Second Economic Forum of the University of Zagreb held
November 11, 2026
How to build and ensure long-term financing of research infrastructure in Croatia and the role of the development of the Borongaj Campus in this process were the key topics of the second Economic Forum of the University of Zagreb.
At the second Economic Forum of the University of Zagreb, held at SEECEL, representatives of academia, public administration and the business community discussed which research capacities Croatia needs to develop and how to finance their equipment, use and sustainable development. The forum titled Research and Innovation Infrastructure for Croatia’s Future was held as part of University Week.
The forum was opened by Prof. Stjepan Lakušić, PhD, Rector of the University of Zagreb, Siniša Krajnović, PhD, President of the Economic Council of the University of Zagreb and President of the Management Board of Ericsson Nikola Tesla, and Prof. Nikola Mrvac, PhD, State Secretary at the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth, who addressed the participants on behalf of Minister Prof. Radovan Fuchs, PhD.
Rector Lakušić emphasized that a long-term financing model should combine national funding sources and European programs and involve universities, the business community and financial institutions.
“Croatia needs research and innovation infrastructure that will enable our scientists to participate in leading international research and provide the business community with access to the knowledge, technologies and experts required to develop new products and services,” said Lakušić.
Siniša Krajnović emphasized that cooperation between universities and companies gives students an opportunity to face real technological challenges during their studies.
“Infrastructure does not create innovation on its own. People create innovation. That is why every laboratory, research center or technology platform fulfills its purpose only when it brings together people with knowledge, ideas and diverse experience and gives them an opportunity to work together,” emphasized Krajnović.
Podravka receives the Academic Oscar
Podravka d.d. is this year’s recipient of the Academic Oscar, an award recognizing the most successful cooperation between the University of Zagreb and the business community. Martina Dalić, PhD, accepted the award on behalf of the company.
From building to financing research centers
The criteria for public investment and balanced regional development were at the center of the first panel discussion titled Can Croatia Build the Infrastructure for Its Scientific Future? In addition to Rector Lakušić and Siniša Krajnović, the discussion featured Matej Bule, MSc. Econ., State Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, Domagoj Mikulić, MSc. Agr., State Secretary at the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds, and Biljana Kulišić, PhD, an expert in renewable energy systems and strategic foresight.
In the second part of the forum, Vice-Rector Prof. Tomislav Josip Mlinarić, PhD, spoke about the development of the Borongaj Science and Education Campus, where steps were taken in 2026 towards establishing research, innovation and incubation centers.
The panel discussion Opportunities for Financing Scientific Research Infrastructure featured Mlinarić, Prof. Mladen Vedriš, PhD, economic expert, Alan Herjavec, MSc, Member of the Management Board of the Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Martina Dalić, PhD, President of the Management Board of Podravka, and Asst. Prof. Zvonimir Savić, PhD, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister for Economic Issues.
Infrastructure is only as valuable as the results it produces
The key message of the second Economic Forum was that modern research infrastructure is not an end in itself for Croatia. Its value will be measured by the new research and innovations it generates, the development of products and technologies, opportunities for young professionals and the ability of the Croatian economy to create greater added value.
As Siniša Krajnović emphasized, the value of cooperation between the University and the business community will best be demonstrated through its results: new research and innovations, opportunities for young people and contributions to the competitiveness of the Croatian economy.
“Dialog helps us determine the direction. But moving forward requires decisions. The decisions we make today will shape the opportunities available to future generations,” said Krajnović.
