Croatia’s IT industry is proving it knows how to bounce back. After a tough 2023, the sector is recording a strong rebound in 2024, with over 10% growth in revenue and a 12.3% increase in exports, according to a recent analysis of the 175 largest IT companies in the country. These companies alone generate over 60% of the sector’s revenue and 65% of its exports.
At the center of this conversation is Ivan Bešlić, Sofascore co-founder and president of the Croatian IT association Unit, who recently joined Bloomberg Adria TV to reflect on what’s fueling the recovery, and where Croatian tech should head next.
“We had to look inward and ask ourselves what we’re doing right and what we need to let go. The industry has shown that it can adapt, think smart, and change course when needed.”
Ivan Bešlić, co-founder of Sofascore and president of Unit
He also pointed out that the long-term goal is to see the IT sector reach the same level of GDP contribution as tourism, one of Croatia’s economic powerhouses.
Resilience Built on Knowledge
Bešlić highlighted that knowledge is the key driver of the sector’s resilience. In an increasingly competitive global market, average talent just won’t be enough.
“Croatian companies have an opportunity to invest in knowledge. If your team is average, you can’t compete globally,”
Ivan Bešlić, co-founder of Sofascore and president of Unit
To increase profit margins and global competitiveness, Bešlić argues for a shift in mindset: from reselling hours to building products. For years, many companies in the region have operated like agencies, selling development time to international clients. Now, there’s a push for Croatian tech to start creating, owning, and scaling its own solutions – just like Sofascore has done.
From Freelancers to Founders
Export-focused companies with more than 25% of revenue from abroad are growing faster than the rest. But exporting isn’t just about offering services abroad, it’s about being globally relevant.
“The first step is education. You need highly skilled teams working with the latest technology. Only then can you start building your own products, which offer much higher margins.”
Ivan Bešlić, co-founder of Sofascore and president of Unit
This product-first mindset is exactly what Sofascore has been championing. The platform, used by sports fans worldwide for live results and advanced stats, is a clear example of how Croatian tech can play in the global arena, not just support it.
A United Front for Croatian Tech
Bešlić also spoke about the role of Unit, the industry association he leads, in bringing together Croatia’s fragmented IT community.
“Until now, every company had its own story. But now we need unity. We’re too small to act separately.”
Ivan Bešlić, co-founder of Sofascore and president of Unit
One major goal of Unit is to improve communication between the IT sector and policymakers. Bešlić wants to avoid situations where laws affecting tech are introduced without proper industry consultation.
“We often learn about new laws too late. That needs to change. We want to start conversations 6–12 months earlier and influence policy with accurate, up-to-date information.”
Ivan Bešlić, co-founder of Sofascore and president of Unit
This also includes collaborating with science and education institutions, to ensure universities know what skills the market will demand in a few years’ time.
“Our member companies get real-time updates. If a new regulation or tariff appears, we know within 48 hours, and we can act.”
Ivan Bešlić, co-founder of Sofascore and president of Unit
Read here about the visit of Minister of Justice, Public Administration and Digital Transformation, Damir Habijan, to Sofascore and Unit (formerly CISEx).
Looking Ahead
With a growing number of companies turning to exports, and a stronger focus on knowledge, products, and collaboration, Croatian IT is not just surviving, it’s evolving.
For platforms like Sofascore, this isn’t just industry talk. It’s the strategy that powers global growth and continues to bring live sports data, stats, and insights to millions of fans worldwide.