On 22 November 2024, we held the 7th edition of the traditional Torpedo Days event in the Torpedo Production Park under a joint organisation with the Centre Europe Direct Rijeka and the project EDIH Adria. This year's theme, “Digital evolution: AI solutions for business success,” attracted participants from the world of entrepreneurship, technology and the public sector.
The Mayor of Rijeka, Marko, addressed the audience at the opening. Filipović and Director of the Rijeka Development Agency Porin, Nenad Antolović. Mayor Filipović stressed the importance of Torpedo Days in positioning Rijeka as a city of innovation, emphasizing the city's commitment to projects that foster digital transformation and economic development. The event also presented the Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act), the key legislative framework of the European Union for the responsible use of AI technologies discussed by Ana. Jerkovic, Head of Europe Direct Rijeka.
The program was marked by an inspiring speech by Peter Dučić from the company Infobip, on the topic ‘AI in business: how digital evolution drives success" . Dučić provided an overview of the latest trends in the implementation of AI solutions and shared examples of successful projects that show how artificial intelligence enables innovation and increases the competitiveness of companies. He stressed that today there are increasingly visible trends with which brands as a whole are so-called ‘customer journey“ leave it to digital tools, so today, in the world, customers are enabled to communicate with the brand, purchase products and give feedback on the process through, for example, the WhatsApp application.
The event continued with the presentation of concrete test results ’test before invest“ activities on traffic optimisation in the area of the City of Opatija, the Municipality of Matulji and the City of Cres. Saša Vojvodić and Neven Grubišić presented examples of how AI can improve transport solutions and contribute to the sustainable development of local communities.
Panel discussion on the topic “How AI shapes the future of business” gathered leading experts, Petra Dučić (Infobip), Damira Medveda (EDIH Adria), Tomislava Lukić (Croator) and Daniel Antonic (City of Rijeka). The discussion was moderated by Nenad Antolović, while the introduction was given by Damir Medved. Panellists discussed the challenges and opportunities brought by AI, with an emphasis on the importance of education and adaptation of entrepreneurs to new technologies. A particular interest of the panels is the fact that the questions for the panellists were designed with the help of ChatGPT, which further demonstrated the potential of AI in practical application.
Finally, the participants had the opportunity to participate in the interactive the AI Quiz, which further delighted the audience with its innovativeness. The meeting was concluded at the afterparty, which provided an opportunity to network and exchange experiences in a relaxed atmosphere.
The 7th edition of Torpedo Days once again showed the importance of cooperation between the private sector, academia and public institutions in shaping the digital future of Rijeka and the wider region. It is especially emphasized that Rijeka, through projects such as the Sinergan Incubator, which soon opens its doors, is committed to creating space for the development of IT, creative and smart-city industries. Synergana will support entrepreneurs, students and creative innovators, thus confirming the city's position as a hub for innovation and digital advancement.
