European Week in Varaždin County is traditionally organized to mark the anniversary of the founding of the Council of Europe (May 5) and Europe Day (May 9), with the aim of informing citizens about the European Union, various aspects of EU membership, and encouraging open discussion on current European topics. May 5 also marks the founding day of the Council of Europe, the oldest European organization established in 1949.
Members of the Council, joined by Tomislav Cesarec, President of the Croatian Chamber of Economy – Varaždin County Chamber, had the opportunity to learn about the experiences of the Faculty of Organization and Informatics in Varaždin and to gain insight into completed and planned projects that have a visible impact on the development of Varaždin County and the wider region.
On behalf of the host institution, the Dean of the Faculty of Organization and Informatics Varaždin, Prof. Marina Klačmer Čalopa, PhD, presented the project “University Campus, Phase II”, focused on the development of an urban university campus. Prof. Nina Begičević Ređep, PhD, presented the project of the Regional Center for Pre-Incubation in Smart Industry.
As a constituent of the University of Zagreb, the Faculty of Organization and Informatics Varaždin was highlighted as an example of successful integration of education, science, and cooperation with the business and public sectors.
“Our work is based on three pillars – education, science, and social engagement, with a special emphasis on the popularization of science and the development of entrepreneurship,” emphasized Dean Klačmer Čalopa.
She also noted that FOI holds three accreditations – one national and two international – for its economics and information technology study programs. The Dean highlighted that the University Campus, Phase II project is nearing completion after 17 years, providing Varaždin with a modern university campus equipped with state-of-the-art classrooms, offices, and technology, as well as highly qualified academic staff.
The Regional Center for Pre-Incubation in Smart Industry was also presented. Construction is currently underway, and the Center will be located next to the historic Villa Oršić. Its purpose is to support entrepreneurial ideas in their earliest and most sensitive stage of development. The Center will be open to students from all faculties, as well as citizens with entrepreneurial ideas they wish to develop.
Milan Rezo, President of the Council, thanked the Faculty of Organization and Informatics for its hospitality and praised its longstanding work and engagement.
“FOI is an excellent example of an active regional development partner that significantly contributes to strengthening entrepreneurship, employability, and responses to contemporary social challenges,” Rezo emphasized.
Igor Šoković, President of the Croatian Chamber of Trades and Crafts – Varaždin County Chamber, Tomislav Cesarec, President of the Croatian Chamber of Economy – Varaždin County Chamber, along with other Council members from the fields of education and economy, expressed full support for the Regional Center for Pre-Incubation in Smart Industry project. They also invited interested business representatives to become involved through mentoring or support for mentoring activities, as mentors are expected not only to provide educational workshops but also to actively guide the participants of the Center.
Following the formal part of the session, Council members toured Villa Oršić and the nearby construction site where the Regional Center for Pre-Incubation in Smart Industry is currently being built.
Source: Varaždinske vijesti
