Researchers from the CROSS-REIS project participated in the 8th International Scientific Conference Economics of Digital Transformation (EDT 2026), held from 17 to 19 June 2026 in Opatija, Croatia. Organized by the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Rijeka, the conference brought together more than 150 participants from over 20 countries to discuss the theme “AI & Geopolitics: Reshaping Global Power and Economic Paradigms.”
As one of the supporting initiatives of the conference, CROSS-REIS contributed both to the scientific programme and to broader discussions on how digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and innovation are reshaping economies, governance systems, and sustainable development pathways.
The conference opened with welcome addresses from representatives of the University of Rijeka, the City of Opatija, the City of Rijeka, and the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County. The opening plenary session featured internationally recognized experts, including Gianluca C. Misuraca (AI4Gov-X), Karima Kourtit (TRSA), and Peter Nijkamp (TRSA), who addressed responsible AI governance, the role of artificial intelligence in scientific research, and the future of tourism in an era of digital transformation.
A highlight of the conference was the online keynote lecture delivered by Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman, who reflected on the implications of artificial intelligence for global economic competitiveness, inequality, and the evolving geopolitical position of Europe in an increasingly multipolar world.
CROSS-REIS researchers actively contributed to the scientific programme through presentations addressing sustainability, digitalization, innovation, and economic transformation.
Prof. Snežana Radukić (Faculty of Economics, University of Niš), together with Vesna Buterin (Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Rijeka) and Vesna Janković-Milić (Faculty of Economics, University of Niš), presented the paper “Education–R&D–Digitalization as a Recipe for Achieving Sustainable Development in European Countries.” The study examined the relationship between higher education investment, research and development, digital infrastructure, and environmental sustainability across 36 European countries during the period 2020–2024. Using panel data analysis, the authors explored how digitalization and innovation contribute to sustainable development and highlighted the importance of aligning educational, research, and digital policies with environmental objectives.
A second contribution from the Faculty of Economics, University of Niš was presented by Jelena J. Stanković, Bojana Novićević Čečević, Marina Stanojević, and Ivana Marjanović, who discussed the paper “Sustainability Reporting and Financial Performance: Empirical Evidence from the Republic of Serbia.” Based on a sample of 98 large Serbian enterprises observed between 2022 and 2024, the research investigated whether sustainability reporting is associated with differences in financial performance. The findings suggested that companies publishing sustainability information tend to be larger in terms of assets, revenues, and profits, while differences in profitability and indebtedness indicators were not statistically significant. The study contributes to the ongoing debate on the role of sustainability reporting in transition economies and highlights the importance of reporting quality and institutional context.
Throughout the three-day programme, participants explored a wide range of topics, including artificial intelligence, digital labour markets, innovation economics, smart cities, digital governance, sustainable development, and emerging economic paradigms. The conference provided a valuable platform for interdisciplinary exchange among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners interested in understanding the economic and societal implications of rapid technological change.
Participation in EDT 2026 contributed directly to the objectives of the CROSS-REIS project by strengthening international research collaboration, promoting scientific excellence, and disseminating research findings related to innovation, digital transformation, and sustainability. The event also provided opportunities to establish new research partnerships and foster dialogue between academics and stakeholders working on the challenges of Europe’s digital and green transitions.
Through its engagement in EDT 2026, CROSS-REIS continues to contribute to international debates on how innovation, digital technologies, and interdisciplinary research can support more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economic systems.