Who We Are
Building bridges between nations through data-driven insights and fostering global understanding.
About the Author
H.E. Dr. Siniša Grgić
Visionary Behind Bilateral Navigator
Serving as the Croatian Ambassador to Sweden and Latvia, Dr. Grgić blends his expertise from an enriched career as a diplomat, entrepreneur, and author. An engineer with a Ph.D. in Social Network Analysis (SNA) from the University of Zagreb and a Harvard Business School alumnus, he has notably founded Croatia's first credit reporting agency and initiated impactful organizations like Croatian Exporters and Competitiveness Council. His writing, including titles like "World of Skills" and "European Funds for Croatia," reflects his deep-rooted understanding of international relations fostered by extensive big-data analysis. Bilateral Navigator manifests his profound insights into global development trends, underscoring his enduring commitment to fostering bilateral understanding and global dialogue.
Lead Advocate
Yaakov Flitchkin
Philanthropist and Angel Investor
Yaakov Flitchkin, a prominent philanthropist and Executive Director of the Alliance for Global Cooperation, recognized the transformative potential of Bilateral Navigator. Active at the UN in interfaith and intercultural dialogue, Flitchkin saw the platform’s ability to foster global understanding through real-time data. Known for his humanitarian efforts worldwide, from aiding refugees to preserving cultural heritage, Flitchkin’s investment in Bilateral Navigator aligns with his lifelong mission of building bridges across diverse communities, ensuring diplomacy is rooted in factual understanding rather than prejudice.
Chief Contributors
Dr. Ieava Birka
Advancing global diplomacy through research and leadership
Chief Contributor for Latvia
Dr. Ieva Birka, a distinguished scholar at the University of Latvia's Advanced Social and Political Research Institute (ASPRI), brings a wealth of expertise in diplomacy and political science. With post-doctoral fellowships at Yale and the University of Lucerne, her research has been widely published in leading journals. As curator of the SSE Riga “Future Leaders Academy,” she is dedicated to mentoring young leaders. Her contributions to this project highlight her deep understanding of global politics and her commitment to shaping future generations.
Prof. Per Ödling
Advancing innovation for sustainability and democracy
Chief Contributor for Sweden
Professor Per Ödling, a telecommunications expert at Lund University, has spent his career advancing Internet technologies, from 2G to 6G. With a multicultural background, he combines his technical expertise with a passion for sustainability and democracy. Formerly a board member of the Swedish National Council for Adult Education, Professor Ödling now focuses on how technology can support environmental sustainability and democratic values, making his contributions to this project both timely and impactful.
Kevin X. Murphy, MBA, MPA
Driving global competitiveness through strategic leadership and innovation.
Chief Contributor for the United States
Kevin X. Murphy, President and CEO of J.E. Austin Associates, has led over 650 successful projects across 125 countries. A leading expert in competitiveness, he has advised national initiatives, co-authored key methodologies for global organizations, and worked with heads of state. His contributions to this project highlight his strategic insight and leadership in fostering national and global competitiveness.