations for the 4 October general elections, with fingerprint scanners aimed at cutting identity theft and dead-voter fraud. Election Integrity Push: OSCE and local election bodies say the tech is meant to speed results and improve counting, while watchdogs report hundreds of alleged irregularities ahead of the campaign. Local Tech & Security: Sarajevo Canton’s new helicopter unit is training its first co-pilots for Bell 412 EPX missions, boosting police, rescue, medical evacuation, and firefighting response. Science & Environment: A new Adriatic Sea fisheries unit in Split (FAO/GFCM) is set to strengthen science-based, sustainable fisheries management across the region. Energy & Industry Watch: DPM Metals expands drilling at Dumitru Potok and Rakita North on its Čoka Rakita licence, extending mineralization and increasing its 2026 program. Regional Tech Diplomacy: Israel’s Chamber of Commerce opens a Banja Luka office, signaling growing trade, investment, and technology links with Republika Srpska.

Biometric Elections Rollout: Bosnia and Herzegovina will use biometric voter identification, ballot scanners, and electronic results transmission for the first time at the 4 October general elections, deploying fingerprint-based checks at about 5,000 polling stations to curb identity theft and ballot fraud; the CEC signed a Smartmatic contract worth about 38 million euros. Defense Tech & Drones: Sarajevo Canton’s new helicopter unit is training co-pilots for Bell 412 EPX missions, while the “Balkan Shield” defense fair spotlighted locally built drones from CNT Sarajevo, including long-endurance and 3D-printed PLA models. Security & AI in Defense: The 4th Sarajevo Security Conference drew 300+ participants to discuss Europe’s security architecture, cognitive warfare, energy security, and AI’s role in defense. Local Tech & Jobs: The “Gledaj sebi posla” job fair in Bosnia set a record with 140+ companies, focusing on youth employment, digital skills, and AI’s impact on hiring. Regional Tech Economy: ILO data shows labor productivity remains a Western Balkans challenge, with Bosnia at 26.3 international dollars per hour worked in 2025. Controversial War-Memory Politics: Ratko Mladić’s funeral in Belgrade drew thousands despite EU warnings, with EU and UEFA-related sanctions and public tributes continuing to spark backlash.

Biometric Elections Rollout: Bosnia and Herzegovina will use biometric voter identification, ballot scanners, and electronic transmission of results for the first time at the 4 October general elections, with fingerprint scanners deployed at about 5,000 polling stations to cut identity theft and ballot-counting fraud; the CEC signed a contract with Smartmatic worth about 38 million euros, after appeals and procurement disputes. Defense Tech & Drones: Sarajevo Canton’s new helicopter unit is training co-pilots for Bell 412 EPX missions, while Bosnia’s domestic drone push drew major attention at the “Balkan Shield – Defense Industry Expo & Summit 2026,” showcasing multiple UAV models from CNT Sarajevo. Security & AI in Defense: The 4th Sarajevo Security Conference gathered 300+ participants to discuss Europe’s security architecture, cognitive warfare, energy security, and the role of new technologies and AI in defense. Science for Sustainability: A new Adriatic Sea fisheries technical unit in Split (FAO/GFCM) was inaugurated to strengthen science-based, sustainable fisheries management across the region. Local Innovation & Skills: The “Gledaj sebi posla” job fair in Bosnia set a record with 140+ companies and focused panels on labor shortages, youth employment, digital skills, and AI’s impact on jobs. Israel-Business Link: The Israel Chamber of Commerce opened a Banja Luka office, aiming to turn political ties into ongoing cooperation in trade, investment, and technology.

Biometric Voting Rollout: Bosnia and Herzegovina is set to use biometric voter identification, ballot scanners, and electronic transmission of results at about 5,000 polling stations for the 4 October general elections, with fingerprint scanners aimed at cutting identity theft and dead-voter fraud; the procurement has faced appeals over the Smartmatic award. Election Integrity Push: OSCE and local civil groups are also spotlighting campaign violations ahead of the vote, while the Acting High Representative argues that election tech is meant to protect every ballot, not pick winners. Local Security Tech in Practice: Sarajevo Canton’s new Helicopter Unit is training its first co-pilots for Bell 412 EPX missions, adding rapid-response capability for police, rescue, medical evacuations, and firefighting. Defense Industry Spotlight: Bosnia’s first “Balkan Shield” defense expo drew attention to domestically developed drones from CNT Sarajevo, including longer-range and 3D-printed PLA models. Regional Tech & Science Links: FAO inaugurated a new Adriatic Sea fisheries technical unit in Split to strengthen science-based, sustainable fisheries management across the region. Business Diplomacy: Israel’s Chamber of Commerce opened an office in Banja Luka, signaling deeper trade and technology ties with Republika Srpska amid wider political controversy.

Biometric Election Tech: Bosnia will roll out biometric voter identification, ballot scanners, and electronic result transmission at about 5,000 polling stations for the 4 October general elections, with fingerprint scanners aimed at cutting identity theft and dead-voter fraud; the CEC signed a contract with Smartmatic worth about 38 million euros, after contested procurement appeals. Defense & Drones: Sarajevo Canton’s new helicopter unit is training its first co-pilots for Bell 412 EPX missions, while Bosnia’s domestic drone push drew major attention at “Balkan Shield – Defense Industry Expo & Summit 2026,” showcasing multiple CNT Sarajevo UAV models. Science for Fisheries: A new Adriatic Sea fisheries unit under FAO’s GFCM was inaugurated in Split to strengthen science-based, sustainable management across Adriatic countries. Tech, Trade & Regional Ties: Israel opened its first Chamber of Commerce office in Republika Srpska (Banja Luka), linking business, education, and technology cooperation as BiH’s political leadership also pushes stability and investment readiness. Security Conference: The 4th Sarajevo Security Conference focused on Europe’s security architecture and the role of new technologies and AI in defense.

