The Centre for the Renewal of Culture (COK) is proud to announce the 17th Free Market Road Show in Zagreb. It is taking place on Wednesday, 11 March 2026. This prestigious international forum once again brings together leading economic thinkers and experts to discuss the pillars of a free society in a rapidly changing world.
Organised in cooperation with the Zagreb School of Economics and Management (ZŠEM), the Hayek Institute, and the Austrian Economics Center (AEC) from Vienna, we have prepared a thought-provoking and intensive programme. The event is structured around three key panels addressing the most critical issues of our time: from the ethics of trade to the technological revolution.
17th Free Market Road Show – Programme
10:30 – 10:45 Registration
10:45 – 10:55 Introductory Remarks and Opening
Mato Njavro, Dean of the Zagreb School of Economics and Management (CV)
Robin Harris, President of the Centre for the Renewal of Culture (COK) (CV)
10:55 – 11:50 Panel 1: Free Trade – is it Fair Trade?
The first panel examines the complex relationship between free exchange and the concept of fair trade. Is the free market the ultimate tool for poverty reduction? Or does it require additional frameworks to function justly?
Speakers: Damir Novotny (CV) and Dan Mitchell (CV).
Moderator: Matej Hittner (CV).
11:50 – 12:00 Coffee Break
12:00 – 12:50 Panel 2: Escaping Stagnation, Achieving Higher Growth – How to do it?
Following a short break, our panellists will analyse the root causes of economic stagnation. They will also offer solutions that stimulate a robust economic growth through innovation and deregulation.
Speakers: Eamonn Butler (CV), Darwin Friend (CV), and Cris Lingle (CV).
Moderator: Mate Ćurić (CV).
12:50 – 13:00 Coffee Break
13:00 – 14:00 Panel 3: The Impact of AI on Business and Jobs – Opportunities and Risks
The final panel of the conference is dedicated to one of the most pressing topics of the modern era – Artificial Intelligence. We will discuss how AI is transforming the labour market and what risks and opportunities await us in this new technological age.
Speakers: Žiga Turk (CV), Nenad Bakić (CV), and Mato Njavro (CV).
Moderator: Vedrana Pribićević (CV).
Register and Secure Your Place
The conference will be held at the premises of the Zagreb School of Economics and Management (ZSEM).
We invite all interested citizens, students, entrepreneurs, and professionals to register via this link and join us in discussing these key topics. Please note that the working language of the conference is English.
Further information about the event can also be found on our Facebook page.
