Knowledge Exchange for a More Competitive Region: Local Leaders from Bosnia and Herzegovina Explore Best Practices in Serbia

From 3 to 5 June 2026, representatives of local governments, Chamber of Commerce and development agencies from Bosnia and Herzegovina participated in the study tour “Knowledge Exchange for a More Competitive Region”, organized by NALED and the Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Srpska, with the support of Caritas Switzerland and NIRAS, within the project Local Economic Development in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The initiative is funded by the Swiss Government and aims to strengthen local economic development capacities through regional cooperation and peer learning.

The study tour brought together representatives of partner municipalities and cities from Bosnia and Herzegovina, including Banja Luka, Prijedor, Teslić, Doboj, Čelinac, Zenica, Tešanj, Kakanj, Zavidovići, Doboj Jug, and Žepče. Through a series of meetings and site visits in Belgrade, Kragujevac, and Šabac, participants gained first-hand insight into successful practices in creating a business-friendly environment, attracting investments, digital transformation, and fostering public-private dialogue.

The first day of the visit was hosted by the Kragujevac, a long-standing holder of the BFC SEE certificate and one of Serbia’s leading examples of local economic development. Deputy Mayor Dejan Ružić presented the city’s experience in building an attractive investment climate, improving services for businesses, and implementing reforms that have contributed to sustainable economic growth. Participants also exchanged experiences related to the implementation of the BFC SEE standard and discussed the role of local governments in supporting economic competitiveness.

A highlight of the visit to Kragujevac was the presentation of the State Data Center Kragujevac, one of the most advanced facilities of its kind in Southeast Europe. Delegates learned about its capacities for secure data storage and processing, as well as its role in advancing e-government services, public administration digitalization, and the development of Serbia’s innovation ecosystem.

The delegation also visited MIND Park, a leading industrial and technology hub specializing in rail, aerospace, and high-tech industries. The visit provided valuable insights into how strategic infrastructure investments, innovation and industrial development can work together to strengthen regional competitiveness.

In Belgrade, participants were welcomed at the eGovernment Development Center, a key institution of Serbia’s digital transformation journey, the development of electronic services for citizens, businesses and projects that have significantly improved the efficiency and accessibility of public services.

The second day of the study tour continued in the Šabac, where the delegation was hosted by Mayor Aleksandar Pajić. Discussions focused on the city’s investment potential, support measures for businesses and successful approaches to local economic development. Particular attention was given to public-private dialogue and the role of local governments in creating favorable conditions for investment and entrepreneurship.

Participants learned about the development of the Northwestern Industrial Zone, one of the largest industrial zones in Serbia, which hosts more than 40 domestic and international companies employing approximately 6,000 workers. The city’s experience with the BFC SEE certification process was also presented as an example of a systematic approach to improving the business environment.

The delegation also visited Galeb Group, a leading Serbian company operating in the fields of electronics, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. Company representatives showcased their production processes, innovation capacities, and cooperation models with local institutions and the wider business community.

The study tour once again demonstrated the value of regional cooperation and peer learning in advancing local economic development. By connecting local leaders and development practitioners from across the Western Balkans, the initiative contributes to the exchange of knowledge, promotion of successful reforms and creation of stronger, more competitive local economies throughout the region.