The 15th International Scientific Conference “Region, Entrepreneurship, Development” was held in Osijek, Croatia, from April 23rd to 24th, 2026, at the Faculty of Economics and Business.
Nikolina Pomenić from PRIGODA took the stage to present the article titled „Innovation ecosystems in the Adriatic maritime sector: enabling digital and green transitions“.
The article focuses on the development of the INNO2MARE Long-term joint R&I strategy, which emerged from an iterative, evidence-based process grounded in the Quadruple Helix model, bringing together academia, industry, government, and civil society. Special emphasis was placed on stakeholder participation, ensuring that the strategy reflects the real needs and practical opportunities across Western Slovenia and Adriatic Croatia. The study’s findings emphasize that effectiveness comes from an iterative and evidence-based process. By combining rigorous data triangulation with continuous stakeholder engagement, the project successfully moved past the initial challenges of resource fragmentation and successfully bridged the gap between diverse regional actors.
The INNO2MARE case study demonstrated that despite differences in regional innovation ecosystems, a shared vision and coordinated measures can be achieved. Key success factors included a strong analytical foundation, continuous engagement of stakeholders, and alignment of regional priorities. The findings also underscored the importance of sustained policy support to ensure long-term impact and implementation of strategic goals.
This conference presentation represents an important step in disseminating project results to the wider scientific and professional community.
By showcasing a successful bilateral strategy, INNO2MARE can provide a roadmap for other cross-border regions looking to modernize their traditional sectors (like shipbuilding and shipping) through highly specialized IT services and green innovation.
The full scientific paper is available in the official conference proceedings and can be accessed here: Zbornik 2026
