Transitioning from a technical expert to a strategic leader requires more than just years of experience; it demands a deliberate shift in mindset and a robust set of management competencies. Recognizing this critical industry need, the University of Zagreb Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, in collaboration with IEDC – Bled School of Management, designed an intensive executive education track specifically for this purpose. The recently completed Technical Leadership Program (TLP) demonstrates how targeted educational programs in Croatia are actively shaping the next generation of IT executives.
Over a rigorous six-month period, 26 managers from the IT sector and adjacent industries participated in a comprehensive curriculum that bridged the gap between complex technological execution and high-level business strategy. For professionals looking to elevate their careers, understanding the structure and impact of this program provides a clear blueprint for what effective IT sector leadership training should look like.
Submit your application today to secure your spot in the upcoming cohort.
Bridging the Gap Between Engineering Expertise and Executive Management
Engineers and technical professionals often possess deep, specialized knowledge but face a steep learning curve when promoted to management roles. The challenge lies not in understanding the technology, but in aligning that technology with overarching business goals, managing diverse teams, and communicating effectively with stakeholders. The Technical Leadership Program was structured specifically to address these operational and strategic voids.
Under the academic leadership of Mladen Pejković and Nenad Filipović, the program moved beyond theoretical lectures. It emphasized practical application, requiring participants to engage in active problem-solving, case study analysis, and peer-to-peer knowledge exchange. This cohort-based approach ensures that managers learn not only from academic experts but also from the varied, real-world experiences of their fellow participants.
Analyzing the Core Curriculum of the Technical Leadership Program
Effective IT sector leadership requires a multidisciplinary approach. The TLP addressed this by delivering 16 distinct modules over 240 hours of instruction. The curriculum was carefully segmented to cover the full spectrum of executive responsibilities.
Strategic and Financial Acumen
Technical leaders must be able to speak the language of the boardroom. Modules in Strategic Management and Financial Analytics equipped participants with the tools to evaluate market positioning, assess project viability, and understand the financial implications of technical decisions. By mastering these concepts, managers learn to justify research and development investments and demonstrate clear return on investment (ROI) for technological initiatives.
Operational Execution and Team Dynamics
Executing strategy requires strong operational frameworks. The program dedicated significant time to Operations and Project Management, alongside Team Management and Personal Leadership Development. Participants explored methodologies like Lean, learned how to structure high-performing teams, and developed techniques for resolving conflicts and driving productivity without micromanaging. These modules are crucial for leaders who must deliver complex software or hardware projects on time and within budget.
Technology and Risk Management
Even at the executive level, leaders cannot afford to ignore the underlying technology. Modules covering IT Architecture, Software Development, and Technological Excellence ensured that participants stayed connected to the technical foundations of their industries. Furthermore, specialized training in Cybersecurity and Crisis Communication prepared these leaders to mitigate modern digital threats and manage public perception during critical incidents.
Schedule a free consultation to learn more about the program’s prerequisites and curriculum details.
Learning from Industry Pioneers and Academic Experts
The credibility of any executive education program relies heavily on its faculty. The University of Zagreb Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing assembled an impressive roster of 15 international experts and 10 guest speakers holding executive positions. This blend of academic rigor and street-level business experience provided participants with a holistic view of modern leadership.
Guest speakers included some of the most influential figures in the regional and global tech ecosystem. Izabel Jelenić, Co-founder and Chief Technical Officer of Infobip, shared insights on scaling global technology platforms. Damir Sabol, founder of Iskon and Photomath, and currently an Engineering Director at Google, provided perspectives on innovation and navigating hyper-growth environments. Other notable speakers included Petar Bobek of Končar d.d., Ivan Gabrić of IN2 Group, Gordan Kreković of Visage Technologies, and Igor Verstovšek, founder of Cosylab.
Hearing directly from these practitioners allows participants to see how theoretical frameworks are applied in the context of multi-million euro companies and fast-moving startups. It also provides invaluable networking opportunities, connecting participants directly with decision-makers who can offer ongoing mentorship and partnership opportunities.
Immersive Learning Environments Across Croatia and Slovenia
Modern educational programs in Croatia increasingly recognize the value of taking learning out of the traditional classroom. The TLP utilized a multi-location format to expose participants to different organizational cultures and operational models. While the core of the program took place at the University of Zagreb Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, participants also traveled to the IEDC – Bled School of Management in Slovenia.
More importantly, the program included immersive visits to leading companies such as IN2 Group, Končar, and Infobip. Closing the program at Infobip’s headquarters provided a tangible example of how Croatian technical excellence can scale into a global powerhouse. Experiencing these environments firsthand helps leaders visualize how different corporate structures, office layouts, and cultural norms impact productivity and innovation.
Share your experiences transitioning from a technical role to management in the comments below.
Participant Experiences and Measurable Impact
The true measure of an executive program is the impact it has on its participants. Feedback from the 2026 generation highlights a profound shift in perspective. As one participant noted, the program prompted a move away from purely engineering-focused questions—such as “can we build it?”—to broader business inquiries: “who is it for, why does it win, and how does it make money?”
This transition from a tactical to a strategic mindset is the primary goal of the TLP. Other participants emphasized the value of stepping outside their technical comfort zones to gain a comprehensive understanding of corporate finance, Lean methodology, and the realities of executive decision-making. The collaborative nature of the cohort also fostered a strong professional network, with participants expressing gratitude for the opportunity to learn alongside a highly capable group of peers.
Each participant was also required to develop an individual project idea with the support of a personal mentor. This practical requirement ensures that the learning translates directly into actionable strategies that participants can implement within their own organizations, creating an immediate return on their educational investment.
Applying for the 2027 Generation of the TLP
For technical professionals aiming for the C-suite or senior management roles, waiting for leadership skills to develop organically is a flawed strategy. Structured, high-intensity programs like the Technical Leadership Program accelerate this process by providing the necessary frameworks, mentorship, and networks.
Applications for the 2027 generation of the Technical Leadership Program are currently open. Ideal candidates are mid-to-senior level managers, lead engineers, or technical architects who have demonstrated excellence in their technical domains and are now ready to take on broader organizational responsibilities. The program requires a significant time commitment over six months, but the long-term benefits for both the individual and their employer are substantial.
Explore our related articles for further reading on executive education and management strategies.
Investing in IT sector leadership is no longer optional for companies that want to remain competitive. By equipping technical experts with the strategic acumen necessary to lead, the University of Zagreb Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing is playing a pivotal role in strengthening the regional tech ecosystem. If you are ready to make the transition from technical expert to strategic leader, this program represents a definitive step forward.
Have questions? Write to us to connect with the admissions team and start your application.
