About Innovation System

What is a national innovation system?
A set of institutions, individuals, knowledge, practices and resources that interact to identify, promote, implement and make good use of innovation.

To strengthen the competitiveness of the economy and achieve greater innovation impact, an established and developed national innovation system is an indispensable part. Cooperation at all levels is crucial to stimulate innovation, ie the partnership of the business, scientific-research sectors and the public sector.

National innovation system of the Republic of Croatia

The operation of the innovation system creates an environment that will help entrepreneurs focus their capacity on research, development and innovation, patent protection, and commercialize and strengthen market competitiveness in collaboration with academia and with public sector support.

 

Until the establishment of the national innovation system, Croatia's innovation performance over the last decades was below its potential (whether measured by innovation inputs, outputs, or contribution of innovation to economic growth). In the context of innovation, Croatia is below the EU innovation average and belongs to the group of countries that is considered a moderate innovator. One of the structural problems facing Croatia is the low volume of business investment in R&D, despite the abundance of existing tax breaks.

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2019

The Thematic Innovation Councils began their work in January 2019 with the first meeting at which the President and Deputy President were selected.

Following the initial involvement of members, and by the end of 2019, a total of 221 members (149 members from the private sector, 47 members from the research sector, 25 members from the public sector) have joined the 5 Thematic Innovation Councils.

In March 2019, one of TIC's key activities was the Public Call for Proposals of business sector project ideas for research, development and innovation activities in the areas defined by the Smart Specialization Strategy of the Republic of Croatia (S3), with the aim of preparing a stock of business sector project ideas.

The public invitation received 300 business sector project ideas. 247 companies submitted their project ideas. The total indicative value of the project ideas was HRK 5.86 billion.

During 2019, the TICs held a total of 60 meetings related to the work of the Thematic Innovation Councils: 32 TIC meetings, 21 meetings of the Action Working Groups and 7 meetings of the Validation Committee.

For more information - TICs 2019 performance report.

2018

In July 2018, the National Innovation Council (NIC) was established to coordinate implementation of S3 with a goal to make more effective use of R&D and innovation potential. Members of this Council represent all the institutions that must achieve common synergy, in order to create the necessary preconditions for the withdrawal of EU Structural Funds earmarked for the implementation of the S3 strategy. Advisory support for the work of the NIC is provided by representatives of three councils: the Industry Innovation Council of the Republic of Croatia, the National Council for Science, Higher Education and Technological Development and the National Council for Human Resources Development. The Council is jointly chaired by the ministers responsible for economy, entrepreneurship and crafts and science and education, each for a rotating six-month period. One of the goals of setting up a council is to create a system in which entrepreneurs and innovators will be supported, sharing knowledge, technologies and research to create added value.

Inovation bring benefit to entire society and are crucial in addressing the challenges.

At the first session of the Innovation Council for Industry, in September 2018, five Thematic Innovation Councils (TICs) were established for each of the five thematic priority areas (TPAs) of the Smart Specialization Strategy (Health and Quality of Life, Energy and Sustainable Environment, Transport and Mobility, Security, Food and Bioeconomics). TICs are the main coordinating bodies for each thematic priority area, provide strategic management of it and provide an opportunity for networking of stakeholders in the business, research and public sector in accordance with the so-called model triple helix. However, the emphasis is on the private sector as a continuation of the entrepreneurial discovery process. Each TIC consists of representatives of the business sector (70 percent), consisting of representatives of companies and representatives of business organizations and associations, representatives of the scientific and research community operating in the area relevant to a particular TIC (20 percent) and representatives of public authorities (10 percent ). The thematic innovation councils are chaired by business sector representatives. Through their work, TICs provide guidance and participate in creating long-term visions for specific challenges and new potentials in the areas they operate.

The National Innovation Council and the Innovation Council for Industry, along with five Thematic Innovation Councils, aim to network the private sector with the scientific community and the state. Professional, administrative and organizational work for the NIC is performed by the Technical Secretariat at the Croatian Agency for Small Business, Innovation and Investment (HAMAG-BICRO). The Technical Secretariat, which supports the work of the Thematic Innovation Councils, operates in the Croatian Chamber of Economy (CCE).

