This year’s edition of MBF in Rovinj has ended as a four-day epicenter of business visions, which brought together leaders, experts and visionaries from more than 20 industrial sectors. This year’s edition was marked by topics that define the future: artificial intelligence and robotics, sustainable development, urban transformations, luxury real estate, digital infrastructure, innovations in the hospitality sector, health prevention and management of complex projects. Through inspiring lectures, panel discussions, exhibition space and informal networking, MBF confirmed its role as a key platform for knowledge exchange and business opportunity creation.
The first day began with powerful lectures on artificial intelligence and robotics, led by prof. emeritus Bojan Jerbić, who pointed out that robots, with an IQ above 140, are already outperforming humans in areas such as medical operations, announcing an increase in the number of robots to 10 million by 2030. Carlo Stanga delighted with an artistic depiction of cities, while a panel on real estate financing, with Tomislav Kamenski, Aida Mujčić and Samir Kulenović, discussed the challenges of housing in Croatia. The panel on hydrogen, with Ante Čikotić, Josip Ergović and Dr. Danica Maljković, highlighted the global race in this technology, while prof. dr. sc. Dragan Primorac inspired with the message “There is no room for small dreams”. Special emphasis was placed on the lecture by Dr. Jaume Domenech, under the auspices of Themelia, who spoke about the evolution of the office, highlighting the importance of flexible and sustainable workspaces that foster creativity and well-being. Ana Šimunović presented communication methods for leaders, and Jasmin Alić, a leading LinkedIn creator, shared branding strategies.
The second day brought a focus on urban transformations and digital innovation. The “Waterfronts and Coasts” panel, moderated by Pier Nicola Currà, explored the potential of coastal areas for urban revitalization, while the panel on technology leadership, with Stephanie Trpkov, highlighted the role of 5G networks and AI in business. Luxury real estate was at the center of the panel discussion with global representatives of Sotheby’s, who highlighted Croatia’s attractiveness to global investors. Dr. Niko Mihić inspired with a lecture on the application of health methods from sports to the wider population, while panels on project management and innovation in the hospitality sector, with Ognjen Bagatin, showed how technology optimizes complex processes.
MBF concluded with a rich exhibition space where companies such as INA, Nexe, ZABA, Končar, Samsung and Sotheby’s presented the latest technologies and solutions for sustainable development. Business lounges and an entertainment program enabled informal networking, creating partnerships that will shape the future of industries. The event brought together more than 100 speakers and 1,500 visitors, confirming its importance for Croatia as a platform for attracting investments, promoting tourism and strengthening economic competitiveness. For the rest of the world, MBF represents a bridge between regional and global trends, positioning Croatia as a key destination for innovation and business opportunities in Europe.
MBF will return to Rovinj next year from October 8 to 11, 2026, when it will once again gather experts from various industries with a rich and dynamic program.
Source and photos: MBF