The Faculty of Economics, University of Banja Luka, and the E-business Laboratory are organizing a guest lecture by Mr. Stephen Ezell, Vice President for Global Innovation Policy at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation – ITIF.

The lecture topic is “Innovation and Digital Transformation: Drivers of Competitiveness in the Modern Economy.”

Mr. Stephen Ezell is Vice President for Global Innovation Policy at ITIF, Director of ITIF’s Center for Life Sciences Innovation, and leader of the Global Trade and Innovation Policy Alliance. His areas of expertise include science and technology policy, international competitiveness, trade, and manufacturing, and he has authored and co-authored publications in the fields of innovation economics, global competitiveness, and innovation systems.

The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation – ITIF is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit research and educational institute based in Washington, D.C. ITIF focuses on analyzing and developing public policy solutions that support innovation, technological development, productivity, and the competitiveness of modern economies. Its work covers areas such as information technology and data, innovation and competitiveness, advanced manufacturing, trade, science and research, regulatory frameworks, and public investment.

The lecture will focus on the role of innovation and digital transformation in strengthening the competitiveness of modern economies, with particular attention to technological change, innovation policy, artificial intelligence, digital manufacturing, trade, investment, and the factors shaping global economic competitiveness.

The lecture will take place on 18 May 2026 at 13:00, in the Ceremonial Hall of the Faculty of Economics.

The lecture is organized within the Freedom250 initiative, following a proposal by the Embassy of the United States of America.