2016

To facilitate the establishment of an effective national innovation system, in 2016, a Strategic Project was launched to support the Innovation Network for Industry and Thematic Innovation Platforms (INI project), managed by the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Crafts, and by the Croatian Chamber of Economy as a Partner. The INI project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund. The expected results of the INI project include the establishment and operational functioning of the Innovation Network for Industry, the establishment of five Thematic Innovation Councils, and the development of an innovation platform.

In March 2016, the Government of the Republic of Croatia decided to adopt the Smart Specialization Strategy of the Republic of Croatia for the period 2016 -2020 and the Action Plan for the implementation of the Smart Specialization Strategy of the Republic of Croatia for the period 2016-2017. The main objective of the Strategy is to focus capacities in the field of knowledge and innovation in the areas of greatest potential in order to initiate the development and transformation of the economy based on the activities of research, development and commercialization of innovation. The Smart Specialization Strategy (S3) is one of the preconditions for withdrawing funds from EU funds.

In order to provide the necessary political support to achieve a long-term vision of economic development and strengthen the competitiveness of the Republic of Croatia through stimulating innovation, in December 2017, the Innovation Council for Industry (ICI) was established as the body responsible for managing the implementation of the Innovation Strategy.

2014

In order to connect stakeholders and create a systematic innovation policy, the Government of the Republic of Croatia established a strategic framework for the innovation system through the adoption of three national strategies. The September 2014 Industrial Strategy defines the basic objective of Croatian industry for the period 2014-2020, which is to reposition identified strategic activities in the global value chain according to the development of activities that create added value.

In December 2014, the Strategy for Innovation Encouragement of the Republic of Croatia 2014-2020 was adopted - which directs the development and systematic stimulation of innovation in the long run, as a fundamental value of a successful economy, but also of society as a whole. This document sets out a strategic framework for a coordinated approach to sustainable socio-economic development of the Republic of Croatia through the establishment of an effective innovation system by linking different ministries and other central state institutions with other actors in socio-economic development of the country. The Strategy also defines a focus on the innovation value chain, the institutional and financial framework for fostering innovation and communication, as well as models of cooperation between the busines, research and public sectors, with the aim of applying the results of research activities in the economy.

2019

The Thematic Innovation Councils began their work in January 2019 with the first meeting at which the President and Deputy President were selected.

Following the initial involvement of members, and by the end of 2019, a total of 221 members (149 members from the private sector, 47 members from the research sector, 25 members from the public sector) have joined the 5 Thematic Innovation Councils.

In March 2019, one of TIC's key activities was the Public Call for Proposals of business sector project ideas for research, development and innovation activities in the areas defined by the Smart Specialization Strategy of the Republic of Croatia (S3), with the aim of preparing a stock of business sector project ideas.

The public invitation received 300 business sector project ideas. 247 companies submitted their project ideas. The total indicative value of the project ideas was HRK 5.86 billion.

During 2019, the TICs held a total of 60 meetings related to the work of the Thematic Innovation Councils: 32 TIC meetings, 21 meetings of the Action Working Groups and 7 meetings of the Validation Committee.

For more information - TICs 2019 performance report.

2018

In July 2018, the National Innovation Council (NIC) was established to coordinate implementation of S3 with a goal to make more effective use of R&D and innovation potential. Members of this Council represent all the institutions that must achieve common synergy, in order to create the necessary preconditions for the withdrawal of EU Structural Funds earmarked for the implementation of the S3 strategy. Advisory support for the work of the NIC is provided by representatives of three councils: the Industry Innovation Council of the Republic of Croatia, the National Council for Science, Higher Education and Technological Development and the National Council for Human Resources Development. The Council is jointly chaired by the ministers responsible for economy, entrepreneurship and crafts and science and education, each for a rotating six-month period. One of the goals of setting up a council is to create a system in which entrepreneurs and innovators will be supported, sharing knowledge, technologies and research to create added value.

Inovation bring benefit to entire society and are crucial in addressing the challenges.

