Unlocking EU funding and driving digital transformation in Bosnia & Herzegovina
FundingBox proudly supported the EU4DigitalSME initiative funded by the European Union and GIZ Bosnia and Herzegovina. Over nine months, we contributed to the growth of Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, positioning them as key drivers of innovation, collaboration, and digital skill development. Our involvement raised awareness among local SMEs and startups, helping them access the essential resources, networks, and expertise needed to thrive in the rapidly advancing digital economy of Europe.
Our expert team—including Mayte Carracedo, Graciela Garrido, Maria Roca Puigserver, and Antonio Castro—facilitated multiple workshops across Bosnia and Herzegovina. These sessions guided participants through the complexities of EU funding, providing insights into potential opportunities. A highlight was our participation in the Digital Europe Signing Ceremony in Sarajevo, a significant milestone marking Bosnia and Herzegovina’s integration into the Digital Europe Programme (DEP). This initiative, aimed at enhancing Europe’s digital competitiveness, will offer local DIHs the chance to join the European Network of Digital Innovation Hubs in a 2025 call.
Empowering digital transition: full days of impact
As part of our work, we also took part in the "Digital Transformation – Night of Achievements" at Villa Braun, where DIHs showcased their success stories and the impact of the EU4DigitalSMEs initiative. The event reaffirmed the project’s critical role in building Bosnia and Herzegovina’s digital future. We were honoured to spotlight the impressive results of digitalization efforts in BiH and recounted memorable moments with our key DIH partners:
- DIH IDEMO led by Drago Gverić
- Its4Health, spearheaded by Belma Ramic-Brkic
- Digital Storm DIH, directed by Edin Skaljic
- Industrial Hub Tuzla, represented by Miralem Bulić
Throughout this project, we actively engaged with local stakeholders. We conducted strategic workshops at the University of Science in Sarajevo and organised six events in cities like Banja Luka, Tuzla, and Sarajevo. These sessions focused on EU funding opportunities for SMEs and the pivotal role of DIHs in digital transformation.
Building a Stronger DIH Network
FundingBox organised 3 study study visits to DIH IDEMO in Banja Luka, DIH CROBOHUB in Zagreb and BIBA DIH in Stuttgart where DIH experts gained valuable insights into how established hubs operate. This experience highlighted how emerging DIHs can evolve by learning from more developed hubs across Europe and the importance of sharing experiences from the operational perspective.
FundingBox: your partner in expanding digital potential
As Bosnia and Herzegovina embraces its digital future, FundingBox is committed to supporting digital innovation and fostering growth in widening economies. Whether through strategic workshops, direct assistance, or access to EU funding, we are here to guide organisations and innovation actors on their journey toward digital transformation.
We extend our sincere thanks to Eva Maria Naeher and the GIZ team, including Krunoslav Rasic, Mirna Mekić, Slaviša Jovanović, Donald Prohaska, Bojan Vojvodić, and all the DIHs and EDIHs who participated in our peer-learning activities and events. This nine-month collaboration has been an incredible experience for our team.
For more information on how FundingBox can help your organisation or business unlock EU funding and build international connections, contact us at services@fundingbox.com.
