The Ministry of Economy, in collaboration with the European Commission, is organizing a conference titled ‘Smart Specializations’ in the context of the Cohesion Policy 2014-2020 on February 12 in Zagreb.
Smart specialization involves identifying the unique characteristics and potential of each country and region, highlighting competitive advantages, and bringing together regional stakeholders and resources around a vision for the future based on excellence. It also includes strengthening regional innovation systems, increasing knowledge exchange, and spreading the benefits of innovation throughout the regional economy.
Smart specialization will be a prerequisite for obtaining support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The conference will feature Ivan Vrdoljak, Minister of Economy, Branko Grčić, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Regional Development and EU Funds, Željko Jovanović, Minister of Science, Education and Sports, and Johannes Hahn, European Commissioner for Regional and Urban Policy.
According to the Ministry of Economy, a significant part of the conference will be dedicated to lectures by international experts on concrete experiences in the development and implementation of smart specialization strategies in EU member states, while representatives of Croatian ministries will present the development of the smart specialization strategy in Croatia and express their views on its implementation. The concluding panel discussion will provide an opportunity to highlight recommendations for the development and implementation of the smart specialization strategy in Croatia.
