ESIS Extension / Bosnia / IS Promotional Activities / Update Memo 4

Using the national and regional programs of the local governments and public services, the Open Society Foundation B-H attempts to offer support to those projects that will contribute in the future to more effective work of the administrative bodies on all levels. In the scope of the program, the Foundation supports public administration education, training for local governments, public administration research, and information and projects for improvement of the work of local government.

After operating for a few years when the main goal was preservation of the education system, the Open Society Foundation B-H can now participate in projects that contributes to advanced, quality changes in the education system in the country. This program supports all levels of the education system. However, for our purposes only two items are worth mentioning: the enrichment the education process with new teaching methods based on the new information technologies, and the introduction of computers into the lecturing process and their integration with the Internet. In addition, there are activities for general support for the educational system, including procurement of computers and other high-tech teaching assets.

This program offers access to medical magazines on CD ROM's for medical libraries throughout the country and is initiated by the Open Society Foundation B-H.

Through this program, some basic Internet services are provided, as well as an Internet hookup for the academic and non-profit network. The Open Society Foundation B-H ensures the necessary equipment and the support of the local development of Internet services. Training in this field is emphasised. Unlike previous years, when the priority task was to develop the Internet infrastructure, now the focus of this program has been shifted to Internet training.

This Open Society Foundation B-H program offers information on the possibilities and methods of education at universities and other educational institutions in the country and abroad. Information is available on the possibilities for education, study courses, and workshops in various academic areas in local and foreign higher educational institutions. It also distributes the information on how to apply to foreign universities and seminars, as well as how to seek financial assistance, scholarships, or student jobs. The title (SRCE) means "heart" in the local language.

This is generic name for complementary Open Society Foundation B-H projects whose aim is to improve the environment in which non-governmental organisations function in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The LEA (Law, Education and Advocacy) part concentrates on developing a legal structure in which NGOs can operate efficiently and effectively. The other part, LINK, provides opportunities for networking and possibilities for shared advocacy among NGOs. Together, the LEA/LINK program conducts a public education campaign designated to raise citizens' awareness of NGOs and other activities.

Apart from the support of the creation of economic stability and proficiency of management in the media field, the focus is particularly insistent on professional journalism standards as well as on the mastery of modern production and sharing of information and communications techniques. The Open Society Foundation B-H encourages focusing efforts in the field of education and training in three directions: media-journalistic culture, production knowledge, and media management.

This program (by the Open Society Foundation B-H) supports purchase of books for the libraries, implementation of seminars and workshops for librarians. A major part, however, is the computerisation of libraries in Bosnia and Herzegovina and development of information technologies in libraries.

The main goal of this program is aimed towards the legal education, the preservation of the dignity of the law profession, and the transformation of the legal system. For our purposes it is interesting because of the usage of all available resources of the Soros Foundation network, providing the participants with Internet-based data and offering them a means of communications and exchange with colleagues. Besides, special emphasis is given to European law, media law, etc.

The World University Service Austria (WUS) established the "Center of Excellent Projects" as a cradle for new initiatives. A special tender was concluded in mid-March. Out of the twelve approved projects six are connected to our themes: Telemedicine, Laboratory for Computer techniques, Laboratory for CAD/CAM technologies (two projects), Computer supported mine and coal areas modelling, Laboratory for Digital Systems and Signals.

The World University Service Austria (WUS) aimed this program towards faculties of the University of Sarajevo. The main goal is to provide technical and material support for faculties to connect to the university computer network. The necessary equipment will be provided.

This program from the World University Service Austria (WUS) is the successor of very successful program "Ideas for Action" several years ago. Its important mission is to promote the practical implementation of students' projects. Program covers such activities as improvements of databases in university libraries, consultations, internet educational seminars etc.

There are four levels of tax legislation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and there are a lot of rules and directives. In co-operation with both Ministries of Finance (FBiH and RS), Supreme courts, Faculty of Law in Sarajevo and some international organisations, the Inter-tec Tuzla prepares the fully computerised application "The Tax Surveyor", which is available for all taxpayers, other subjects liable to taxation, Tax Offices and similar users.

This initiative is developed in co-operation with the Tuzla Canton Ministry of reconstruction, Enterprise and Development. A special database is being built. and the information is supplied by Municipal data centers (13 out of 14). The goal is to provide an overview of several areas. At the moment, the agriculture and industry (mostly mining and chemical industry) and tourism are covered the best. Per Municipality, one can find information on history, economy, public services, companies/enterprises and educational facilities.

Besides standard services, like free e-mail accounts, forums and Internet access, there are many interesting contents. There is great information dedicated to art, especially to theatre, galleries and literature. Radio broadcasting over the Internet is also present.

It manages a special "electronic bulletin board system" aimed towards commercial companies and enterprises. All information of promotions, fairs and some tenders can be found here. The project provides very useful up-to-date information regarding merchant, trade, customs and business relations with EU countries.

In conjunction with BIRE 2000 Exhibition in June in Sarajevo, the Independent Media Commission and ITE Exhibitions prepares a showcase of broadcasting, multimedia and telecommunications technologies. The Forum will comprise a series of seminars which will provide a unique platform for European, US and regional business in industry leaders in telecommunications, broadcast, multimedia, manufacturing, and regulatory bodies to share their ideas and discuss appropriate strategies. The Forum will focus predominately on three main themes:

The Agency for Privatisation in the FBiH put all of its experience available to the world community by means of the Internet technologies. Texts of laws, regulations, instructions, directives etc. are present in full. Model of privatisation is presented and a wide forum is ready for discussions. Lists of enterprises for small and large scale privatisation (for sale on auctions or tenders) are available. Some authorised agencies are also mentioned and links to publicly announced tenders could be found.

Inter-tec Tuzla and Commercial Bank Tuzla announced the Internet Shopping Centre. The goal is to provide the opportunity of shopping over the Internet. Over 100 companies already offered their products.

Inter-tec Tuzla offered a free-of-charge on-line legal service on the Internet. Users can put their questions via e-mails. Experts from various legal and juridical areas provide answers, advices, suggestions, etc.

Interliber is an online bookstore currently offering titles written in Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian languages with subjects varying from all literature areas. In order to overcome problems related to infrastructure and availability of high-quality books published in local languages, they decided to connect the increasing popularity of the Internet with popularity of books. They have close relationship with National Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which categorizes every published title. Interliber is an excellent opportunity for local publishers to grow their business and increase sales.

Please note that this report has been prepared under the sole responsibility of the ESIS II contractors.
It does not necessarily reflect the views of the Commission, nor does the Commission accept responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of information contained herein.
The ESIS Team of contractors welcomes any additional information or corrections.