BIT Alliance

What is BIT Alliance?

BIT Alliance is the leading association of the most significant IT companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). 

Since its founding in 2014, BIT Alliance is focused on improving the country’s IT ecosystem and creating a favorable business environment for the industry’s growth and development.

The organization continuously works on addressing identified problems and challenges while highlighting the exceptional IT potential of B&H.

Currently, BIT Alliance unites 58 IT companies in the country, which employ around 80% of B&H’s total IT personnel. The B&H IT industry generates approximately 500 million BAM annually (approximately US$280 million). 

According to the latest research by BIT Alliance, B&H faces a deficit of about 6,000 people in the IT sector. 

The shortfall results in a missed opportunity to generate around 1.5 billion BAM annually from environmentally clean jobs with excellent working conditions, which would help reduce the unemployment rate and youth outflow.

BIT Alliance collaborates with over 50 partners, integrating expertise and resources to create an advanced platform aimed at developing digital solutions for both the economy and society in B&H

Key goals of BIT Alliance

BIT Alliance’s efforts are focused on three primary objectives. These goals aim to create a robust IT ecosystem that supports the industry’s growth and development.

1. Cooperation with the academic community

BIT Alliance’s primary goal is to collaborate with educational institutions to revise the curricula of elementary schools, high schools, and colleges to meet the needs of the IT industry. 

The organization is dedicated to providing quality education to the youth through various projects and programs, such as the Bit Lab.

This initiative involves cooperation with universities, schools, professional associations, and other organizations both domestically and internationally. 

By aligning educational programs with industry requirements, BIT Alliance aims to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in the IT sector.

2. Cooperation with the government

BIT Alliance considers cooperation with the government crucial for creating a favorable and stable business environment in B&H. 

The IT industry lacks specific regulations within national legislation, making it necessary to work with the government to adopt a comprehensive strategy and policy for its development.

Such strategic documents would include precise measures and the involvement of relevant institutions, leading to:

• Improvements in the education system
• Simplified business processes for companies
• Increased youth employment in the sector

Effective government collaboration is essential for establishing a supportive framework that promotes the IT industry’s growth.

3. Cooperation among member companies

BIT Alliance emphasizes the importance of collaboration among its member companies. A unified approach enables the organization to address challenges collectively and present a cohesive voice to relevant institutions. 

By working together, member companies can overcome obstacles that hinder the industry’s growth and development. 

The synergy created through mutual support allows BIT Alliance to employ over 2800 young experts who develop and distribute software for some of the world’s largest companies. 

This collaborative effort ensures that each member company plays a vital role in advancing the IT industry in B&H.

Through these efforts, BIT Alliance aims to address industry challenges, support educational advancement, and create a conducive environment for business growth.

BIT Alliance: IT Manifesto

The IT Manifesto of BIT Alliance is a comprehensive strategy aimed at the development of the IT industry in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). 

The Manifesto identifies key problems and proposes solutions to overcome them, with the ultimate goal of making B&H one of the leading IT economies in the region. 

3 pillars of IT Manifesto

BIT Alliance’s IT Manifesto strategy is built around three primary pillars, aligning with the Triple Helix Model (University-Industry-Government relations).

1. Education

The Manifesto emphasizes the importance of aligning educational curricula with the needs of the IT industry. This involves revising elementary, high school, and college programs to better prepare students for careers in IT. 

BIT Alliance collaborates with academic institutions, professional associations, and international organizations to provide quality education through various projects, such as the Bit Lab. 

It aims to ensure that the workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in the IT sector.

2. Legislation

Another critical goal of the Manifesto is to establish specific regulations and policies for the IT industry in B&H. BIT Alliance seeks to work with the government to adopt a comprehensive strategy and policy for the development of the IT industry at the state level. 

This strategy includes clear measures for relevant institutions to improve the education system, facilitate business operations, and encourage youth employment in the IT sector. 

Effective legislation is seen as essential for creating a stable and conducive business environment.

3. Economy

The Manifesto aims to foster economic prosperity by promoting cooperation among member companies. By working together, IT companies can address common challenges, present a unified approach to relevant institutions, and drive the industry’s growth. 

The combined efforts of over 2800 experts from member companies help develop and distribute software for major global clients. 

This collaborative approach is designed to create a supportive ecosystem that enhances economic opportunities and contributes to the overall development of the IT industry in B&H.