INOVAcija

The Institution for the Development of Competences, Innovation, and Specialization of Zadar County – INOVAcija is organizing a Regional Stakeholder Meeting within the framework of the Lead EXPORT project (03C0813). The event will take place on Friday, October 3, 2025, starting at 11:30 a.m. at the Creative Industries Center in Zadar (Put Murvice 3A).

The main topic of the meeting will be “The Impact of Clusters and Smart Specialization on Export Activities of Regions and Countries.” This highly relevant issue directly affects the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises, and the meeting will provide an opportunity for discussion, exchange of experiences, and joint development of new solution proposals.

Participants will be introduced to the results of activities and analyses carried out so far within the project, with special emphasis on how clusters and smart specialization sectors can contribute to strengthening the export potential of local economies.

The Lead EXPORT project – “New approach to unleashing export capabilities in a local economy amidst uncertain conditions” – is being implemented under the Interreg Europe programme 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 is developing new policies and support mechanisms for export. It is of particular importance to Zadar County, which participates as an associated partner, as it directly aligns with the Zadar County Development Plan 2021–2027 and contributes to strengthening competitiveness and the internationalization of the local economy.

The organizers emphasize that the meeting represents an opportunity for entrepreneurs and institutions to network, exchange good practices and ideas, and actively contribute to shaping more effective export support policies.

Interested entrepreneurs can confirm their participation by October 1, 2025 at: larisa.maruna@inovacija-zadar.hr.