The boundaries between law and technology are disappearing faster than ever before — and it is precisely at these points of intersection that the key discussions shaping the future of the labor market and regulatory frameworks emerge. At the 9th Legal Tech Conference 2026 Zagreb, held on May 20 in Zagreb, it was once again confirmed that such gatherings are the epicenter of change.

At the heart of these changes are experts who not only understand the complexity of digital transformation, but also know how to guide it responsibly. Among them, Vjeran Malenica, Senior Legal Affairs Manager at Pliva Croatia and lecturer of the “Legal Tech” course at EFFECTUS University of Applied Sciences, stood out in particular. His appearance once again strongly confirmed the inseparable connection between academic excellence and business practice.

As part of a panel dedicated to algorithmic discrimination in the labor market — one of the most relevant topics of today — key questions were raised regarding the role of artificial intelligence in recruitment processes and the legal protection of individuals in a digital environment. The panel brought together important voices from the technology, corporate, and public sectors, including representatives of companies, regulatory bodies, and the legal profession.

The discussion focused on the increasingly widespread use of artificial intelligence in candidate selection — from CV analysis to decision-making processes that can have a decisive impact on individuals’ careers. Although the EU AI Act establishes a fundamental regulatory framework, the panel clearly highlighted legal gaps concerning specific forms of algorithmic discrimination, as well as the need for stronger reliance on national legislation.

Through his presentation, Vjeran Malenica made a strong and clear contribution to the discussion: artificial intelligence is not only changing the number of jobs — it is changing the very nature of work itself. He particularly emphasized that algorithms, if not carefully developed and supervised, can reproduce and further amplify existing social inequalities.

“The key question is not whether AI is good or bad, but how we introduce it – under what conditions, with what kind of data, and under what level of oversight,”
emphasized Malenica, highlighting the need for responsible AI management and the establishment of robust AI governance frameworks.

He further warned that responsibility for decisions made with the assistance of artificial intelligence begins already at the algorithm design stage — requiring a high level of transparency, legal compliance, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Vjeran Malenica’s participation in this panel is yet another confirmation of Effectus’ active role in shaping professionals who understand the complexity of the modern business and regulatory environment. By connecting theory and practice, Effectus continues to build a knowledge platform that responds to the challenges of the digital age — and actively participates in shaping it.