We Talk Policies that Shape Global Competitiveness

Our Governance

EXECUTIVE BOARD

Natko Vlahović

Natko Vlahović

Founder & President
Mr. Natko Vlahović is the Founder and President of the New Frontier Foundation, who has over 20 years of professional experience in the U.S., Brussels, and the region, in the field of Public Policies, International Relations, Diplomacy and Government Relations. He is the CEO of his company Vlahović Group, a leading public policy and government relations consultancy in Croatia and the Western Balkans. His entrepreneurial experience prompted him to establish a Foundation that will be a bridge between the private and public sector for the purpose of better networking and development in a globalized world.
Ivan Kurtović

Ivan Kurtović

MEMBER OF THE BOARD
Mr. Ivan Kurtović is CEO of InterCapital Asset Management, a Croatian based leading independent asset management company. Ivan leads InterCapital’s sales, business development and digital transformation effort. Prior to asset management, Ivan spent 12 years in various roles of the leading independent investment banking platform in the South & Eastern European region under InterCaptail’s group. His knowledge of the business world represents a unique source of ideas for the work of the New Frontier Foundation.
Tomislav Lacović

Tomislav Lacović

MEMBER OF THE BOARD
Mr. Tomislav Lacović is Partner and Head of Strategic Communications in Vlahović Group. Tomislav has more than 20 years of work experience in the public and private sector, where he acquired key business and research skills that he contributes to the development of the New Frontier Foundation strategy.

ADVISORY COUNCIL

Co-Chairs

Vladimir Drobnjak
AMBASSADOR

Vladimir Drobnjak

SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOW
Mr. Vladimir Drobnjak is a retired Croatian diplomat with extraordinary experience in International Relations. During his career he was Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN in New York, the head of the Croatian mission to the EU, and the permanent representative of Croatia to the EU after it joined. In January 2014 Mr. Drobnjak became the Vice President of the UN Economic and Social Council. Throughout his career, he was part of Croatian Economic and Transatlantic development, which is why he is an integral member and Co-chair of the New Frontier Foundation Advisory Council.
Irena Martinović Klarić
RESEARCH ADVISOR

Irena Martinović Klarić

VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS
Irena Martinović Klarić is a Croatian biological anthropologist. She holds a PhD in Biology from the University of Zagreb, an MS in Biomedical Sciences from Northeastern University, and a BS in Biology from Emmanuel College (Boston, USA). From 2019 to 2023, she served as Executive Director of the Croatian Science Foundation, overseeing national competitive research funding, early-career support programmes, and international collaboration initiatives. She is currently a Research Advisor at the Institute for Migration Research and an Associate Professor of Anthropology at the Croatian Catholic University. Her work bridges academic research in anthropology and policy-relevant insights, particularly in the areas of highly skilled migration, innovation, and knowledge transfer.
Katherine C. Sredl
PROFESSOR

Katherine C. Sredl

HEAD OF RESEARCH
Katherine C. Sredl, PhD approaches the study of consumer culture with a strategic subtlety befitting the complexities of international diplomacy. Her work, though rooted in the quotidian transactions of everyday life, reveals the underlying structures of power, identity, and memory that shape not merely markets but the societies they influence. In examining how individuals navigate branded realities, Sredl uncovers the soft mechanisms through which influence is exerted and legitimacy is maintained—methods not unlike those seen on the global stage. Her scholarship, therefore, transcends commerce; it becomes a lens through which the architecture of modern authority may be discerned. PhD, Communications, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Senior Lecturer, Loyola University Chicago, Quinlan School of Business, Dept. of Marketing. Assistant Professor, Univ. of Rijeka, Faculty of Economics and Business, Dept. of Marketing. Founder, 385 LLC Digital Marketing Consulting.
Kaja Burja

Kaja Burja

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT
Ms. Kaja Burja is a graduate of the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), where she earned a Master’s degree in International Relations with a focus on security, human rights, and international law. Kaja’s professional and research experience spans policy, multilateral, and civil society settings, including her work with the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce USA, the SAIS Human Rights Law Clinic, U.S. Grant to NATO, and the International Rescue Committee. She is a published author on climate-induced displacement and resource scarcity and remains actively engaged across international youth networks focused on security, climate change, and democratic resilience. She is also a co-founder of a Youth-led Information Security Initiative (YISI) addressing digital vulnerability, disinformation, and hybrid threats across regions. With a strong analytical background and field-based perspective on issues ranging from transatlantic relations, international law and governance challenges in fragile and transitional contexts, Kaja contributes a research-driven and policy-oriented perspective to the work of the New Frontier Foundation.

