The goal of the meeting was to share thoughts on committee’s Policy Issues for 2020 including Multiannual financial framework perspectives for ICT, strengthening position of Croatia as an investment destination for ICT, monetization of state collected data and modernization of the computer science in formal education. 

From the Multiannual Financial Framework Croatia will have 20 billion euros, out of which 18,5 billion non-refundable, on disposal for the upcoming 7-year period. The novelty is a new 750 billion euros recovery instrument, Next Generation EU divided in three pillars: 1. Support to Member States with investments and reforms, 2. Kick-starting the EU economy by incentivizing private investments and 3. Addressing the lessons of the crisis.

Regarding the investment potential in ICT Croatia has shown during the COVID-19 crisis that there is a good base infrastructure that can enable fast digital solutions. 

There is an Open Data Portal of the Republic of Croatia that consolidates all nationally available data. By monetization of additional state data there are many possibilities of creating additional revenues and, in time, achieving an increase in GDP and a number of possible users. 

Developing new digital skills, specialization and acceptance of new technologies is certainly important. National 2030 strategy, 2030 strategy for digitalization and 2030 strategy for public administration are being developed. It is important that all strategies are coordinated and harmonized. Mr. Gršić welcomed constructive inputs from AmCham and businesses that would contribute to creation of better strategies.