At the first session of the Innovation Council for Industry, in September 2018, five Thematic Innovation Councils (TICs) were established for each of the five thematic priority areas (TPAs) of the Smart Specialization Strategy (Health and Quality of Life, Energy and Sustainable Environment, Transport and Mobility, Security, Food and Bioeconomics). TICs are the main coordinating bodies for each thematic priority area, provide strategic management of it and provide an opportunity for networking of stakeholders in the business, research and public sector in accordance with the so-called model triple helix. However, the emphasis is on the private sector as a continuation of the entrepreneurial discovery process. Each TIC consists of representatives of the business sector (70 percent), consisting of representatives of companies and representatives of business organizations and associations, representatives of the scientific and research community operating in the area relevant to a particular TIC (20 percent) and representatives of public authorities (10 percent ). The thematic innovation councils are chaired by business sector representatives. Through their work, TICs provide guidance and participate in creating long-term visions for specific challenges and new potentials in the areas they operate.

The National Innovation Council and the Innovation Council for Industry, along with five Thematic Innovation Councils, aim to network the private sector with the scientific community and the state. Professional, administrative and organizational work for the NIC is performed by the Technical Secretariat at the Croatian Agency for Small Business, Innovation and Investment (HAMAG-BICRO). The Technical Secretariat, which supports the work of the Thematic Innovation Councils, operates in the Croatian Chamber of Economy (CCE).

2016

To facilitate the establishment of an effective national innovation system, in 2016, a Strategic Project was launched to support the Innovation Network for Industry and Thematic Innovation Platforms (INI project), managed by the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Crafts, and by the Croatian Chamber of Economy as a Partner. The INI project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund. The expected results of the INI project include the establishment and operational functioning of the Innovation Network for Industry, the establishment of five Thematic Innovation Councils, and the development of an innovation platform.

In March 2016, the Government of the Republic of Croatia decided to adopt the Smart Specialization Strategy of the Republic of Croatia for the period 2016 -2020 and the Action Plan for the implementation of the Smart Specialization Strategy of the Republic of Croatia for the period 2016-2017. The main objective of the Strategy is to focus capacities in the field of knowledge and innovation in the areas of greatest potential in order to initiate the development and transformation of the economy based on the activities of research, development and commercialization of innovation. The Smart Specialization Strategy (S3) is one of the preconditions for withdrawing funds from EU funds.

In order to provide the necessary political support to achieve a long-term vision of economic development and strengthen the competitiveness of the Republic of Croatia through stimulating innovation, in December 2017, the Innovation Council for Industry (ICI) was established as the body responsible for managing the implementation of the Innovation Strategy.

2014

In order to connect stakeholders and create a systematic innovation policy, the Government of the Republic of Croatia established a strategic framework for the innovation system through the adoption of three national strategies. The September 2014 Industrial Strategy defines the basic objective of Croatian industry for the period 2014-2020, which is to reposition identified strategic activities in the global value chain according to the development of activities that create added value.

In December 2014, the Strategy for Innovation Encouragement of the Republic of Croatia 2014-2020 was adopted - which directs the development and systematic stimulation of innovation in the long run, as a fundamental value of a successful economy, but also of society as a whole. This document sets out a strategic framework for a coordinated approach to sustainable socio-economic development of the Republic of Croatia through the establishment of an effective innovation system by linking different ministries and other central state institutions with other actors in socio-economic development of the country. The Strategy also defines a focus on the innovation value chain, the institutional and financial framework for fostering innovation and communication, as well as models of cooperation between the busines, research and public sectors, with the aim of applying the results of research activities in the economy.

 

The Thematic Innovation Councils are chaired by representatives of the business sector and are made up of representatives from the business, research and public sectors.

 

Innovation system stakeholders

 

National Innovation Council (NIC) was established by a decision of the Government of the Republic of Croatia to coordinate the implementation of the Smart Specialization Strategy of the Republic of Croatia (S3) for the period 2016 to 2020, with the aim of making more effective use of the potential for research, development and innovation.

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National Innovation Council

 
 
 
 
 

Advisory role

 

(NCSHETD) is the highest professional strategic body for national policies in science, higher education and technological development.

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National Council for Science, Higher Education and Technological Development

 

(ICI) was established by the Decision of the Government as the body responsible for managing the implementation of the Strategy for Innovation Encouragement

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Innovation Council for Industry of the Republic of Croatia

 

(NCHRD) is the body responsible for monitoring the development of human resources and resources in the Republic of Croatia.

