As Europe increasingly debates “deregulation,” in the Split Tech City community we’re asking – is regulation keeping pace with innovation, or holding it back?

This time, we’re bringing to Split a discussion organized by CroAI, in collaboration with the Faculty of Economics, Business and Tourism in Split (EFST) and Split Tech City – with the goal of opening up a space for concrete and open dialogue between legal experts, developers, entrepreneurs, and everyone actively involved in AI development.

The topic bringing us together is far from simple.

The European Union is simultaneously building an ambitious regulatory framework while trying to simplify the business environment. On one hand, there is the Digital Omnibus initiative aimed at reducing bureaucracy, and on the other, the comprehensive AI Act that sets clear rules of the game. In this context, the question is no longer whether regulation will impact innovation – but how.

Can Europe protect citizens while also fostering technological progress? Will startups in the EU benefit from clearer conditions for growth, or face additional administrative challenges? And where does the Croatian AI ecosystem stand in all of this?

We’ll explore these questions with panelists coming from different sectors and perspectives:

Panelists:

dr. sc. Ive Botunac – President of the Management Board @ CroAI
Duje Prkut – Executive Director @ Politiscope
Assoc. Prof. dr. sc. Šime Jozipović @ Faculty of Economics, Business and Tourism in Split
Živko Krstić – Director @ Sparky solution d.o.o.

Moderator:

Attorney Stefan Martinić, LL.M. Harvard Law School

After the panel, participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the Jean Monnet DECAR-EU project, which focuses on legal regulation and financial technologies, further expanding the discussion.

For Split Tech City, it is especially important to involve the community in conversations like this – because through sharing experiences and open dialogue, we can shape the direction in which we want to develop the local and regional tech ecosystem.

After the official part, we’ll continue networking in a more relaxed atmosphere with food and drinks – because the best ideas often emerge outside formal settings.

When: Thursday, April 9 | 14:00
Where: Ceremonial Amphitheatre, EFST (Cvite Fiskovića 5, Split)

Free entry, but spots are limited. Make sure to secure your place on time!

Registration link is here.

The event is supported by the National Foundation for Civil Society Development as part of a public advocacy campaign aimed at developing public policies and gathering input for AI-related guidelines.