Digitalization risks discussed at NEXUS congress

During the V Revicon International Public Sector Congress NEXUS in Neum, experts discussed the recurring risks associated with public sector digitalization projects. Professor Saša Mrdović from the University of Sarajevo's Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Revicon consultant Selma Dević-Kutlovac highlighted that many costly errors occur before system development even begins.

Mrdović emphasized that effective digitalization must focus on solving specific institutional problems rather than simply acquiring new software. He warned that institutions often lose control over systems they have paid for if they do not secure ownership of data, system documentation, and rights to the source code.

Key risks identified include the inability to switch vendors without massive additional costs and the failure of employees to adopt new systems, leading them to continue using paper records. Experts advised that institutions must clarify data ownership and maintenance costs during the public procurement phase to prevent long-term financial and operational issues.