How do those who will co-create the future of companies think? What solutions are emerging at the intersection of management, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, leadership and contemporary consumer trends?
On Wednesday, 10 June 2026, the first DOBA Showcase took place – an online event intended for companies, organisations and everyone interested in practical solutions for business development in the age of digitalisation, artificial intelligence, new forms of work and changing expectations among employees and consumers. The event was held in Slovenian language, with the option of using AI tool to translate the content into English.
Participants were first addressed by the Dean of DOBA University of Applied Sciences, Dr Gorazd Justinek, who highlighted the importance of connecting knowledge with practice and the role of the faculty in developing competences for the future. This was followed by Marko Lukić, President of the Managers’ Association and Director of Lumar, who emphasised the current challenges of management and the importance of bold, responsible and future-oriented leadership. The event was moderated by Higher Education Lecturer Dr Marina Letonja.
The central part of the event was dedicated to short, dynamic presentations by five selected master’s graduates of DOBA University of Applied Sciences. Through 5–7-minute pitches, they presented solutions and reflections addressing current topics in the modern business environment: innovation, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, financial technologies, smart communities and the future of work.
The focus was on ideas that connect academic knowledge, research work and real challenges faced by organisations.
Master’s theses are not only the conclusion of a study journey, but can become an important starting point for reflection, innovation and concrete change in practice.
Katja Štajner presented psychological capital as an important lever of innovation and wellbeing at work. Her topic opened the question of how employees’ self-confidence, hope, optimism and resilience can become a strategic advantage for organisations seeking to build more engaged, creative and resilient working environments.
Anže Bitenc presented the digital renewal of training in Slovenian volunteer firefighting. The example showed how digital tools can meaningfully complement traditional forms of education, including in environments where practical competence and field readiness are of key importance.
Karmen Prebil focused on the use of artificial intelligence in online marketing and a new understanding of the consumer. She highlighted the opportunities that artificial intelligence brings for better understanding customer journeys, user experience and attitudes towards brands, while also drawing attention to the importance of trust as one of the key factors in modern consumer decision-making.
Marcel Piskač presented the use of neural networks as support in forecasting financial markets. His presentation opened up reflection on how advanced artificial intelligence models can support analytics, decision-making and the recognition of patterns in a complex financial environment.
Maja Fink presented the concept of smart villages and digital and smart solutions for the future of the Slovenian countryside. She emphasised that technology must not be an end in itself, but a tool for improving quality of life, strengthening the connectedness of local communities and supporting a more successful digital transformation of rural environments.
DOBA Showcase thus offered an insight into the diversity of ideas emerging within master study at DOBA University of Applied Sciences. The common thread of the presentations was clear: the future of business requires the integration of knowledge, technology, responsible leadership and an understanding of people.
For companies and organisations, the event was an opportunity to discover fresh perspectives on current challenges, identify potential practice-based solutions and connect with promising individuals who understand the modern business environment and are able to think developmentally.
The first DOBA Showcase confirmed that academic work can become an important source of inspiration for business practice.
The future is not created only through major strategies, but also through concrete ideas from individuals who know how to recognise challenges, explore solutions and present them in a way that opens up space for further dialogue, cooperation and development.
Did you miss the event? You can watch the recording at this link.