University of Zagreb Economic Council Launches New Initiatives for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
June 3, 2026
The 4th session of the University of Zagreb Economic Council was held at Infobip’s headquarters in Vodnjan. The meeting brought together representatives of leading Croatian companies and institutions, members of the Economic Council, with the aim of further strengthening cooperation between the academia and the business sector, with a particular focus on innovation development, technology transfer and the promotion of entrepreneurship.
The attendees were welcomed by Siniša Krajnović, PhD, President of the Economic Council and President of the Management Board of Ericsson Nikola Tesla, who chaired the session, and Prof. Stjepan Lakušić, PhD, Rector of the University of Zagreb. Council members also visited the Pangea campus and attended an Infobip presentation.
Three Key Steps for the Future of Innovation
During the session, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed to establish research‑innovation and incubation centers within the Borongaj Science and University Campus project. The initiative aims to create a research‑innovation ecosystem focused on developing new technologies, facilitating knowledge transfer, strengthening innovation and fostering academic entrepreneurship.
A proposal was also presented to establish a working body responsible for drafting the University of Zagreb’s Strategy for Research, Technology Transfer and Innovation. For the first time, the strategy will be developed through a joint working group composed of representatives from both academia and industry. In addition, Council members were introduced to an initiative to establish a foundation dedicated to supporting academic entrepreneurship. The foundation will further strengthen the development of start‑up and spin‑off projects, as well as entrepreneurial initiatives arising from scientific research.
University of Zagreb Economic Forum: Continuing the Dialog Between Science and Industry
The session also announced the second University of Zagreb Economic Forum which will take place in November as part of University Week in Zagreb. The Forum will continue to develop a platform for dialog between academia, industry and the public sector on key development topics.
This session also confirmed the strong commitment of the University of Zagreb and its partners from the business sector to building a sustainable research and innovation ecosystem.
“Cooperation between the University and the business sector is a necessary precondition for the development of a competitive and innovative society. Through the initiatives we are launching today, we are further strengthening the institutional framework and creating an environment in which students, researchers and entrepreneurs jointly develop ideas with market potential,” emphasized Prof. Stjepan Lakušić, PhD, Rector of the University of Zagreb.
“Today’s actions are further reinforcing the role of the Economic Council as a bridge between science and the business sector. Our task is to connect ideas with the market and ensure that ambitious goals are translated into concrete projects and tangible results. It is precisely in implementation that we see the key to creating long‑term value for the economy and society,” highlighted Siniša Krajnović, PhD, President of the University of Zagreb Economic Council and President of the Management Board of Ericsson Nikola Tesla.
Siniša Krajnović, PhD, President of the Management Board of Ericsson Nikola Tesla and President of the Economic Council of the University of Zagreb
Silvio Kutić, co‑founder and CEO of Infobip, welcomed the cooperation between academia and industry, highlighting the importance of innovation, knowledge and a global perspective as essential prerequisites for success in international markets.
“The meeting with members of the University of Zagreb Economic Council was an opportunity to discuss strengthening the domestic innovation ecosystem. This is the kind of cooperation that can inspire a new generation of academic entrepreneurs who will operate globally from Croatia,” Kutić said.
Photos by: Pixsell