At CARNET's higher education user conference, THECUC 2025, the main session discussed how the e-University project contributes to the modernization and improvement of daily work at universities.
Speaking about the role of digital transformation in the development of higher education, the Minister of Science, Education and Youth, Prof. Dr. sc. Radovan Fuchs, He emphasized that digital transformation is not an auxiliary, but a structural element of change. „Digital transformation enables more flexible forms of study, supports the development of innovative pedagogical practices and digital content, accelerates the transfer of knowledge and research results, increases institutional management efficiency, and strengthens system resilience through cybersecurity and digital infrastructure. It is an important mechanism through which higher education can realize its development vision and remain relevant in a rapidly changing society,” the minister pointed out.
Participants were presented with activities in all parts of the e-University project – from network infrastructure and multimedia, through research and education, to cybersecurity. Modernization of the network infrastructure is underway at more than 300 higher education institutions, focusing on the backbone, wireless local area networks, and security solutions at each institution. It covers more than 110 130 routers (RO), 1800 switches (SW), 8000 access points (AP).
In the segment of equipping institutions, 525 sets of equipment for various types of recording studios, hybrid classrooms, presentation halls, etc., will be delivered, along with a total of 2982 pieces of various multimedia equipment. To enhance the digital competencies of employees and ensure adequate use of the equipment, over 120 trainings have been conducted so far, covering more than 1300 participants in 7 cities across Croatia.
It has been announced dot.hr – Portal for Digital Education and Emerging Technologies, as a unique online platform that will contain timely and relevant information related to monitoring trends in the application of digital technologies in the education system.
„The portal is an important segment in building a community of practitioners that will be established as a central place for the dissemination and exchange of information, knowledge, trends, experiences, and connecting users related to the implementation of contemporary education in a digital environment. Dot.hr will primarily be intended for higher education staff, as support in applying digital technologies in education by publishing professional and other types of articles, and providing opportunities for the exchange of experiences and knowledge among higher education staff,“ he emphasized. Hrvoje Puljiz, Director of CARNET.
A new service has also been introduced – MultiLab Notebook which encompasses four demonstration laboratories for the application of advanced educational technology connected to University Centers. CARNET MultiLabs will serve as regional centers for showcasing technological equipment and software solutions applicable in the educational environment with the aim of connecting educational institutions and the economic sector according to the needs of the labor market.
In the section dedicated to cybersecurity, it was highlighted that 69 cyber incidents were recorded in higher education institutions this year, with the most common being phishing, compromised user accounts, unsolicited mail (scam, spam), and ransomware.
To improve the security level of information systems in higher education institutions and the efficiency of incident responses, two IT staff Bootcamps and two Hackultet cybersecurity training camps were conducted during the project. A Hackultet platform was also developed where one can practice cybersecurity knowledge, try tasks from past Hacknite and Hackultet CTF (Capture the Flag) competitions, and find various educational materials.