Deadline: 1-Sep-25
Applications are now open for to submit proposals for professionalization of research centers to strengthen the operational and management capacities of Croatian public research organizations.
This call aims to address challenges such as underutilized infrastructure, limited collaboration with the private sector, and the lack of a business-oriented approach in research centers. By funding the engagement of professional managers and supporting services like outreach, training, and consulting, the call intends to foster a culture of professional management, improve resource allocation, and encourage sustainable collaboration with industry, ultimately enhancing research efficiency and impact.
This call also seeks to optimize the operation and use of research infrastructures in Croatia. Through improved infrastructure management and increased collaboration with the private sector, research centers (RC) will improve research performance and increase the return on investment. The implementation of this call is crucial for advancing research, innovation, and public-private collaboration, thereby contributing to Croatia’s research and innovation excellence and overall socioeconomic growth.
Objectives
- The objective of the call is to enhance research infrastructure management and foster collaboration with the private sector to unlock the full potential of existing resources and drive innovation.
- Specific Objectives:
- Enhancing efficiency and professional management of research infrastructure
- Increasing collaboration between research organizations and private sector
- Enhanced utilization of research infrastructure
Funding Information
- Minimum grant amount (in EUR): 60,000.00
- Maximum grant amount (in EUR): 350,000.00
- Total allocation (in EUR): 5,000,000.00
- Duration: the maximum project duration is 36 months. All project activities and payments must be completed by October 31, 2028.
Expected Outcomes
- The expected results of the call are improved infrastructure utilization and collaboration, and strengthened research performance.
- Improved infrastructure utilization and collaboration entails the following:
- Increased efficiency: Professional management practices will lead to a more efficient use of existing research infrastructure, maximizing the return on investment.
- Enhanced collaboration: By facilitating networking among researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors, the call aims to stimulate collaborative research projects.
- Greater private sector engagement: A more business-oriented approach within public research organizations will make them more attractive to the private sector.
- Strengthened research performance entails the following:
- Improved research outcomes: By enabling research centers to leverage their infrastructure more effectively and collaborate more productively, the call is expected to directly contribute to enhanced research outcomes.
- Enhanced research capabilities: Professional management practices can help public research organizations establish stronger research management structures.
- Increased innovation: The overall aim is to foster an environment that cultivates innovation.
Eligibility Criteria
- Eligible applicants are Croatian public higher education institutions (HEI) and public research institutes (PRI), established in accordance with the Law on Higher Education and Scientific Activity which conduct research activities as defined in their statutes or other relevant acts proving their legal status.
For more information, visit DIGIT.