The Maritime Innovation Cluster is being established – Rijeka becomes a center for innovation in shipbuilding

The signing of the contract between Lürssen Design Center Kvarner, represented by Mr. Peter Lürssen, and the University of Rijeka, represented by Rector Prof. Dr. Sc. Snježana Prijić – Samaržija, has resulted in a strategic partnership that is the first step in establishing the Maritime Innovation Cluster.

The Maritime Innovation Cluster is a platform for preparing collaborative research and development projects, as well as developing research infrastructure that will be available to all cluster members. Its establishment aims to strengthen the competitiveness and innovativeness of the maritime industry by networking all relevant stakeholders from the public, private, and scientific-research sectors within the value chain of the shipbuilding sector and related industries.

The priority areas of the cluster will be smart and green shipbuilding, digital transformation in the shipbuilding industry, the development of a unique, unmanned, and autonomous platform, and the development of smart skills. Developed technologies as well as technologies currently in development, such as waste-to-energy transformation, hazardous waste sterilization, the use of hydrogen and synthetic fuel, digital twin, and others, are part of the portfolio of cluster members and will continue to be developed.

The first workshops have already been conducted with the University of Rijeka, through which interested parties were introduced to the way of working and key activities that will be carried out in the cluster.

– When we decided to establish the innovation cluster, our desire was to put Croatia back on the map of the strongest maritime countries. One of our main goals is to establish a global center for innovation in shipbuilding here and to develop innovative solutions for smart ports. By networking the public, private, and scientific-research sectors and developing smart skills, we are strengthening human capacities and preparing them for future jobs in the best possible way – stated Peter Lürssen.

The University of Rijeka is the first partner in the Cluster, which will gather numerous representatives of commercial companies, associations, professional organizations, public institutions, associations, scientific organizations, local and regional self-government units, and other institutions in the field of shipbuilding and related industries in Croatia, Europe, and the world.

– The Maritime Innovation Cluster will enable inter-sectoral networking and internationalization of the shipbuilding sector and related industries, as well as cooperation with international partner institutions and associations. One of the main goals of the cluster will be to encourage innovative activities through the development and sharing of research, business, and educational infrastructure and the exchange of knowledge and expertise – concluded Prof. Dr. Sc. Snježana Prijić-Samaržija.

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