The forum opened with remarks by Prof. Mislav Ante Omazić, President of the Management Board of IEDC, who emphasized IEDC’s long-term mission:
“For almost forty years, IEDC has been committed to developing leaders who not only know how to manage change, but also understand its causes, anticipate its consequences, and develop responsible solutions.” He added that while predicting the future is difficult, preparedness for it is essential.
Daria Krivonos, CEO of the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies (Denmark), highlighted the importance of future-oriented thinking, noting that there is no data on the future — only imagination, scenario-building, and strategic curiosity. She described the “European triangle of sorrow” — slow economic growth, aging demographics, and rising geopolitical pressure — as Europe’s major vulnerability. The essential capability of leaders, she stated, lies in questioning cognitive biases and asking better strategic questions:
“The future is important, but never urgent enough — and so companies often neglect it.”
Dr. Dominique Turcq, Founder and President of the Boostzone Institute (France), presented three forces that will reshape business: demographic change, technological breakthroughs, and society’s rising expectations of companies. Future corporate success, he argued, will require broader accountability beyond shareholder value, including the introduction of ethics oversight and strengthening leadership competencies in strategy, communication, and people development.
During the roundtable discussion, speakers stressed the need for a fresh European mindset, investment in young talent, and renewed work discipline:
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Michela Cattaruzza Bellinello (Ocean Team, Italy) pointed out that Europe’s strength rests on knowledge, learning, and responsibility — and on re-educating younger generations about the role of effort and commitment.
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Dr. Wolfgang Litzlbauer (Umdasch Group, Austria) warned that Europe will face increasing challenges in competition with Asia, where working norms and expectations differ dramatically.
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Gordan Kolak (Končar, Croatia) stressed that the energy transition is already underway and that companies must accelerate the shift toward electrified and sustainable technologies.
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Blaž Brodnjak (NLB, Slovenia) emphasized resilience — personal, team-level, and institutional — supported by the stabilizing role of the EU.
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Aymeric Royere (Novartis, Slovenia) highlighted that success requires a strategic focus combined with balanced cultural development, regulatory strength, and diversification.
The forum concluded with reflections by Prof. Danica Purg, Dean of IEDC – Bled School of Management:
“Last year, we dared to ask: ‘Competitive Europe – Paradise Lost or a New Drive?’ This year, we explored how this ‘new drive’ can help leaders find direction in an increasingly unpredictable world.”
She emphasized that leadership resilience is not created through strategy alone:
“It can only be found through reflection, wisdom, and learning from our history and humanity.”