General questions

How can get involved in the work of the platform?

Through active participation in the work of expert groups in the fields of economy, culture and education / science.

How can i-platform support my project or project idea / initiative?

  • By promoting the project on the website and other social channels of i-platform;
  • Match-Making to establish relevant contacts with actors in Switzerland and / or Bosnia and Herzegovina;
  • Discussion and searching for the opinions of others within expert groups;
  • FInancial support;

What types of projects are supported by i-platform?

Projects in the fields of economy, culture and education/science, that contribute to the development of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Does the i-platform also support humanitarian actions or appeals for help?

The possibility of financial support does not exist, but the promotion of humanitarian appeals and actions is possible.

Project financing

Which organisations and institutions in Switzerland financially support projects related to BiH?

  • The SECO Start-up Fund (SSF) is the instrument of the State Secretariat for the Economy of the Swiss SECO to promote the private sector in selected countries in development and transitions. More information about SSF can be found under the link: http://www.secostartupfund.ch.
  • Swiss Investment Fund for Emerging Markets (SIFEM) is a Swiss investment fund for emerging markets that does not invest directly in enterprises, but in private funds, small firms, microfinance institutions. More information about SIFEM can be found at www.sifem.ch.
  • REPIC-Plattform co-finances projects at very early stages in the field of renewable resources in cooperation with Swiss experts (companies, NGOs). For more information about REPIC-Plattform, please visit www.repic.ch.
  • The European Investment Fund's central mission of this fund is to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) when accessing financial resources. More information on EIF projects in BiH can be found at http://www.eif.org/EIF_for/sme_finance/index.htm.
  • The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC helps Bosnia and Herzegovina is assisting Bosnia and Herzegovina in its transition towards a democratic society and social market economy. Cooperation activities focus on supporting inclusive political reform, encouraging economic development and strengthening the health sector. More information on projects in SDC in BiH can be found under https://www.eda.admin.ch/deza/en/home/countries/bosnia-herzegovina.html.
  • The European Fund for South East Europe (EFSE) is a fund currently operating in 16 countries, Southeast Europe. EFSE coordinates local activities through regional offices of its fund advisor, Finance in Motion GmbH. More information about their activities can be found at https://www.efse.lu.

Which organisations and institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina support cooperation and projects related to the diaspora?

Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees MHRR collects and processes statistical and other data on emigration from Bosnia and Herzegovina, encourages various forms of association and cooperation between emigrants and their associations and provides assistance in their work. You can find more information on MHRR work under http://www.mhrr.gov.ba/ministarstvo/default.aspx?id=146&langTag=bs-BA.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, working in some 170 countries and territorieswhich helps Bosnia and Herzegovina in strengthened national and local capacities for the implementation of political, economic and social reforms and development. More information on UNDP projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina can be found at http://www.ba.undp.org.

IOM is the leading international organization in the field of migration that helps to ensure a more regular and humane management of migration as well as promoting international cooperation on migration issues. More information about IOM projects in BIH can be found at http://bih.iom.int.

The SDC’s Global Programme Migration and Development helps migrants to contribute to sustainable development by fostering appropriate conditions in countries of origin, transit and destination. More information about SDC's projects in can be found under https://www.eda.admin.ch/deza/en/home/themes-sdc/migration/diaspora-migrant-communities.html.

USAID is the lead U.S. Government agency that works to end extreme global poverty. More information about USAID projects in BIH can be found at https://www.usaid.gov/bosnia.

 

Does the i-platform financially support projects, initiatives and project ideas?

The i-platform does not primarily provide financial support to projects. It aims to connect different actors in Switzerland but also between Switzerland and BiH. Furthermore, projects, initiatives and project ideas that contribute to the development of BiH can be promoted through its channels, but in some cases i-platform can provide financial support as well. 

Expert Groups

How can I become an expert group member?

From the beginning of 2017, motivated people with relevant knowledge, skills, experience and contacts in the fields of economy, culture, science and education have the ability to actively engage and become part of the i-platform through work in expert groups. The final number of expert group members is not limited and participation in the work within expert groups is of an open character.

What is the goal of the expert groups and what are their members doing?

The main objective of the expert groups is the development of ideas, initiatives and projects that contribute to the development of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the fields of economy, culture and education/science. 

How does expert group work?

Expert Groups have an advisory and development function in whose work besides the experts participate also a representative of Desk Office, which is responsible for logistical and technical coordination and communication, as well as at least one representative or representative of the Steering Committee. Depending on the needs and dynamics of the project each group meets between 2-6 times a year.