Cooperation between the Czech Republic and the Republic of Croatia in the field of science, research and development is the main topic of the seminar that brought together experts from both countries at FER on October 2, 2024 with the aim of strengthening ties between academic institutions, research centers, and private and public sectors from Croatia and the Czech Republic. The seminar was organized in cooperation with the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Zagreb, under the auspices of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs and FER.

Key opportunities for cooperation between Croatia and the Czech Republic were presented at the seminar, with a special emphasis on the exchange of innovative solutions, technologies and the application of joint projects within European programs. Special attention was paid to sectors such as energy, robotics, cyber security and the development of new technologies, which are key to the future economic growth of both countries.

The economic diplomat of the Czech Republic in Zagreb, Josef Dvořáček, the ambassador of the Czech Republic in Croatia, H. E. Milan Hovorka, dean of FER, prof. Vedran Bilas, PhD, Head of the Independent Sector for the Coordination of European Affairs and International Cooperation Staša Skenžić and Olga Kalinová from the Science Diplomacy Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.

The Ambassador of the Czech Republic in Croatia H. E. Milan Hovorka emphasized the importance of developing knowledge, human resources and new technologies as key factors that shape the economy and improve the quality of life of citizens. He emphasized that these elements directly affect the country's international position, not only in terms of competitiveness, but also environmental security.

"It is natural that we are interested in cooperation with like-minded countries in an effort to build strategic preconditions for progress, success and security. Croatia is undoubtedly one of them. It is our partner in the European Union and an ally in NATO, but also an important economic partner in in many areas. If there is an area where bilateral cooperation can and should be deepened, it is certainly the area of ​​science, research and innovation," the Ambassador Hovorka said.

He added that cooperation does not start from scratch, but relies on existing foundations and successes: "If we join forces, recognize what we can offer each other and encourage joint communication and networking, we will all benefit. This is precisely the essence of the scientific diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic and all the activities of the embassy in Zagreb, as demonstrated by today's seminar".
 

Dean of FER prof. Vedran Bilas, PhD, highlighted the past successes of FER in cooperation with Czech institutions, especially in projects covering the fields of energy, robotics, metrology, processor design and cyber security. According to him, although the Czech Republic ranks only 20th in terms of the number of participation in EU Horizon programs compared to other Croatian partners, there is significant potential for expanding cooperation.

"By co-organizing this seminar, we want to expand the network of contacts and enable other institutions to develop cooperation with Czech partners. We are particularly interested in access to top infrastructure for research and development in nano and microelectronics, which is relevant in the context of cooperation encouraged by the EU Chip Act," said the dean You were.

He also emphasized the importance of increasing the mobility of students and researchers between Croatia and the Czech Republic, which until now has been at a symbolic level. He pointed out that the Czech Republic, as an industrially and technologically strong country, offers exceptional opportunities for further cooperation and recalled the historical role of Czech engineers in the development of Croatia and engineering education in Zagreb.
 

In addition to introductory speeches, the participants had the opportunity to listen to presentations from leading Czech research institutions, including BRNO University of Technology (BUT), Central European Institute of Technology Brno (CEITEC BUT), Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palacký University Olomouc (CATRIN ), Technology Center Prague (TC), National Information Center for European Research/HORIZON EUROPE and Extreme Light Infrastructure ERIC.

In addition to experts from the Czech Republic and Croatia, the event brought together representatives of the academic community, public institutions and agencies who were attracted by the topic of the professional seminar, as well as the possibility of deepening cooperation with Czech partners.

The seminar was concluded with individual B2B and B2G discussions, which enabled a more concrete connection between Croatian and Czech institutions and the opening of new business and scientific opportunities in the innovation and technology sector.

A photo gallery is available at the link here.