Round table on "Research and Development Perspectives at Universities" was held
Organized by the University of Sarajevo and the Bosnian-American Academy of Sciences and Arts (BHAAAS), a Round Table on “Research and Development Perspectives at Universities” was held on 22 February 2021.
The participants were greeted by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Youth of Sarajevo Canton, Prof. Dr. Melika Husić-Mehmedović, emphasizing that the formation of a new ministry focused exclusively on higher education, science and youth in the Sarajevo Canton, is the first indicator of the priorities that these areas have for the Canton. The next important indicator is that there is a record 3 million KM in the budget of KS for 2021 for scientific research projects. The Minister believes that one of the key aspects for the success of scientific research in BiH is networking and scientific cooperation, which is why she welcomes the initiative and connection with the representatives of BHAAAS.
On behalf of the University of Sarajevo, Vice-Rector for Scientific Research, Prof. Dr. Mirza Dautbašić, pointed out that the University of Sarajevo pays special attention to scientific research/artistic research work as well as research and development, and that following the guidelines in these areas is a strategic determinant of the University. He also mentioned a number of useful aspects of cooperation with BHAAAS, expressing satisfaction that the new BHAAAS office in Sarajevo will be on the University Campus.
Prof. Dr. Mahira Tanović, BHAAAS President also welcomed the gathering and pointed out that it is very important for BHAAAS to cooperate with universities in BiH. She emphasized that the special focus of BHAAAS is always cooperation with students, and that it is necessary to encourage BH students to be profitable and to use the potentials and resources available to them.
The gathering was also welcomed by Prof. Dr. Maja Arslanagić-Kalajdžić, UNSA Research and Development Center director, and Prof. Dr. Ismar Volić from Boston University in front of BHAAAS. Professor Arslanagić-Kalajdžić presented the panelists: Prof. Dr. Naida Ademović, Faculty of Civil Engineering; Prof. Dr. Belma Ramić-Brkić, Dean of the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Systems, SSST University; Prof. Dr. Senad Divanović, Cincinnati Children's Hospital; Prof. Dr. Zlatan Akšamija, University of Massachusetts; and Prof. Dr. Naim Logić, Arizona State University. The panelists presented their experiences in the field of research and development, the way research and development is conducted at their institutions. They also spoke about the importance of supporting state institutions, institutions of the innovation ecosystem to universities, as well as the importance of cooperation with the business community. Finally, processes important for research and development at universities, such as intellectual property, technology transfer, and the so-called university spin-off projects.
Some of the conclusions of the meeting are that it is necessary to work on changing awareness and that it is necessary to motivate students and professors in BiH to be more actively engaged in research and development projects. It was emphasized that in the US, institutions investing in research and development have a vision for the next 5 to 25 years and that it is always a long-term investment that generates positive effects. These investments are therefore two-way and always return to both the community and the institutions that have invested. Professors, doctoral students, and university support offices make up this internal ecosystem to support research and development. Also, an example of long-term cooperation between a university and a large company was given, which generated many scientific and research contributions. It was also concluded that it is crucial for professors from BiH to establish networking with experts in their field from abroad, and that contacts with BHAAAS members can be an excellent starting point.
