The REZ Regional Development Agency has launched the implementation of the project “AI4BIZ HUB – Strengthening the Business Environment through the Application of AI in the SME Sector” within the programme “Local Economic Development in Bosnia and Herzegovina (LER in BiH)”, financed by the Government of Switzerland and implemented by the consortium of Caritas Switzerland and NIRAS.
The project is being implemented in the Zenica-Doboj Canton over a period of 10 months, in partnership with the Municipality of Kakanj, the City of Zavidovići, and the Canton Employers’ Association. The partnership brings together the public and private sectors with the aim of creating a sustainable support system for the digital transformation of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Ukupna vrijednost projekta iznosi 200.000 KM, od čega je 100.000 KM obezbjeđeno kroz grant sredstva programa LER u BiH, dok je preostalih 100.000 KM osigurano kroz projekat „Razvoj IT infrastrukture u ZDK 2026” i iz vlastitih sredstva agencije.
Supporting the Digital Transformation of the SME Sector
The project responds to the growing need of the business sector for the application of artificial intelligence in business operations. Its main objective is to increase the competitiveness of SMEs through the development of a regional network of AI hubs, practical training programmes, and expert support in introducing AI solutions into business processes. Special emphasis is placed on improving productivity, digitalising business operations, and strengthening the innovation capacities of enterprises in the region.
Through the project, the capacities of the existing IT/AI hub network in Zenica, Zavidovići and Kakanj will be further enhanced through the procurement of modern IT equipment and AI software licences, creating the conditions for specialised training programmes and advisory support for businesses.
Training Programmes, AI Clinics and Practical Support for Companies
During implementation, six cycles of AI training will be delivered across all three hubs, focusing on the practical application of AI tools in marketing, finance, logistics, human resource management, administration, and business process optimisation. In addition to group training sessions, selected companies will also receive individual AI clinic support, enabling them, with expert guidance, to develop AI solutions tailored to their specific business needs.
The project will directly involve at least 70 beneficiaries – 40 SME representatives, 20 young unemployed persons, and 10 representatives of local self-government units – while indirect benefits will reach more than 100 employees in the SME sector, as well as the wider business community.
Long-term Impact
The project is expected to establish a sustainable regional network of AI hubs as a long-term infrastructure for the digital transformation of the economy. At the same time, it will strengthen cooperation between local communities, the business sector and development institutions, creating a foundation for new initiatives in innovation, digitalisation and local economic development.
In the coming period, the REZ Agency will publish public calls on its official website for participation in AI training programmes and AI clinics, through which companies from the Zenica-Doboj Canton will have the opportunity to improve their operations by applying modern AI technologies.