ADVISORY COUNCIL

Members

Ali Aslan

Ali Aslan

INTERNATIONAL TV PRESENTER AND JOURNALIST
Tina Merčep

Tina Merčep

SECRETARY GENERAL, INTERNATIONAL DEMOCRACY UNION
James A. Thurber
EMERITUS PROFESSOR

James A. Thurber

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
Marek Matraszek

Marek Matraszek

CHAIRMAN, CEC GROUP
Hrvoje Cesar

Hrvoje Cesar

MANAGER, PWC AUSTRIA

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Members

Michał Kȩdzia

Michał Kȩdzia

Partner, Enterprise Investors
Neven Vranković

Neven Vranković

Vice President, Atlantic Group
Ralph Rogobete

Ralph Rogobete

Public Policy Manager, Mastercard
Stjepan Roglić

Stjepan Roglić

Supervisory Board Vice President, Orbico Group
Hasan Davulcu
PROFESSOR

Hasan Davulcu

CIO, GoPX.ai
Filip Novoselnik

Filip Novoselnik

ProtostarLabs
Morana Čulo Jovičić

Morana Čulo Jovičić

Telemach

NFF Board of Trustees

Mastercard
Atlantic Grupa
Enterprise Investors
Tomra
Orbico
GoPX.ai
Telemach
Wiener Osiguranje
Protostar Labs
Siemens Energy
Aircash
JGL
Plinovodi
Aspect Croatia
Bulward Systems

NEWS & EVENTS

NFF at the Presidential Palace in Warsaw: Advancing the Three Seas Industrial Partnership Agenda

New Frontier Foundation (NFF) President Natko Vlahovic participated today in a high-level meeting at the Presidential Palace in Warsaw focused on strengthening the business ...

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The Third Annual Forum of the New Frontier Foundation

The Third Annual Forum of the New Frontier Foundation, taking place on 21 October 2026 in Zagreb, is built around one central conviction: Europe’s ...

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AI Data Centers – myths, realities and opportunities

NFF’s analytical paper examines the rapid expansion of AI data centers and their growing importance to Europe’s digital, economic, and geopolitical competitiveness…

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Digital Resilience and AI Dialogue at Dubrovnik Forum 2026

As part of the official program of the Dubrovnik Forum 2026, the New Frontier Foundation (NFF) hosted a high-level panel discussion titled “Digital Resilience ...

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NFF Space and Defense Industry Delegation Visits Warsaw

A delegation of Croatian space, defense and dual-use technology companies, organized by the New Frontier Foundation (NFF), visited Warsaw from 16–18 June for a ...

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New Frontier Foundation Partners with Warsaw Enterprise Institute on the Wealth of Nations Index

The New Frontier Foundation is pleased to have partnered with the Warsaw Enterprise Institute on the latest edition of the Wealth of Nations Index, ...

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NFF Energy Power Breakfast with Željko Krevzelj: Croatia’s Strategic Energy Priorities and Regional Infrastructure Outlook

The New Frontier Foundation held an exclusive NFF Energy Power Breakfast in Zagreb focused on Croatia’s key strategic energy initiatives and regional energy infrastructure priorities…

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Secretary Wright Highlights U.S. Energy Dominance Agenda and Expanding LNG Partnership at the Three Seas Dubrovnik Summit

During his visit to the 2026 Three Seas Initiative Business Summit in Dubrovnik, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright emphasized the strategic importance of ...

