In December 2023, the Government of the Republic of Croatia adopted the Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) (Strategija pametne specijalizacije) until 2029, a strategic document that sets the priority areas for investment in research, development and innovation. For entrepreneurs who are considering the development of innovative products, services or technologies, understanding this strategy is key to successfully accessing EU funds in the period up to 2027.
What is the Smart Specialisation Strategy?
The Smart Specialisation Strategy is a concept developed at European Union level that combines horizontal innovation policies with vertical, sector-specific policies in order to direct research, development and innovation funding to the areas with the greatest capacities and opportunities for transformation and future growth.
Instead of spreading funds across all industries and sectors, S3 concentrates resources on the areas with the greatest potential in order to increase the growth and competitiveness of the Croatian economy. This approach ensures a more efficient use of public funds and the creation of a sustainable competitive ecosystem.
Why is S3 important for entrepreneurs?
The S3 strategy until 2029 is a key condition for drawing funds from EU funds in the 2021–2027 period and a key document for financing projects from the EU structural and investment funds in the field of research, development and innovation.
In practical terms, this means that if your business is related to IT, digital products, food, healthcare and other S3 priority areas, you can expect more opportunities to co-finance your business ideas.
Key advantages for entrepreneurs:
- Access to financing: Projects that contribute to the S3 priority areas have an advantage in the evaluation for EU funds, ESIF funding and national aid.
- Clear guidelines: Establishing clear guidelines and priorities makes it easier to plan long-term investments and business strategies, which reduces risks and increases the chances of success.
- Opportunities for cooperation: Partnerships and joint initiatives can produce synergies that encourage innovation, knowledge transfer and the creation of new business opportunities.
- Diversification of the economy: The focus on innovation allows Croatia to become more resilient to external shocks and to ensure more sustainable economic development in the future.
S3 priority areas until 2029
As part of the entrepreneurial discovery process, in which 12 competitiveness clusters took part, thematic priority areas were selected that were assessed as able to generate the greatest added value and to contribute most to increasing the competitiveness of the Croatian economy.
These areas are:
- Personalised healthcare,
- Smart and clean energy,
- Smart and green transport,
- Security and dual use: awareness, prevention, response and recovery,
- Sustainable and circular food,
- Customised and integrated wood products, and
- Digital products and platforms.
How to prepare for S3 calls?
The process of drafting this S3 strategy was based on a “bottom-up” approach, in which input was collected from relevant stakeholders, including entrepreneurs and representatives of the research community.
To successfully access EU funds under S3, we recommend the following steps:
- Alignment analysis: Check whether your project belongs to one of the S3 priority areas and how it contributes to the objectives of the strategy.
- Development plan: Prepare a detailed research and development plan that clearly shows the innovativeness of your solution and its contribution to the transformation of the sector.
- Partnerships: Consider cooperating with research institutions, other companies or clusters active in the same S3 area.
- Documentation: Ensure complete, high-quality project documentation, including a feasibility study, a financial plan and evidence of technical and management capacity.
- Monitoring calls: Stay up to date with current calls related to the S3 priority areas.
Omnia Solutions, your partner in navigating S3
With experts who have more than 10 years of experience (in the public and private sectors) in preparing and implementing projects financed from national and EU funds, Omnia Solutions helps entrepreneurs make use of the EU funding opportunities based on the Smart Specialisation Strategy. Our team of experts specialises in:
- Analysis of project alignment with S3 priorities
- Preparation of complete project documentation
- Preparation of business and investment studies
- Monitoring and implementation of approved projects
- Financial and investment advisory services
Contact us at info@omniasolutions.hr and find out how we can help your company achieve its innovation goals through the available EU funding.
The Smart Specialisation Strategy until 2029 is a key strategic framework for the development of the Croatian economy in the coming period. For entrepreneurs who operate or plan to operate in the S3 priority areas, this is an exceptional opportunity to access significant financial resources and support for developing innovation. Timely preparation, an understanding of the strategic priorities and expert help in navigating the complex procedures of EU funds are key to success.
This article was prepared for information purposes. For detailed information on specific calls and financing conditions, contact the Omnia Solutions team.
