Representatives of the Croatian Union of Innovators Meet with President Milanović: Innovation is the Foundation of Economic Development
The President of the Republic of Croatia Zoran Milanović today received representatives of the Croatian Union of Innovators, a national association dedicate to promoting Croatian innovators and innovations both in Croatia and internationally.
During the meeting, representatives of the Croatian Union of Innovators, led by its president, Prof. Miljenko Šimpraga, Ph. D., who also serves as President of the Zagreb Association of Innovators, presented President Milanović with the activities of the Croatian Union of Innovators, which brings together more than 50 member organizations. These include 20 regional and local associations and federations of innovators, 20 university faculties, and around fifteen innovative companies. The representatives highlighted the promotion of Croatian innovators and innovations as their primary activity, carried out through the organization of two international exhibitions, ARCA and AGRO ARCA, as well as through organized visits to leading international innovation fairs around the world.
Prof. Šimpraga emphasized that innovation is the foundation of economic development and that modern agriculture cannot advance without innovation. The representatives stressed the importance of cooperation between innovators’ associations and the academic community, noting that such collaboration facilitates access to financial support from European funds for innovation development. Furthermore, representatives of the Croatian Union of Innovators emphasized the need to encourage innovation through the education system and pointed out the importance of stronger patent protection in Croatia. The discussion also covered global trends in innovation and development, with participants noting that Europe is currently lagging behind in many areas.
To support Croatian innovators, the Croatian Union of Innovators also organizes and presents the annual “Innovation of the Year” Award. The award recognizes successfully commercialized innovations and promotes innovation, innovative thinking and efforts to enhance the innovativeness and competitiveness of the Croatian economy.
In addition to the association’s president, those attending the meeting at the Office of the President included Matija Žugec, Secretary of the Croatian Union of Innovators; Mihajlo Čizmić, President of the DIATUS Split Innovators’ Society; Ivan Bračić, member of the Croatian Union of Innovators’ Management Board and Director of PIP Ltd.; Gjino Šutić, President of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County Innovators’ Association; Dragica Jerkov, President of the Faust Vrančić-Šibenik Innovators’ Society and Director of FEMA Ltd.; and Dražen Beleta, President of the Popovača Innovators’ Club.
President Milanović was accompanied by Jadranka Žarković, Adviser to the President of the Republic for Education.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Tomislav Bušljeta