Professionalization of research centers

Croatia’s existing RIs hold immense potential to drive innovation. However, several challenges hinder their effectiveness. The burden of managing research facilities often falls on research teams themselves, limiting their time for core research activities. Additionally, a lack of business orientation and information asymmetry discourages private-sector collaboration, leading to underutilized infrastructure and fragmented efforts.

The current system places responsibility for managing and maintaining RI on research teams. This multitasking creates a conflict – researchers often lack the time and expertise required for effective infrastructure management. Consequently, underutilized research facilities and inefficient resource allocation hinder advancements. 

The private sector is hesitant to utilize the RIs due to limited information about its capabilities and potential benefits. Furthermore, a lack of business orientation within public ROs creates a disconnect that discourages private-sector engagement in collaborative research projects.

This program focuses on professionalizing the management of research infrastructure by establishing clear structures, improving financial management, and strengthening collaboration with the private sector. These measures enhance efficiency, attract talent, and optimize resource utilization. The program supports the objectives of the DIGIT project by ensuring that professionalized research centers maximize return on investment, improve research performance, and facilitate collaboration with the private sector. By funding research organizations, the program enables the engagement of experts in strategic planning and management, thereby strengthening the business orientation and competitiveness of these centers.

By fostering collaboration with the private sector, the program facilitates technology and knowledge transfer, attracts investment, and creates conditions for innovation. This program, aimed at improving the management of research infrastructure and enhancing collaboration with the private sector to better utilize resources and drive innovation, is crucial for the success of Croatia’s digital and green transitions and for positioning the country in the global digital economy.