Croatian high-tech companies DOK-ING and Ericsson Nikola Tesla (ENT), together with two leading scientific and academic institutions — the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing (FER) and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture (FSB) — have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at developing next-generation unmanned systems and advanced robotic systems.

Within this partnership, DOK-ING will act as the leading industrial partner, while Ericsson Nikola Tesla will contribute its expertise in communication and digital technologies. The academic partners, FER and FSB, will participate in the research and development of key technological components, including autonomous systems, mechatronics, artificial intelligence, and advanced engineering systems.

The signatories emphasize that the long-term goal of this initiative is to create a strong industry-science ecosystem in Croatia, stimulate the development of advanced technologies, and further strengthen the position of the domestic industry in the fields of robotics, autonomous systems, and digital solutions.

"FER has enjoyed successful and long-standing cooperation with all partners involved in this initiative. Together we represent a force that provides new momentum to research excellence and technological progress in Croatia. We look forward to the opportunities this collaboration offers for developing the careers of new technological experts and leaders", said FER Dean Vedran Bilas.

Industry and Science as Drivers of Technological Innovation

The goal of this collaboration is to connect the industrial experience and development capacities of the private sector with the research potential of Croatian technical faculties, in order to accelerate the development of new technologies.

"DOK-ING has long maintained cooperation with faculties of the University of Zagreb, and I would also highlight the importance of our collaboration with ENT. With this agreement, we aim to establish a systematic approach to cooperation with the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, which will help us research and apply new technologies in the robotic systems we develop. In this way, knowledge from the academic environment is more quickly transformed into concrete technological solutions, while the industry gains access to the latest research and talents involved in the development of advanced systems. Partnerships like this create the foundations for the development of new technologies that can compete on the global market", said Ante Bakić, CTO at DOK-ING.

, a member of the Management Board of Ericsson Nikola Tesla, added: "Academic excellence combined with extensive industrial experience provides a strong foundation for launching new research initiatives and developing technologies that can shape the future directions of the industry. Projects like these strengthen not only individual ideas and results but also the overall intellectual capacity of the country, raising the level of expertise and creating the foundations for long-term technological progress."

Prof. Dr. Zdenko Tonković, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, emphasized: "Cooperation between faculties and strong strategic partners is not only crucial for the development of advanced technological solutions, but also enables the definition of long-term research directions that open opportunities for the long-term career development of scientists. By directing research toward the needs of the economy, the competencies of engineers in industry are improved, as well as the professional knowledge of researchers at universities. This further strengthens the research, teaching, and innovation potential of the faculties. In this way, a strong innovation environment is created that connects scientific excellence, industrial needs, and the development of new technologies, contributing to the competitiveness of the Croatian economy and its long-term technological development."