Bridging the Gap Between Technical Expertise and Management in Croatia
Transitioning from a technical specialist to a management role is one of the most difficult career shifts an engineering professional can make. While technical roles rely heavily on analytical skills, problem-solving, and deep domain knowledge, leadership requires an entirely different set of competencies: strategic thinking, interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, and organizational design. In Croatia, as the information technology sector continues to expand rapidly, the demand for professionals who possess both technical backgrounds and refined management skills has never been higher. Recognizing this critical industry need, the University of Zagreb Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing has taken a proactive approach to cultivating technology leadership.
Instead of leaving this professional development to chance or relying solely on international programs, local institutions are stepping up to provide contextually relevant training. By addressing the specific challenges faced by IT managers in the region, these initiatives ensure that the next generation of executives is equipped to lead domestic and international tech companies effectively.
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Inside the Technical Leadership Program (TLP) 2026
At the forefront of this educational push is the Technical Leadership Program (TLP), a joint initiative organized by the University of Zagreb Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing and the IEDC – Bled School of Management. Running from February to July 2026, this intensive program brings together 26 managers from the information technology sector and related industries. The primary objective is to accelerate the development of their leadership and management competencies, preparing them for the complexities of executive-level decision-making.
Under the academic direction of Mladen Pejković and Nenad Filipović, the curriculum is delivered by 15 distinguished experts serving as core lecturers. Furthermore, the program integrates real-world perspectives by bringing in around ten special guest speakers who hold executive positions in successful Croatian and international companies. This blend of academic rigor and practical business insight ensures that participants are not just learning abstract theories, but are engaging with material that has been tested in the market.
A Curriculum Designed for the IT Sector
Generic MBA programs often fail to address the nuanced challenges of managing technical teams, such as software development life cycles, agile methodologies at scale, and the retention of highly specialized talent. The TLP structure is specifically tailored for the IT industry. Participants explore frameworks for organizational management that make sense for tech-driven environments. By focusing on the intersection of engineering processes and human capital management, the program provides tools that managers can immediately apply to their daily operations. The focus remains on practical application rather than theoretical overload, ensuring that education in Croatia directly benefits the local tech ecosystem.
Real-World Insights from Industry Executives
A defining feature of the 2026 cohort is the caliber of guest speakers who have shared their experiences. Learning from those who have successfully navigated the path from technical roles to the C-suite provides invaluable context for current managers. The TLP 2026 has hosted a roster of high-profile leaders, including:
- Professor Vedran Bilas, PhD: The Dean of the Faculty, providing an institutional perspective on the evolution of technical education.
- Petar Bobek: Member of the Management Board of Končar d.d., offering insights into managing large-scale engineering and manufacturing operations.
- Damir Sabol: Founder of Iskon and Photomath, and current Engineering Director at Google, representing the pinnacle of global tech entrepreneurship and engineering management.
- Ivan Gabrić: President of the Management Board of IN2 Group, sharing knowledge on scaling IT services and solutions.
- Gordan Kreković: Chief Executive Officer of Visage Technologies, bringing expertise in AI and computer vision commercialization.
- Davor Tomašković: President of the Management Board of Croatia osiguranje, highlighting the intersection of technology and traditional industries like insurance.
This diverse mix of speakers ensures that participants are exposed to multiple management philosophies, from startup agility to corporate governance.
Strategic Venues for Applied Learning
Effective executive education requires more than just a lecture hall. The organizers of the TLP understand that environment plays a crucial role in the learning process. Consequently, the program utilizes a multi-venue approach that immerses participants in different business contexts. Sessions have been hosted directly at the University of Zagreb Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, grounding the leadership training in an academic environment dedicated to technological advancement.
Beyond the campus, the program moved to the corporate headquarters of IN2 Group and Končar. Hosting modules inside active, leading companies allows participants to observe organizational cultures and operational realities firsthand. It bridges the gap between classroom concepts and the actual floor of a tech enterprise. In early June, the program transitions to Bled, Slovenia, where participants are hosted by the IEDC – Bled School of Management. This international component broadens the perspective of the cohort, exposing them to regional business dynamics and networking opportunities outside their immediate local circles.
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Participant Experiences and Program Outcomes
The true measure of any educational program lies in the feedback of its participants. The response from the 2026 TLP cohort indicates a high degree of satisfaction and immediate practical value. Managers have highlighted several key takeaways that demonstrate the program’s effectiveness in building technology leadership.
Participants consistently noted the extreme value of the presented concepts, particularly praising the interactive exercises and games prepared by professors and guest lecturers. In adult education, particularly for busy managers, passive listening is rarely effective. The TLP’s emphasis on active participation ensures that learning sticks. As one participant noted, the highly motivated lecturers successfully encouraged enthusiasm and interaction, creating a dynamic learning atmosphere.
The most frequently cited benefit was the emphasis on practical exercises. Management theories can often feel abstract, but participants found that hands-on activities helped strengthen and clarify key organizational management methods. These exercises made complex concepts easier to understand and, crucially, easier to apply in real-world situations upon returning to their respective companies.
Furthermore, the program prompted significant professional introspection. One participant summarized the experience by noting that the module encouraged a great deal of self-reflection and a necessary reconsideration of both professional and personal aspects of life. This holistic approach to leadership—recognizing that personal well-being and professional efficacy are deeply linked—is a hallmark of high-quality executive coaching and training.
Share your experiences in the comments below regarding the transition from technical roles to management.
Advancing Academic Programs in Zagreb
The Technical Leadership Program is a prime example of how academic programs in Zagreb are evolving to meet the lifelong learning needs of the workforce. Historically, universities were viewed strictly as institutions for undergraduate and graduate education. Today, the University of Zagreb Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing is positioning itself as a continuous partner in professional development.
By partnering with the IEDC – Bled School of Management, FER is leveraging complementary strengths. FER provides the deep technical context and industry credibility, while IEDC brings decades of specialized expertise in executive education. This collaborative model is highly effective and serves as a blueprint for future specialized programs. Whether through specialist studies in areas like information security, electronic communications market regulation, or executive leadership, the institution is clearly committed to supporting professionals at every stage of their careers.
For the Croatian economy, this is a strategic advantage. Retaining top tech talent requires providing clear pathways for career advancement. When senior engineers see that they can access world-class management training without leaving the country, they are more likely to stay and build their careers domestically, thereby strengthening the local industry.
Take the Next Step in Your Management Career
Developing technology leadership is a continuous process that requires deliberate effort, the right mentors, and a supportive learning environment. The Technical Leadership Program demonstrates that the resources to build these skills are available locally, backed by the academic rigor of the University of Zagreb Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing and the practical insights of top regional executives.
If you are a technical professional stepping into a management role, or an experienced manager looking to refine your strategic approach, investing in targeted executive education is a critical step. The long-term impact of such programs extends beyond the individual, creating a ripple effect of improved team dynamics, better product delivery, and stronger organizational cultures within the technology sector.
Have questions? Write to us!
For those interested in joining future cohorts or learning more about the structure and admission requirements of similar lifelong learning initiatives, reaching out to the program coordinators is the best first step. Detailed information is typically made available through the official TLP – Lifelong Learning portals.
Submit your application today to express your interest in upcoming executive education cohorts.
