The Institute of Public Finance and the Faculty of Economics & Business, University of Zagreb, organized the international academic conference Public Sector Economics: New developments in the economics of education on 23 September 2024. Experts analysed numerous topics and examples from their countries, exchanging knowledge, experiences, and potential solutions for the challenges facing educational systems.

The conference covered a wide range of subjects, including but not limited to country experiences with educational reforms and programmes, education and labour markets, innovative approaches, job satisfaction, and educational mobility. The overall message was clear: education is the cornerstone of more resilient economies.

Keynote speeches were delivered by two eminent professors – Daniele Checchi from the University of Milan and Harry Anthony Patrinos from the University in Arkansas.

Conference participants were greeted by Ivan Vidiš, State Secretary at the Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy of the Republic of Croatia; Hrvoje Meštrić, Director-General of the Directorate for Science and Technology, Ministry of Science, Education and Youth; Hana Zoričić, Deputy to the Chief State Treasurer at Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Croatia; Hana Huzjak, Economic Advisor to the European Commission Representation in Croatia and Jakša Krišto, Vice Dean for Students and Study Programs at the Faculty of Economics & Business, University of Zagreb.

Director of the Institute of Public Finance Vjekoslav Bratić highlighted in his address that education enhances human capital, stimulating economic growth and development while delivering broader societal benefits. But he also warned: “Global spending on education has stagnated or even declined in recent years. Educational systems face a shortage of qualified teachers and a limited extent of early childhood education and care, while little attention is paid to the design of educational policies. As a result, achieving inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education is more pressing than ever.”

The conference was supported by the European Commission Representation in Croatia as a partner, the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Croatia, the Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy of the Republic of Croatia, and sponsors – Croatian Association of Cities, Croatian County Association, Croatian Post, JANAF.

This was the ninth Public Sector Economics conference organised by the Institute of Public Finance, with each of the previous editions covering a different topic. More information and presentations are available at the conference website.