First Zagreb R&I Lab: "Croatia’s Energy Transition – Innovation and Opportunities through EU Projects"
On Friday, April 25th, 2025, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture (FSB) at the University of Zagreb successfully hosted the first Research & Innovation Lab (R&I Lab) in Zagreb, Croatia.
The event, titled "Croatia’s Energy Transition: Innovation and Opportunities through EU Projects", gathered experts from academia, public institutions, and the private sector to explore the role of EU-funded projects in advancing the country’s green and digital transitions.
The event was officially opened by Assist. Prof. Marija Galić, PhD, Vice-Dean for Education at UNIZAG FSB, who welcomed all participants and emphasized the importance of connecting scientific excellence with practical solutions for sustainable development. Opening remarks were also delivered by Amalija Babić, Head of the Science System and Technological Development Sector at the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth of the Republic of Croatia, who highlighted the national priorities for supporting research, innovation, and the green transition.
Participants had the opportunity to hear a presentation by Maria Isabel Farfan Camacho from the European Research Executive Agency (European Commission), who provided valuable insights into the opportunities for Widening Countries under Horizon Europe and the strategic role of research and innovation in Europe’s green agenda.
Throughout the day, researchers from leading Croatian institutions presented a range of innovative EU-funded projects, including:
- INITIATE – Supporting European R&I through stakeholder collaboration and institutional reform
- MARBLE – Centre of Excellence for Maritime Robotics and Sustainable Blue Economy Technologies
- EMERGE – Energy System Modelling for Green Development of Africa
- MetaBuild – Powering the METAmorphosis of BUILDings towards a Decarbonised and Sustainable Energy System
- ReRURAL – Renewing Rural Areas through Climate Initiatives
- LOGREENER – Composing Local Green Energy Transition
The projects showcased best practices, new technologies, and collaborative models that are already making a tangible impact on sustainable energy systems.
Two dynamic panel discussions brought together representatives from academia, ministries, agencies, and project teams to discuss:
- Challenges and solutions for advancing energy transition through EU projects
- Examples of good practices and lessons learned in implementing sustainable energy initiatives supported by EU funding
Panelists highlighted the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration, institutional innovation, and the need for strategic investment in research and technology development.
We thank all participants, speakers, and partners for their valuable contributions and inspiring discussions. The first Zagreb R&I Lab demonstrated the strong potential for Croatia and the wider region to lead in research and innovation for a sustainable future.
Stay tuned for upcoming activities within our INITIATE project!