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National Council for Human Resources Development

 

(TICs) were established by the Innovation Council for the Industry of the Republic of Croatia, and established for each of the five thematic priority areas (TPAs) of the Smart Specialization Strategy of the Republic of Croatia 2016-2020. (Health & Quality of Life, Energy & Sustainable Environment, Transport & Mobility, Security, Food & Bioeconomy).

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Thematic Innovation Councils

 
 
 
 

 

One of the key parts of the innovation system, which through networking with business and public sector, supports the commercialization of innovations and the application of new technologies in order to strengthen the competitiveness of the economy.

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SCIENTIFIC AND RESEARCH SECTOR

 

In the context of the innovation system, encompasses business entities aimed at increasing investment in research, development and innovation, as well as raising awareness of the importance of research, development and innovation for the growth and development of the Croatian economy based on knowledge and excellence.

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BUSINESS SECTOR

 

consists of public administration and institutions for policy making and implementation.

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PUBLIC SECTOR

 

There is a wide range of non-governmental organizations in the Republic of Croatia, which cite innovative activities as their starting point and basic goal.

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Civil society organizations

 

National Innovation Council (NIC) was established by a decision of the Government of the Republic of Croatia to coordinate the implementation of the Smart Specialization Strategy of the Republic of Croatia (S3) for the period 2016 to 2020, with the aim of making more effective use of the potential for research, development and innovation. The NIC has the authority to make independent and authorized decisions regarding necessary changes and revisions to S3, to share information and to jointly evaluate all S3 implementing instruments, as well as other related instruments or programs that will complement the financing of S3 with ESI funds and the state budget. The Council is jointly chaired by the ministers responsible for economy, entrepreneurship and crafts and science and education, each for a rotating six-month period. The Head of the Managing Authority (UT) for OPKK (Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds) and the Head of UT for OPHRJ (Ministry of Labor and Pension System) are also involved in the work. Representatives of three advisory councils (the Innovation Council for Industry, the National Council for Human Resources Development and the National Council for Science, Higher Education and Technological Development) will also provide additional expert support, while other stakeholders will be involved as representatives of the Croatian Chamber of Economy , Croatian Chamber of Trades and Crafts and presidents of Thematic Innovation Councils. Professional, administrative and organizational tasks for the National Innovation Council are performed by the Technical Secretariat of the Croatian agency for small business, innovation and investment (HAMAG-BICRO).

List of Members

National Council for Science, Higher Education and Technological Development (NCSHETD) is the highest professional strategic body for national policies in science, higher education and technological development. The Council proposes measures to improve scientific excellence, including the establishment of evaluation criteria and the approval of scientific centers of excellence. The tasks of this Council include, among other things, discussing issues of importance for the development of the national innovation system and encouraging the adoption of measures to advance technological development. In addition to representatives of the academic community, NVZVOTR includes representatives of the economy and entrepreneurship in its work. In accordance with the Strategy for Education, Science and Technology, the NCSHETD contributes to the work of the NIC through: proposing measures to promote scientific excellence, international cooperation and maximizing the effects of research on economic growth and social well-being; proposing initiatives to strengthen knowledge and technology transfer activities; etc. NVZVOTR advises and gives opinion on the envisaged S3 measures aimed at institutional reforms in the area of science and development of human capacities for research and development, research infrastructures and activities. At the NIC, this Council is represented through its President.

List of Members

Innovation Council for Industry of the Republic of Croatia (ICI) was established by the Decision of the Government as the body responsible for managing the implementation of the Strategy for Innovation Encouragement by an initiative of the Ministry of the Economy, Entrepreneurship and Craft and supported through a Strategic Project to support the establishment of the Innovation Network for Industry and Thematic Innovation Platforms (INI). The aim is to network the private sector with research and the public sector in order to achieve a long-term vision of economic development based on R&D and innovation activities. As an institutionalized instrument that is highly operational and involves industry stakeholders, the Innovation Council for Industry plays a key role in the rapid flow of information regarding the implementation of S3 measures concerning the economy, thus enabling decision-makers to quickly adapt their policies and measures to the needs of the real sector. At the NIC, this Council is represented through its President. The Technical Secretariat of the Croatian agency for small business, innovation and investment (HAMAG-BICRO) carries out professional, administrative and organizational tasks for the Innovation Council for Industry.

