Despite the existence of six defined measures to support research, innovation, and competitiveness in Croatia, only one of them has been partially implemented. There is a severe lack of communication between sectors, and the energy ministry has no oversight or knowledge regarding the progress of measures related to innovation and research.
– The Croatian plan for research, innovation, and competitiveness lacks implementation of five out of six measures. The NECP revision needs to address this significative lack.
– The Communication between sectors is poor, and the energy ministry lacks oversight in innovation and research.
-The online monitoring system is inactive, hindering access and benefits for researchers and entrepreneurs.
There were six measures outlined in the Croatian National Energy and Climate Plan, specifically targeting research, innovation, and competitiveness. These measures aimed to conduct analysis, establish targets, indicators, and monitoring mechanisms for the research system, co-fund industrial research and experimental development projects, foster the growth of low-carbon entrepreneurship, facilitate knowledge and technology transfer on low-carbon technologies, and support excellence centers. Additionally, the plan aimed to enhance capacity-building for research and innovation, thereby increasing competitiveness in the low-carbon economy.
Although an online monitoring system for research, innovation, and competitiveness has been established, it remains inactive and inaccessible to researchers. Furthermore, the system lacks connectivity with the economy and entrepreneurs, rendering it ineffective in benefiting anyone. The public status of the implementation of other measures is unknown, and there has been a severe lack of communication or even non-existent communication between sectors.