https://doi.org/10.15255/KUI.2025.013
Published: Kem. Ind. 75 (1-2) (2026) 51–82
Paper reference number: KUI-13/2025
Paper type: Review
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Research, Development, and Innovation in Croatia (Part Two) – National Innovation System and Smart Specialisation Strategy until 2029

Z. Banić Tomišić and I. Crnić Duplančić

Abstract

The competitiveness of economy and the progress of society greatly depend on innovation. Despite the investments made (largely from EU funds) to enhance research, development and innovation (RDI), and the advancement achieved over the past ten years, the EU and global innovation rankings of Croatia remain low. To move forward long-term, well designed and targeted investments in RDI are required. This paper aims to provide an overview of the Croatian Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) until 2029 in light of the current EU RDI strategic framework. A comparison is made with the S3 2016–2020, and the implementation of the World Bank and European Commission recommendations in the text of S3 until 2029 is assessed. The focus is on the changes to the national innovation system (NIS), as envisaged by the S3 until 2029, and on its overall functioning. To advance the NIS, at least the following should be considered: reducing system complexity and fragmentation; establishing a more centralised, effective, and efficient management of its overall structure; ensuring the continuous operation of its bodies and support for the entrepreneurial discovery process (EDP); strengthening institutional capacities and collaboration in the field of RDI among relevant government institutions at all levels; ensuring continuous education and improved communication among all stakeholders, and further enhancing cooperation – especially between business and science; allowing for experimentation, flexibility, and learning from mistakes; raising awareness of the importance of innovation for the country’s economy and society; and providing continuous support for innovation in general, including funding. Therefore, it is crucial to urgently re-establish operation of the NIS bodies and to revitalise the EDP, as they have not been functioning for more than three years. Namely, Croatia’s overall RDI performance and its transformational impact on the economy and society depend, among other factors, on the successful implementation of the S3 until 2029 (currently the only strategic RDI document in Croatia), on the functioning of the National Innovation Council – the body responsible for managing RDI policies, including the S3, and serving as the NIS umbrella body, and on the effective operation of the overall NIS, especially the EDP.

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Keywords

innovation strategies and policies, Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3), National Innovation System (NIS), Croatia