Growth in a Fragmented World: Where Does CEE Fit Next?

The event will open with a keynote by economist Vedrana Pribičević, “From Convergence to Resilience: CEE in the Global Economy,” exploring how fragmented global and European dynamics are reshaping opportunities for CEE economies and companies. The keynote will frame the region’s long-term growth potential through the lens of European integration, competitiveness and shifting economic trends.

The programme will continue with a second keynote by Hrvoje Josip Balen, “Technology and Education in a Changing World,” focusing on the role of technology, skills and education in preparing businesses and societies for a rapidly changing global environment.

This will be followed by the panel discussion “Fragmentation as a Catalyst: Dual-Use and CEE Growth,” featuring Michał Kędzia, Partner responsible for the Adria region at Enterprise Investors, Gordan Kolak, President of the Management Board at Končar, and Srđan Kovačević, CEO and Co-founder of Orqa. The discussion, moderated by Andrea Doko Jelušić, Executive Director of AmCham Croatia, will bring together private equity, corporate and entrepreneurial perspectives on how fragmentation is creating new opportunities for CEE companies - from dual-use industries to strategic high-value sectors. The panel will examine where capital, innovation and demand intersect as the region positions itself for the next phase of growth.

Enterprise Investors is one of the largest private equity firms in Central and Eastern Europe. Active since 1990, the firm has raised ten funds, which have invested and committed EUR 2.5 billion in 164 companies and exited 143 companies.

Program

09:00 – 09:30 Registration and breakfast

09:30 – 09:35 Opening remarks, Andrea Doko Jelušić, Executive Director, AmCham Croatia

09:35 – 09:45 Keynote speech I: From Convergence to Resilience: CEE in the Global Economy, Vedrana Pribičević

09:45 - 09:55 Keynote speech II: Technology and Education in a Changing World, Hrvoje Josip Balen 

09:55 – 10:45 Panel discussion - Fragmentation as a Catalyst: Dual-Use and CEE Growth

• Michał Kędzia, Partner responsible for the Adria region, Enterprise Investors
• Gordan Kolak, President of the Management Board, Končar
• Ivan Jelušić, Chief Sales Officer, Orqa

10:45 – 11:00 Q&A

11:00 – 11:30 Networking

The official language of the event is English. This event is open exclusively to AmCham members and invited guests, and participation is free of charge. The number of seats is limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.