EIT Community RIS Hub in Croatia
Igniting Innovation Capacities in Croatia
Supporting the innovation ecosystem in Croatia is important for economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development. An active innovation environment encourages new ideas, products, and services, improving the competitiveness of Croatian businesses. By investing in and supporting local innovators, Croatia can attract foreign investments and ensure long-term economic success. This focus helps develop a skilled workforce prepared for future challenges, enhancing the overall quality of life and ensuring Croatia remains agile in a changing global market.
About the EIT Community RIS Hub
The EIT Community RIS Hub in Croatia works to support innovation and drive economic growth. It helps local innovators by providing resources and support to make Croatian businesses more competitive. Croatia is an emerging innovator and must work on increasing productivity through innovation as a cornerstone. The EIT Community Officer also serves local EIT KICs’ HUBs and facilitates their collaboration. By encouraging innovation and cooperation, the Hub addresses local challenges and aims to contribute to Croatia’s local and international progress.
“Croatia is an emerging innovator, and we still have a lot of work to help it reach a higher level. Improving productivity is crucial, with innovation being one part of the solution puzzle. Innovation happens best when people come together, share ideas and collaborate. With five EIT RIS HUBs in Croatia — joint collaboration is essential to support Croatia’s growth and innovation.”
MIRO HEGEDIĆ, EIT COMMUNITY OFFICER CROATIA, PARTNER AT SMION
EIT Funding & Impact
The EIT has been active in Croatia’s innovation growth between 2021 and 2023. During this period, four EIT offices were set up across the country, and €12 million in grants were provided, which represents 0.9% of the total EIT RIS funding. This support helped create and develop 110 new ventures, making up 1.8% of all EIT RIS supported ventures. Additionally, 2,572 people in Croatia participated in EIT education and training programs, which helped build new skills and supported innovation.
The EIT Community also supported nine new innovations launched by Croatian ventures, contributing to the growth of the startup ecosystem. With 35 EIT Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) partners in Croatia, collaboration has been key to building a strong network.
About the EIT Community Officer
Miro Hegedić, PhD
EIT Community Officer Croatia, Partner at Smion
Miro Hegedić has been an active contributor to the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem in Croatia, playing an important role in advancing economic growth through strategic collaboration and startup development initiatives. He currently holds the position of EIT Community Officer in Croatia, where he coordinates the activities of the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) across various industrial sectors.
Miro is a partner at Smion, an organization dedicated to empowering entrepreneurship and innovation in Croatia and the surrounding region. With a strong background in both academia and industry, he has extensive experience in bridging the gap between education, research, and business development. He holds a PhD in Industrial Engineering and Management and has previously served as a professor at the University of Zagreb. Miro has worked extensively on programs aimed at supporting early-stage entrepreneurs and technology-driven startups.
As EIT Community Officer, Miro focuses on connecting Croatian startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and innovators with resources available through the EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs). He is committed to leveraging these partnerships to boost a culture of innovation, improve productivity, and help Croatia emerge as an important player in the European innovation landscape.
Throughout his career, Miro has emphasized the importance of collaboration, recognizing that innovation flourishes when diverse minds come together. He is passionate about bringing stakeholders—industry, academia, and government—into alignment to address pressing challenges and create an environment of growth.
Contacts:
- Email: croatia@eitcommunity.eu
- Phone: +385993231816
- Address: Almeria Centar, Ul. grada Vukovara 284, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
- LinkedIn: EIR Community RIS Hub Croatia
Upcoming Opportunities
Stay updated with the latest opportunities related to Croatia's innovation ecosystem and the activities of the EIT Community RIS Hub.