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NEW FRONTIER FOUNDATION
PUBLICATIONS, ANALYSES & REPORTS

5
ANALYTICAL PAPER

AI Data Centers – myths, realities and opportunities

5

CONFERENCE REPORT

Energy Security, Transatlantic Trade and AI Dialogue: The Art of Dealmaking in the Three Seas Initiative Region

5

ANALYTICAL PAPER

The U.S. Energy Dominance Agenda in Southeastern Europe: an energy policy strategy for U.S. LNG, oil, gas, and nuclear technologies to replace Russian sourced energy

5
DISCUSSION REPORT

American Energy Dominance Agenda and Energy Security in Southeast Europe

5

DISCUSSION REPORT

Annual Forum Discussion Report: Transatlantic Trade, Innovation and Security Dialogue

5

DISCUSSION PAPER

Transatlantic Trade, Innovation and Security Dialogue

5

DISCUSSION REPORT

Raising the Bar: OECD Standards and the Future of Corporate Governance in Croatia

5

ANALYSIS

Optimizing LNG Infrastructure in the Three Seas Initiative Region:
Implications for Energy Security and American LNG Exports

5
DISCUSSION REPORT

How AI Can Enhance European Competitiveness

5

ANALYTICAL PAPER

Defence Industry Cooperation Between Croatia and Poland Through the Three Seas Initiative

5

DISCUSSION REPORT

U.S. LNG Exports and CEE Energy Security Report

5

DISCUSSION PAPER

The New Frontier Foundation Series on United States’ LNG Exports and Central Eastern Europe Energy Security

5

PUBLICATION

Washington Roundtable: The Future of Transatlantic Business Relations

5

DISCUSSION REPORT

NFF ANNUAL FORUM 2024: DISCUSSION REPORT with POLICY CONSIDERATIONS

5

PUBLICATION

NFF publishes discussion report “Navigating the Future: Cyber Resilience and Global Risks Amidst Geopolitical Challenges”

5

PUBLICATION

NFF publishes discussion report on the Three Seas Initiative

“The Three Seas Initiative Investment Fund: Supporting Growth and Investment in Croatia and the CEE”

The panel discussion titled "The Three Seas Initiative Investment Fund: Supporting Growth and Investment in Croatia and the CEE" was organized by the New Frontier Foundation on April 25, 2024. Exploring the potential and possibilities of the strategic 3 Seas Initiative, with an emphasis on its investment fund managed by Amber Infrastructure

The NFF panel discussion was framed within four main topics:

1) The current state of play within the 3SI, with the emphasis on the Vilnius Summit outcome

2) Strategic significance of the North-South axis

3) Expansion of the 3SI and improvement of its methods of work

4) The scope of 3SI projects and business opportunities.

DOWNLOAD: NFF Three Seas Initiative Report 2024

5

PUBLICATION

NFF publishes discussion report on the Transatlantic Relations in 2024

“2024 and Beyond: Strengthening the Trans-Atlantic Bond Amidst Global Shifts”

The panel discussion titled "2024 and Beyond: Strengthening the Trans-Atlantic Bond Amidst Global Shifts" was organized by the New Frontier Foundation on February 20, 2024. Exploring the future trajectory of the relationship between the United States and Europe, with a focus on Croatia’s role.

The NFF panel discussion was framed within four main topics:

1) The current state of Trans-Atlantic relations, war in Ukraine and energy security situation

2) The potential consequences of upcoming USA presidential and European Parliament elections in 2024 on Trans-Atlantic relations

3) Geopolitical implications of Trans-Atlantic relations and the war in Ukraine on energy security in the USA and the EU

4) Self-sustainability of the EU in the field of weapons research and production and high-tech development.

DOWNLOAD: NFF Panel Discussion Report on the Transatlantic Relations in 2024 - February 2024

The New Frontier Foundation is a non-profit, non-partisan Croatian think tank dedicated to promote strategic dialog between private and public sector in a globalized world.
As the name indicates, the Foundation wants to go beyond the established frontier line and explore new kinds of partnerships to Contribute and enrich positive change in societies.

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NEWSLETTER

The New Frontier Foundation regularly sends a Newsletter about the latest news of our Foundation, but also about the most relevant events in the field of Geopolitics, Finance & Economy, Energy, Defense, AI & Cybersecurity, Healthcare & Pharma.

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