The Faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Dubrovnik has officially marked the start of classes for the sixth generation of students enrolled in the joint doctoral programme Business Economics in a Digital Environment, delivered by the Faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Dubrovnik and the Faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Zagreb.
In the 2025/2026 academic year, 17 new doctoral students have enrolled in Croatia’s first doctoral programme in the field of digital economics. This year, the programme welcomes participants from around the world, bringing together students from as many as 18 countries across three continents. This impressive international reach further confirms the programme’s global competitiveness and positions it among the leading doctoral studies in the field of economics in Croatia.
During the first day of classes, the doctoral students were introduced to key programme information, shared details about their backgrounds and areas of expertise, and learned about upcoming academic activities. They also signed their study contracts, officially beginning their academic journey.
A warm welcome – accompanied by reflections on their own first days as doctoral students – was extended by the programme leaders: Rector of the University of Dubrovnik Prof. Nebojša Stojčić, PhD, and Prof. Goran Vlašić, PhD, from the Faculty of Economics and Business in Zagreb; Dean of the Zagreb Faculty of Economics and Business Prof. Sanja Sever Mališ, PhD; Vice-Rectors of the Universities of Dubrovnik and Zagreb Assoc. Prof. Marijana Pećarević, PhD, Prof. Mato Brautović, PhD, Prof. Dubravko Majetić, PhD, Prof. Jurica Pavičić, PhD, Vice-Dean of FEB Zagreb Prof. Zoran Krupka, PhD; as well as members of the programme council and academic staff.
During the welcome session, they encouraged the students to remain curious, courageous, and open to the challenges and opportunities ahead. With this, the new generation of doctoral students has officially embarked on its research journey within one of the most internationally recognised doctoral programmes in Croatia.
