INOVAcija

On Friday, October 3, 2025, the Regional Stakeholder Meeting of the international Lead EXPORT project (03C0813) was held at the Center for Creative Industries in Zadar. The project is implemented by the Institution for the Development of Competences, Innovation, and Specialization of Zadar County – INOVAcija.

The Lead EXPORT project – “New approach to unleashing export capabilities in a local economy amidst uncertain conditions” – is carried out under the Interreg Europe program and runs from May 1, 2025, to July 31, 2029. It involves partners from nine European countries: Poland, Hungary, Denmark, Greece, Serbia, Ukraine, Italy, Ireland, and Croatia. Through transnational and bilateral meetings, workshops, and analyses, the project develops new policies and support mechanisms for export. The project is particularly significant for Zadar County, participating as an associated partner, as it directly aligns with the Zadar County Development Plan 2021–2027 and contributes to strengthening the competitiveness and internationalization of the local economy.

The meeting brought together entrepreneurs, institutional representatives, and experts to discuss the topic “The Impact of Clusters and Smart Specialization on the Export Activities of Regions and Countries.” The focus was on the importance of business collaboration, experience sharing, and defining new proposals to enhance the export potential of the local economy. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the results of the project’s analyses and activities so far and to discuss the role of clusters and Smart Specialization (S3) in the internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises. Key topics included analyzing the current state and opportunities for business collaboration, using smart specialization as a framework for strengthening competitiveness, and developing an innovation ecosystem through clusters and partnerships.

Katarina Colić, Director of INOVAcija, highlighted the importance of such events for the entrepreneurial community in Zadar County:
"Through the Lead EXPORT project, we gain a unique opportunity to connect experiences from European regions and apply them locally. Our goal is to empower entrepreneurs, encourage collaboration, and jointly create conditions for a stronger presence in foreign markets. The Regional Stakeholder Meeting confirmed the importance of networking and cooperation and opened space for further activities and proposals for more effective export support policies in Zadar County."

Regional meetings within the Lead EXPORT project will be held every six months, ensuring continuity in experience sharing and monitoring results. Stakeholders play an active role in the project, participating in all activities – from discussions and analyses to developing proposals for new export policies and support measures. The project also provides opportunities for joint participation with INOVAcija in transnational meetings in partner countries and in bilateral meetings, allowing local entrepreneurs direct insight into European practices and the creation of new business connections. In this way, entrepreneurs and institutions in Zadar County have the opportunity to directly influence the development of innovative solutions and concrete recommendations that will strengthen the local economy and contribute to achieving the objectives of the Zadar County Development Plan 2021–2027.