With the aim of strengthening academic-economic ties and opening new opportunities for young people, a memorandum of cooperation was signed on January 31 between the “Privredna akademija” University and the Municipality of Šamac. This document formalizes a strategic partnership that will enable the development of education, science, and the economy, and provide young people with better conditions for schooling and future employment.

The memorandum, signed by the Rector of the “Privredna akademija” University, Željko Petrić, and the Mayor of Šamac, Đorđe Miličević, represents a foundation for future projects that will improve the local community and provide students with a direct connection to the economic sector.

Such agreements are not just mere documents – they are a bridge between academic excellence and the practical application of knowledge in the real sector. The advantage of this cooperation is reflected in areas key to the municipality’s development, such as economics, management, informatics, and law. This reduces the exodus of young people and creates a professional workforce that can contribute to the local economy. Students and professors will be able to conduct analyses on the state of the economy, tourism, agriculture, or entrepreneurship in Šamac. The University can organize professional courses and workshops for municipal employees and entrepreneurs, and Šamac can become more attractive to investors because it would have a qualified workforce and innovative programs to support the economy.

The Rector of the “Privredna akademija” University, Željko Petrić, expressed great satisfaction with the signing of the memorandum and highlighted the importance of mutual support in the development of education and the economy.

“We are pleased to be able to help each other and contribute to the progress of both the educational and economic spheres through joint efforts. The ‘Privredna akademija’ University advocates for education that is not just theoretical, but has a clear application in the real world. This cooperation allows students to gain practical knowledge and experience in the local community, while the economy will have the opportunity to obtain high-quality and professional staff. I believe that this memorandum will bring numerous positive changes and that we will build the foundations for a more successful future together,” stated Petrić.

On the other hand, the Mayor of Šamac, Đorđe Miličević, emphasized that this memorandum is part of a broader strategy of the local government to create a better business environment and strengthen the economy.

“The Municipality of Šamac has always been committed to improving education and creating opportunities for young people. By signing this memorandum, we show our commitment to investing in knowledge, innovation, and cooperation with the academic community. Our local economy will benefit directly from this, because through internships and professional development, we will get high-quality staff ready to respond to market challenges, and on the other hand, I am glad that we will be able to offer our qualities and resources to this university,” said Miličević.

This agreement brings numerous benefits – from the organization of professional internships, research projects, and knowledge exchange, to concrete initiatives that will contribute to the economic strengthening of the Municipality of Šamac. In a time when education and the economy are closely linked, such collaborations are the key to success and development. Students can perform internships in local companies and institutions in Šamac, where they would gain real work experience; municipal data can be used for research within the university. In cooperation with the Municipality of Šamac, the university can encourage young people to start their own businesses through startup centers and mentoring support.

The signing of the memorandum is not just a formal act, but a symbol of commitment to education, innovation, and progress. With this move, the “Privredna akademija” University and the Municipality of Šamac are paving the way toward a brighter future, showing that only through joint work and vision can an environment be created in which young people will have the chance to realize their potential and contribute to the development of the community in which they live.

Additional projects are also planned, such as educational workshops, innovation centers, and mentoring programs, which will allow students to gain invaluable experience and improve their knowledge. Through this partnership, the “Privredna akademija” University and the Municipality of Šamac are sending a clear message – education and the economy must go hand in hand to create a stable and prosperous future for all citizens.