FOI was represented at this important event by Prof. Nina Begičević Ređep, PhD and Amalija Koren Cavaleiro, who actively participated in discussions on the development and future of innovation districts. As part of the program, Prof. Begičević Ređep also took part in a panel discussion with international experts, where she emphasized the importance of connecting the academic, business, and public sectors in developing innovation ecosystems, with a particular focus on the role of universities in such initiatives.
Through its activities, EABID aims to foster innovation in local communities by encouraging regional development, economic prosperity, sustainability, and social progress. Its goal is to create a strong network that promotes entrepreneurship, accelerates technological advancement and the commercialization of innovations, and positions Europe as a global leader in ethical and inclusive innovation. EABID will connect and empower business innovation districts across Europe, building a strong network that includes innovation centers, technology parks, entrepreneurial initiatives, and academic institutions. The importance of this initiative is further confirmed by its founders, primarily leaders of major innovation districts from Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, and Croatia.
The organization will be led by Pablo Garcia-Vigon, President of the Federation of Business Associations of Industrial Zones of Austria and the Spanish Confederation of Business Areas (Cedaes); Tiago Sousa, Secretary General of the Oeiras Valley Investment Agency (OVIA); and Ger Corbett, CEO of the Sandyford Innovation District.
FOI’s participation in founding EABID directly builds on its strategic activities in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly through the development of the Center for Pre-incubation in Smart Industry in Varaždin. This initiative demonstrates FOI’s active role in creating a supportive environment and ecosystem for the development of student ideas, startups, and innovative projects in the field of smart industry, with strong connections to industry, the local community, research laboratories, and international partners. Such models of collaboration have also been recognized at the European level as key to the development of modern business innovation districts and innovation ecosystems.
FOI’s membership in EABID provides direct access to a European network of knowledge, partnerships, and development opportunities in the field of innovation. It also strengthens international visibility and confirms Croatia’s important role in developing modern, industry-connected educational and innovation models.
