Within the implementation of Work Package 3 (WP3) of the RDBiH project (Development of Research & Development Strategies and Centers in Bosnia and Herzegovina), the work of four thematic Working Groups (WGs) continued during May 2026, organized by the University of Sarajevo, with the aim of preparing a draft Generic Strategic Model (GSM) for the development of research and development (R&D) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Generic Strategic Model is envisioned as a general strategic framework that will serve as a basis for the development and adaptation of R&D strategies at the entity, cantonal, and university levels in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The meetings gathered representatives of all project partners, relevant ministries, representatives of the private sector, as well as other stakeholders within the R&D ecosystem. During this series of meetings, members of the Working Groups analyzed the draft GSM model, including discussions on its key elements from the perspective of individual thematic areas. Particular emphasis was placed on the exchange of experiences, the identification of common challenges and opportunities in the process of adopting the Generic Strategic Model, as well as the need to harmonize strategic approaches across different administrative levels in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
During the meetings, it was confirmed that the Generic Strategic Model represents a high-quality and aligned framework for the development of future strategies in the fields of science, research, development, and innovation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in accordance with European standards, particularly the European Research Area (ERA) and the Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) guidelines.
The conclusions of the thematic Working Groups highlighted challenges related to insufficient funding, system fragmentation, the need for stronger coordination among different levels of government, the improvement of research infrastructure and human capacities, as well as the enhancement of cooperation between academia and the private sector.
The next steps in the process of finalizing this important document include organizing public discussions and consultations, integrating comments from the Working Groups, presenting the Generic Strategic Model, and submitting the document to the competent institutions at all levels of government as a basis for the development of future strategic documents in the fields of science, research, and innovation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
