Professor Dr. Sc. Saša Zelenika from the University of Rijeka (UNIRI) delivered a presentation on July 18th, 2025, at the Central and Mediterranean European Conference on New Technologies, Society, and Development in Pula. His talk, titled “University of Rijeka: Inspiring and Supporting the Development of Regional Innovation Ecosystems,” highlighted the INNO2MARE project’s importance in the development of the wide regional maritime innovation ecosystem.
Driven by the goal of increasing the societal impact of its research, UNIRI strategically leverages Horizon Europe and other major EU funding instruments. It plays a key role in initiatives such as the INNO2MARE Excellence Hub, the EDIH Adria digital hub, and the North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley – all focusing on deep-tech innovation in green and digital technologies.
Through active participation in European University alliance YUFE (Young Universities for the Future of Europe) and the YERUN network (Young European Research University Network), UNIRI promotes talent development, interdisciplinary training, and intersectoral career opportunities for researchers.
UNIRI is not only part of the regional innovation ecosystem – it actively shapes it. By translating academic excellence into practical, community-oriented solutions, the University drives research valorisation and societal progress.
Flagship projects such as INNO2MARE are helping to drive the green and digital transformation of maritime industries. Complementary initiatives such as the RIMAP digital matchmaking platform and UNIRI-INOVA interdisciplinary science and development project calls, strengthen research commercialisation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration with societal and business actors.
These efforts have attracted significant external funding and positioned UNIRI as a leading actor in regional, national, and EU innovation ecosystems, ensuring long-term support for sustainable research and development.