List of Members

National Council for Human Resources Development (NCHRD) is the body responsible for monitoring the development of human resources and resources in the Republic of Croatia. It covers representatives of all relevant stakeholders in the field and is a major platform for developing smart skills. Out of 24 representatives, 5 representatives of the state administration bodies participate in the work of the Council - representatives of the ministries in charge of the following sectors: science and education, labor, entrepreneurship and crafts, economy and regional development. Some of the functions of the Council include monitoring and evaluating public policies in the fields of education, employment, lifelong learning and career guidance and regional development in terms of human resources development and its contribution to the achievement of strategic goals related to development and competitiveness; making recommendations on integrated and coordinated policies for the development of education, employment and regional development, and monitoring and evaluating the impact of the Croatian Qualifications Framework and making recommendations on linking education with labor market needs. The NCHRD promotes the active linking of the identification of skills needs, the activation of the Croatian Qualifications Framework mechanisms and the use of ESI funds to support the process of generating smart skills according to the identified S3 TPAs.

List of members

Thematic Innovation Councils (TICs) were established by the Innovation Council for the Industry of the Republic of Croatia, and established for each of the five thematic priority areas (TPAs) of the Smart Specialization Strategy of the Republic of Croatia 2016-2020. (Health & Quality of Life, Energy & Sustainable Environment, Transport & Mobility, Security, Food & Bioeconomy). The thematic innovation councils are chaired by company representatives and are made up of stakeholder representatives according to the “triple helix” model - from the private sector (70%), the research sector (20%) and the public sector (10%). Through their work, they provide guidance and participate in creating long-term visions for specific challenges and new potentials in the areas they operate. Professional, administrative and organizational work for the Thematic Innovation Councils is carried out by the Technical Secretariat of the Croatian Chamber of Economy (CCE). More about TICs (link to Why join)

TIV Health and quality of life
TIV Energy and Sustainable Environment
TIV Transport and Mobility
TIV Security
TIV Food and Bioeconomics

List of members

SCIENTIFIC AND RESEARCH SECTOR is one of the key parts of the innovation system, which through networking with business and public sector, supports the commercialization of innovations and the application of new technologies in order to strengthen the competitiveness of the economy. It covers all entities, irrespective of their legal status (public or private) or funding, the primary objective of which is to independently carry out basic research, industrial research or experimental development or to disseminate the results of such activities intensively through education, publication or knowledge transfer. The stakeholders of the research sector are:
• universities, colleges
• polytechnics, colleges
• institutes, scientific institutions
• scientific-research centers
• scientific-research parks
• Science Centers of Excellence
• Technology transfer offices

BUSINESS SECTOR, in the context of the innovation system, encompasses business entities aimed at increasing investment in research, development and innovation, as well as raising awareness of the importance of research, development and innovation for the growth and development of the Croatian economy based on knowledge and excellence. Through the functioning of the national innovation system, the aim is to encourage the business sector to cooperate effectively with the scientific and research community through the implementation of business sector R&D projects aimed at the development, applied research and commercialization of results. The long-term goal is to create platforms for communication and to develop programs and guidelines for business sector R&D activities in the thematic priority areas S3. The end result is networking with industrial development stakeholders, creating an innovation community and driving innovation. The business sector stakeholders are:
• companies
• business organizations and associations
• competitiveness clusters
• competence centers

PUBLIC SECTOR consists of public administration and institutions for policy making and implementation. The level of government responsible for implementing and creating innovation policy includes the Croatian Parliament, the Government of the Republic of Croatia and two ministries: the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Crafts and the Ministry of Science and Education. Implementation, supervision and financing involve various intermediaries in the form of:
• ministries
• councils
• agencies
• other government bodies

Civil society organizations - There is a wide range of non-governmental organizations in the Republic of Croatia, which cite innovative activities as their starting point and basic goal. A common basis for such organizations is performing activities to achieve socially beneficial goals, and their actions contribute to creating such a social environment that indirectly affects economic growth. They are mostly non-profit organizations primarily engaged in promoting innovation and innovators in order to promote their projects more successfully through various fairs, exhibitions and conferences. They also provide support in the form of information on financing opportunities, cooperation, information on intellectual property protection, as well as the necessary documentation for patent applications, designs, preparation of promotional material and other activities.