The Director of the Institute for Development and International Relations (IRMO), Dr. Jakša Puljiz, took part on 23 October 2026 in the workshop “A New Industrial and Innovation Policy for Croatia: From Diagnosis to Impact,” held at the Institute of Economics, Zagreb. The workshop brought together scientists, experts, and business representatives to discuss the findings and recommendations of a new handbook on Croatian industrial policy, which is currently in preparation.
Dr. Puljiz took part as one of the handbook’s authors, presenting research findings on the Croatian innovation and industrial model and on the results of using instruments funded by European Union funds. Particular attention was paid to the question of the extent to which public support for technological modernisation and for research and development contributes to the long-term strengthening of the competitiveness and innovation capacities of Croatian companies.
The discussion highlighted that the successful implementation of individual projects does not necessarily guarantee broader structural change in the economy. To achieve lasting development effects, it is important to better connect different support instruments, encourage the commercialisation of innovations, strengthen cooperation among companies, and systematically monitor the results of investments. The need for stronger coordination of industrial and innovation policy, and for adapting instruments to the differing development needs of companies and regions, was particularly emphasised.
The workshop was organised around four thematic blocks dedicated to the Croatian development model, new approaches to industrial policy, institutional and implementation challenges, and case studies from the business sector. The discussion focused on the possibilities of transitioning towards an economic model that is based to a greater extent on productivity, knowledge, and innovation.
The workshop’s conclusions will be used for the final revision of the handbook A New Industrial and Innovation Policy for Croatia: From Diagnosis to Impact, edited by Dr. Zoran Aralica, Prof. Dr. Slavo Radošević, and Dr. Jadranka Švarc.
More information is available on the website of the Institute of Economics, Zagreb.
