12 Mar Ceremonial closure of the Innovations, Research, Education and Competitiveness program
On March 6, 2025, the final conference of the program “Innovations, Research, Education and Competitiveness” (Business Development and Innovation Croatia), financed by the Financial Mechanism of the Kingdom of Norway, was held in Opatija, where the results and achievements of the program and projects financed under the program were presented.
The event gathered numerous participants, including representatives of the Ministry of Regional Development and EU funds, the Croatian Chamber of Commerce, the Financial Mechanisms Office, Programme Operator – Innovation Norway, the Norwegian Embassy, representatives of the scientific community and numerous entrepreneurs. In their opening speeches, Ms. Elisabeth Svanholm Meyer on behalf of Innovation Norway, the deputy ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway, Mr. Helge Klouman Marstrander and Mr. Ivan Škarić, representative of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the success of the program in terms of research and innovation, increasing competitiveness and achieving successful bilateral cooperation.
Project beneficiaries presented innovative products, new technologies and services they developed, which contributed to the growth and internationalization of their companies. Many expressed great satisfaction and gratitude for the support they received during the program. They pointed out that the financial assistance, good cooperation with the Programme Operator and partnership with Norwegian colleagues had enabled them to improve their business and better position themselves on the international market. The event was a good opportunity for networking, exchange of experiences and inspiration among entrepreneurs and experts, thereby further strengthening the community of entrepreneurs and innovators and achieving successful cooperation with Norwegian companies and partners.
The second day of the event, March 7, was reserved for visiting projects in the neighbouring Istria County, where representatives of the Financial Mechanisms Office, MRDEUF, Innovation Norway and the Norwegian Embassy had the opportunity to personally see the usefulness of the Norwegian Grants for improving business and increasing the competitiveness of Croatian companies. Participants had the opportunity to see the concrete results of the funded projects in the field as well as real value of this type of support for development and innovation. The Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2014 – 2021 has significantly contributed to the implementation of many successful projects and has proven to be a significant tool in strengthening the competitiveness and technological readiness of companies in the Republic of Croatia.
The closure of the program in Opatija marked the successful completion of an important cycle of support for entrepreneurs, but also the beginning of new opportunities for further development and cooperation with Norwegian partners, as well as the application of innovations in various industries. The programming of a new perspective of the EEA Financial Mechanism and the Financial Mechanism of the Kingdom of Norway 2021-2028 is underway, within which continuation of financing similar activities is expected.