Election Tech in Bosnia: Bosnia and Herzegovina will roll out biometric voter identification, ballot scanners, and electronic results transmission for the 4 October general elections, deploying fingerprint-based checks at about 5,000 polling stations under a Smartmatic contract worth roughly 38 million euros—aimed at cutting identity theft, “voting in the name of the dead,” and counting errors. Security & AI in the Region: The 4th Sarajevo Security Conference drew 300+ participants and 140 speakers, with NATO and EU officials focusing on Europe’s security architecture and the role of new technologies and artificial intelligence in defense. Local Tech Diplomacy: Israel’s Chamber of Commerce opened its first Republika Srpska office in Banja Luka, signaling deeper cooperation in trade, investment, and technology. Defense Industry Showcase: Bosnia’s first international defense expo, “Balkan Shield,” highlighted domestically developed drones from CNT Sarajevo, including models built for longer endurance and lightweight 3D-printed components. Marine Science for Policy: A new Adriatic Sea fisheries unit was inaugurated in Split to strengthen science-based fisheries management across shared waters. Health & Research Funding: A 45 million euro World Bank loan for Republika Srpska’s health system improvement includes support for clinical center liabilities, psychiatric facility reconstruction, and public health research.

Biometric Elections Rollout: Bosnia and Herzegovina will use biometric voter identification, ballot scanners, and electronic transmission of results for the 4 October general elections, deploying fingerprint scanners at about 5,000 polling stations for the first time; the Central Election Commission says the tech targets identity theft, “voting in the name of the dead,” and counting errors, with a Smartmatic contract worth about 38 million euros and prior pilots in 2024. Election Integrity Debate: OSCE and local civil society are pushing for election integrity tech, while the “Under Scrutiny” coalition reports 528 pre-election irregularities, including misuse of public resources and premature campaigning, and has urged sanctions and legal gaps to be addressed. Local Tech in Security: Sarajevo Canton’s new Helicopter Unit is training its first co-pilots for Bell 412 EPX missions, boosting police aviation for rescue, medical evacuations, and firefighting. Defense Industry Spotlight: At “Balkan Shield – Defense Industry Expo & Summit 2026,” Bosnia showcased domestically developed drones from CNT Sarajevo, alongside regional defense cooperation talks. Science & Environment: A new Adriatic Sea fisheries unit in Split aims to strengthen science-based, sustainable fisheries management across shared waters. Diplomacy & Reform: A BiH Presidency member met the UK’s Western Balkans envoy, stressing continued support for reforms and a free, transparent electoral process.

Biometric Elections Upgrade: Bosnia and Herzegovina will roll out biometric voter identification, ballot scanners, and electronic result transmission at about 5,000 polling stations for the 4 October general elections, with fingerprint-based checks aimed at cutting identity theft and dead-voter fraud; the CEC contract with Smartmatic is worth 74.5M KM and follows a contested procurement process and earlier local pilots. Election Integrity Watch: A civil observation coalition, “Under Scrutiny,” reports 528 irregularities in the pre-election period, with the biggest categories tied to premature campaigning and misuse of public resources, and says it has pushed 101 initiatives to the CEC. Local Tech in Security: Sarajevo Canton’s new Helicopter Unit is training its first co-pilots for Bell 412 EPX missions, from police interventions to search and rescue. Defense Industry Showcase: Bosnia’s first drones drew major attention at the “Balkan Shield – Defense Industry Expo & Summit 2026,” highlighting locally developed UAV models from CNT Sarajevo. Science for Fisheries: A new Adriatic Sea fisheries technical unit was inaugurated in Split under FAO’s GFCM to strengthen science-based, sustainable management across Adriatic countries. Health & Research Funding: A 45M euro World Bank loan for Republika Srpska’s Health Systems Improvement Project will support clinical center tax/fee settlement, psychiatric facility reconstruction, and public health research.

Election Tech in Bosnia: Bosnia and Herzegovina is rolling out biometric voter identification, ballot scanners, and electronic transmission for the 2026 general elections, with OSCE and CEC officials saying the goal is to cut identity theft, multiple voting, and ballot-counting fraud. Election Integrity Pressure: The “Under Scrutiny” coalition reports 528 election irregularities in the pre-campaign period, with the biggest shares tied to premature campaigning and misuse of public resources, and it says the CEC has imposed 17 sanctions totaling 87,500 KM. Local Defense Innovation: At the First Balkan Shield defense fair in Sarajevo, Bosnia showcased domestically developed drones from CNT Sarajevo, including models aimed at tech sovereignty and faster local production. Regional Defense Cooperation: Bosnia and Egypt discussed defense-industry collaboration, technology exchange, and joint production opportunities during the same expo. Health & Research Funding: A 45 million euro World Bank loan for Republika Srpska’s Health Systems Improvement will support clinical center liabilities, psychiatric facility reconstruction, and public health research. Geothermal Know-How Transfer: An Icelandic geothermal expert argues Europe should import Iceland’s permitting and project know-how, not just geology, to unlock geothermal growth.