Field Study Visit: Smart Specialization in IT & Digital Transformation

Visit to Jabil Inc.

• Jabil is a global leader in advanced manufacturing and logistics solutions.
• It focuses on integrating digital solutions in industries like automotive, healthcare, and transportation.
• Key Highlights:
  • Automation and the Internet of Things (IoT)
  • Advanced data-driven manufacturing
  • A new state-of-the-art facility in Osijek employing 1500 people.

Visit to BIOS Business Incubator

• BIOS is a leading business incubator supporting startups and SMEs in Osijek.
• It promotes entrepreneurship and innovation in sectors like ICT, multimedia, biotechnology, and more.
• Key Highlights:
  • Affordable office spaces
  • Innovation-focused community
  • Strong support for new technologies and commercializing scientific research.

Why Attend?

• Experience first-hand how these two organizations drive innovation and economic growth.
• Gain insights into smart specialization and digital transformation in business.
• Network with entrepreneurs and industry experts.
• For more information, visit: Jabil and BIOS Poduzetnički inkubator

Jabil Inc., Osijek

Jabil Inc. is a leading global provider of design, manufacturing, and logistics solutions, playing a pivotal role in advancing smart specialisation in information technology (IT) and digitalisation. With a commitment to innovation, Jabil leverages its expertise in advanced manufacturing technologies to facilitate the seamless integration of digital solutions across various sectors. This focus on automation, the Internet of Things (IoT), and data-driven manufacturing not only accelerates the digital transformation of industries but also supports sustainable economic growth and enhances global competitiveness.

At the core of Jabil’s operations are the health, safety, and well-being of its employees and the communities in which it operates. The company proactively manages its environmental impact and strives to develop new competencies throughout the product lifecycle to meet its sustainability goals. Jabil aims to positively affect its employees, partners, communities, and the environment through a shared commitment to responsible business practices. Jabil employs over 140,000 individuals across more than 100 locations in 28 countries, fostering a highly qualified and motivated workforce capable of meeting customer needs and driving innovation. In October 2024, Jabil inaugurated a state-of-the-art facility in Osijek, designed to support customers in regulated industries such as automotive, transportation, and healthcare. This facility is expected to employ 1,500 people, marking the largest private investment in Osijek since Croatia’s independence. The establishment of this facility is set to have a significant positive impact on the entire region of East Croatia, driving economic development
and creating high-quality job opportunities.

Jabil prides itself on giving back to the communities where it operates. Through the Jabil Cares programme, employees are encouraged to lead outreach initiatives with local charitable organisations, contributing through volunteerism and financial support. The company’s global locations implement localised strategies that address social causes focused on education, empowerment, and environmental sustainability. By investing in local initiatives, Jabil not only strengthens community ties but also fosters a culture of social responsibility among its workforce. Through its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community engagement, Jabil Inc. lead the way in transforming industries and contributing to the well-being of its employees and the communities it serves.

Osijek Business Incubator BIOS

The mission of the Osijek Business Incubator BIOS is to support the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by providing essential business space and services during the critical phases of company development. In doing so, BIOS contributes to the economic development of the region and aims to reduce unemployment. The vision of BIOS is to create a stimulating and innovative technological ecosystem in collaboration with all stakeholders, thereby contributing to the economic and social development of Slavonia and Baranja. To achieve this vision, BIOS has established several objectives, including participating in the economic development of the region, promoting local entrepreneurship, increasing the number of companies that thrive in the market, reducing the likelihood of start-up failures, fostering innovation and the development of new technologies, and promoting the
commercialisation of scientific research.

Among its strategic goals, BIOS aims to conduct operations professionally, meeting the expectations and requirements of incubator tenants while safeguarding their interests and adhering to professional ethics. Additionally, it seeks to enhance the standards and motivation of its staff members, establish mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers and partners through stable, long-term collaboration, and increase the satisfaction of all stakeholders invested in the incubator’s successful operations.

The incubator comprises three buildings, and rental of business space at BIOS is available to start-up entrepreneurs engaged in manufacturing activities or in fields such as ICT, multimedia, digital graphics, bioinformatics, biotechnology, electrical engineering, and e-business. Start-up entrepreneurs are permitted to operate within the incubator for five years, while other entrepreneurs can do so for three years.

Among the advantages of BIOS are its low costs and vibrant community. The incubator provides the most affordable business space in the city, along with low overhead costs. Being part of the incubator means connecting with other entrepreneurs, observing their operations, learning from their experiences, exchanging ideas, and leveraging business opportunities.