Organized by the University of Sarajevo and the Bosnian-Herzegovinian-American Academy of Sciences and Arts (BHAAAS) on February 22, 2021, a round table on the topic "Research and development perspectives at universities" was held. The present participants were greeted by the Minister of Science, Higher Education, and Youth of Sarajevo Canton, Prof. Ph.D. Melika Husić-Mehmedović, emphasizes that the formation of a new ministry focused exclusively on higher education, science, and youth in Sarajevo Canton is the first indicator of the priorities these areas have for the Canton. The next significant indicator is that the KS budget for 2021 includes a record three million KM for scientific research projects. The minister believes that one of the key aspects for the success of scientific research work in BiH is networking and scientific cooperation, which is why she welcomes the initiative and connection with representatives of BHAAAS. On behalf of the University of Sarajevo, the vice-rector for scientific research, prof. Ph.D. Mirza Dautbašić pointed out that the University of Sarajevo pays special attention to scientific and 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 numerous useful aspects of cooperation with BHAAAS while expressing his satisfaction that the new office of BHAAAS in Sarajevo will be on the university campus. Prof. Ph.D. Mahira Tanović, president of BHAAAS, also welcomed the gathering and pointed out that it is very important for BHAAAS to cooperate with universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. She emphasized that the special focus of BHAAAS is always cooperation with students and that it is necessary to encourage BiH students to be proactive and to use the potential and resources available to them. The gathering was greeted by Prof. Ph.D. Maja Arslanagić-Kalajdžić, director of the UNSA Center for Research and Development, and Prof. Ph.D. Ismar Volić from Boston University on behalf of BHAAAS. Professor Arslanagić-Kalajdžić introduced the panelists: prof. Ph.D. Naidu Ademović, Faculty of Civil Engineering UNSA; Prof. Ph.D. Belma Ramić-Brkić, dean of the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Systems of SSST University; Prof. Ph.D. Senad Divanović, Cincinnati Children's Hospital; prof. Ph.D. Zlatan Akshamija, University of Massachusetts; and prof. Ph.D. Naim Logić, Arizona State University. The panelists presented their experiences in the field of research and development and how research and development is carried out at their institutions. They also talked about the importance of support from state institutions, institutions of the innovation ecosystem, and universities, as well as the importance of cooperation with the business community. Finally, processes important for research and development at universities were discussed, 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 both students and professors in BiH to more actively engage in research and development projects. It was emphasized that in the USA, institutions that invest in research and development have a vision for the next five to 25 years and that it is always a question of long-term investments that generate positive effects. These investments are, therefore, two-way and always return both to the community and to the institutions that invested. Professors, doctoral students, and support offices at universities make up that internal ecosystem for supporting research and development. Also, an example of long-term cooperation between a university and a large company, which generated many scientific research contributions, was given. It was also concluded that it is crucial for professors from Bosnia and Herzegovina to network with experts in their field from abroad and that contacts with BHAAAS members can be an excellent starting point.
English
Bosanski
