The University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, a follower of the Royal Technical College founded in 1919, has an almost century-old tradition. During all these decades, FSB has been a leading institution in education, science and expertise in the Republic of Croatia, in the field of mechanical engineering, naval architecture, aviation and, in newer ages, energy transition and robotics.
It continuously and responsibly educates the young generation, but also carries out lifelong training of experts who are the backbone of the development of a large part of the economy and the generator of ideas for its development. Cooperating with numerous academic institutions and industry stakeholders, it enjoys a high reputation in the international academic community and business entities. The Faculty continuously works to improve study standards. In order for FSB to continue to keep pace in research and educational processes with contemporary Europe and the entire world academic community, it will continue to deal with the systematic improvement of all its activities in the future through the established Quality Assurance System.
Reform to be implemented
The main focus of the existing UNIZAG FSB is the optimization of business processes through digitization and the introduction of a business information system. Through cooperation with industrial partners and innovation encouraging, intellectual property (IP) should be developed, and research capacities should be improved. Educational programs should be adapted to the needs of the labour market, while cooperation with industry ensures professional internships and joint projects for students. Focus is placed on the strategic development of the UNIZAG FSB, aiming at increasing the number of projects and connections to business and better management of IP in coordination with the Centre for Technology Transfer.
During the discussions and consultations with various stakeholders (internally, at the Department of Energy, Power and Environmental Engineering, with UNIZAG FSB's management, line Ministry and external stakeholders, mostly business) a Smart Energy Systems Laboratory emerged as an option for better support to the innovation development. Due to their excellence in research, the members of the Department of Energy, Power and Environmental Engineering are recognized as the leading group in Croatia considering the number of the European projects approved, carried out and implemented. The core of the new Smart Energy Laboratory should be a team led by the faculty of the existing department, with one Dean presiding over the UNIZAG FSB Board with four Vice-Deans.
UNIZAG FSB currently has about 500 employees in 14 departments, 42 chairs, library, centre for support and service offices. It also has 52 laboratories and more than 2500 students, as well as a centre for technology transfer for easier connection with the industry. A major infrastructure reform includes a complete renovation of faculty buildings (€67 millions of national and EU investment), because of the Zagreb 2020 earthquake. The renovation includes higher energy efficiency performance and new renewable technologies installed such as heat pumps and photovoltaics. The laboratories of UNIZAG FSB include also National laboratories that are standardised for measurements of different physical values (e.g. temperature, mass and length), also contributing to EURAMET network.
The pool of experts and stakeholders planned to be involved includes researchers, academic staff members and students of UNIZAG FSB, as well as external stakeholders such as companies, NGOs and policy makers, engaged via events organised by UNIZAG FSB (e.g. FSB Jobs, Alumni gatherings, Career promotions etc.).