On February 20, 2026, the EFRI Economic Forum was held at the Navis Hotel, dedicated to one of the most important topics of today – artificial intelligence in the economy and its practical application.
The forum brought together representatives of science, the public sector and the economy, confirming its role as a meeting place for ideas, experiences and strategic reflections on the future of digital transformation.
The forum was also attended by Dr. Dario Silić, professor at the Polytechnic of Security Studies, who was a panelist in the discussion on artificial intelligence as a strategic management tool in the private sector.
AI is no longer the future, but the present
According to Eurostat data, around 20% of companies in the European Union are already using artificial intelligence technologies, and this share is continuously growing. This data clearly shows that AI is no longer an experimental technology reserved for technology giants, but a tool that is entering everyday business.
Artificial Intelligence Today:
accelerates data analysis
improves decision-making processes
optimizes business processes
increases productivity
strengthens the competitiveness of companies
The discussions at the forum confirmed that AI is becoming the foundation of a new phase of European economic transformation.
The Importance of AI in the Context of the European Union
The European Union recognizes artificial intelligence as a strategic area of development. However, unlike some other global actors, the EU strongly emphasizes the responsible and ethical application of technology.
The development of artificial intelligence in Europe is based on three key principles:
Competitiveness and innovation
Regulatory compliance and legal certainty
Protection of fundamental rights and ethical standards
The AI Act, as the regulatory framework of the European Union, sets clear rules for the application of artificial intelligence, whereby Europe seeks to harmonize technological progress with responsible risk management.
Panel of Businessmen – AI as a Management Tool
The second panel of the forum was dedicated to artificial intelligence in the private sector, with a special emphasis on its application as a strategic management tool.
The panel featured representatives from leading companies, including Dr. Dario Silić, who highlighted the importance of integrating digital solutions into management processes and the need to adapt organizational structures to new technological capabilities.
The discussion showed how AI:
changes the way projects are managed
influences financial planning
improves risk analysis
shapes long-term business strategy
Artificial intelligence is becoming a tool that not only increases efficiency, but also redefines the way management is thought about.
Public Administration and Digital Transformation
The first panel focused on the application of artificial intelligence in the public sector. Representatives of county and city administrations, ministries, HANFA and the Central Bureau of Statistics participated.
Special emphasis was placed on:
digitalization of public services
transparency of management
more efficient decision-making
data security
The conclusion is clear – artificial intelligence can significantly improve the public sector, but it requires clear frameworks, expertise and cross-sectoral cooperation.
Security and ethical aspects of artificial intelligence
In addition to economic benefits, AI also raises issues of liability, data protection and long-term sustainability. In the context of security, it is important to consider:
protection of critical infrastructure
cybersecurity
reliability of algorithms
risk management
Therefore, it is important for the academic community, the public sector and the economy to cooperate in the development of competencies that accompany the digital transformation.
The role of the University of Security Studies
The participation of professors from the University of Security Studies in such a forum confirms the active involvement of the institution in discussions on key topics of the modern economy.
Artificial intelligence and digital transformation cannot be viewed separately from security, risk management and the regulatory framework. This is precisely why the education of future experts must keep pace with technological and social changes.
Conclusion
The EFRI Economic Forum has once again shown that artificial intelligence has become an integral part of the modern economy and public administration. The European Union is entering a new phase of digital transformation, in which competitiveness will depend on the ability to responsibly and strategically apply technology.
AI is not just a technological trend. It is a tool that changes the way we manage, make decisions and plan for the future.