The discussions focused on strengthening regional cooperation, exchanging experiences, and jointly addressing the challenges arising from the rapid technological transformation of education, research, and business. Participants emphasized that organizational sciences play a key role in integrating knowledge, innovation, and development, while regional collaboration was recognized as an essential prerequisite for future progress.
The forum was organized as a direct outcome of the previously established academic partnership between the Faculty of Organization and Informatics of the University of Zagreb, the Faculty of Organizational Sciences of the University of Belgrade, and the Faculty of Organizational Sciences of the University of Maribor. This collaboration was formalized through the signing of a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding at the 45th International Conference on the Development of Organizational Sciences in Portorož. The Memorandum established a framework for long-term cooperation in the areas of joint research, faculty and student exchange, co-authored publications, and the organization of academic events, including the initiative to establish an annual Organizational Science Day.
The forum was moderated by Prof. Marko Mihić, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Organizational Sciences at the University of Belgrade. Other participants included Prof. Polona Šprajc, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Organizational Sciences at the University of Maribor, and Assoc. Prof. Martina Tomičić Furjan, PhD, Vice Dean at FOI. In her contribution, she emphasized the importance of interdisciplinarity, entrepreneurship education, and strong ties with industry. She particularly highlighted student support systems, collaboration with more than 500 companies, startup programs, incubators, and a network of 19 laboratories that support research and innovation.
Part of the forum was dedicated to the industry perspective and opportunities for strengthening collaboration between universities and the business sector. Participants stressed that cooperation between academia and industry is no longer merely desirable but has become a necessary condition for innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable economic growth. It was also emphasized that the region’s competitiveness will not be built solely on available resources, but on the knowledge it creates and the partnerships it successfully develops.
This year, SymOrg 2026 brought together researchers from 22 countries and more than 350 authors, once again confirming its status as one of the most important regional platforms for knowledge exchange in the fields of management, information systems, and organizational sciences. The participation of FOI faculty members and researchers at this international event further demonstrates the Faculty’s ongoing commitment to strengthening international cooperation, advancing scientific research, and actively contributing to contemporary academic discussions in the field of organizational sciences.
Source: Symorg 2026.
