Keynote speakers
Matteo Cristofaro
University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Italy
Surfing the AI Waves: Preparing Managers for Cognitive Synergy Between Humans and Algorithms
Matteo Cristofaro is Associate Professor of Management at the University of Rome “Tor Vergata,” Department of Management and Law. Matteo Cristofaro is Vice-President for Education at IFSAM. Recognized among the “World’s Top 2% Scientists” by Stanford University since 2022, his research focuses on management history, behavioral strategy, managerial decision-making, and organizational adaptation. His work, which appeared in the Academy of Management Perspectives, Long Range Planning, and many other renowned international journals, bridges cognitive, affective, and AI-driven perspectives on strategic behavior. He serves as Senior Associate Editor and Associate Editor for a series of international journals, including European Management Journal, Business Strategy & the Environment, and Management Decision.
Nina Begičević Ređep
University of Zagreb, Croatia
From Innovations in Teaching and Learning to Early-Stage Idea Development
Nina Begičević Ređep is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Organization and Informatics, University of Zagreb (FOI), and the Head of the Laboratory for Strategic Planning and Decision Making. Her academic journey began at FOI, where she completed her doctoral studies in Information Science, followed by specialization at the University of Pittsburgh’s Katz Graduate School of Business, USA. Her career at FOI is distinguished by significant leadership roles, including her tenure as Dean from 2019 to 2023, making her the first woman to hold this position. She also served as Vice-Dean for Research and International Relations, and Vice-Dean for Business Affairs.
Her scientific contributions are extensive, encompassing authorship and co-authorship of more than 90 research articles, books, book chapters, and conference papers. Her research interests span a wide range of topics, including business decision-making, strategic planning, innovative entrepreneurial solutions, and the innovative application of digital technologies in education. She has led and participated in numerous national and international projects, solidifying her position as one of a leading expert in her field. In addition to her academic and research endeavors, she serves as the President of the Board of Science, International Cooperation, and Art at the University of Zagreb, highlighting her commitment to promoting scientific research and international collaboration. Nina has received numerous awards and recognitions for her scientific work and contributions to society. Her involvement in editorial boards and as a reviewer for prestigious journals underscores her dedication to the dissemination of knowledge and the promotion of scientific excellence.
She was one of the founders and initiators of the establishment and operation of the Career Support and Development Center, making a significant contribution to connecting the faculty with the IT community. She also founded the FOI Economic Council and launched the Pre-incubation Center in Smart Industry project.
Professor Begičević Ređep has delivered numerous invited lectures at international universities in the USA, Hungary, Maldives, Slovenia, Morocco, and other countries. She has developed and conducted dozens of workshops and professional training sessions focusing on strategic planning and decision-making, as well as the introduction of digital technologies in education.
She is a member of the Supervisory Boards of Erste&Steiermärkische Bank d.d. and the Varaždin Technology Park.