Empowering Croatian Innovation: The Role of EU Financial Support in Shaping the Technology Sector

master's thesis

• Author: Mihaela Jacmenović
• Mentor: Igor Vidačak (mentor)
• Committee member: Igor Vidačak (predsjednik povjerenstva)
• Committee member: Dagmar Radin (član povjerenstva)
• Committee member: Irena Đokić (član povjerenstva)
• Granter: University of Zagreb; The Faculty of Political Science; Zagreb
• Defense date and country: 2024-09-17, Croatia
• Scientific / art field, discipline and subdiscipline: SOCIAL SCIENCES; Political Science

Abstract

Otkako je Hrvatska postala punopravnom članicom Europske unije 2013., korištenje financijskih programa i inicijativa EU-a bilo je ključno u podršci tranzicije hrvatskog tehnološkog sektora i klime koja ga okružuje. Rad istražuje utjecaj i ulogu financijske potpore Europske unije, počevši od pretpristupnih fondova do najnovijih financijskih okvira EU kao što je program Horizon EUROPE. Uloga takvih financijskih okvira je ključna, posebno za manje države članice EU-a poput Hrvatske jer omogućuju veća financijska sredstva za proliferaciju inovacija i razvoj infrastrukture te jačanje međusektorske i međunarodne suradnje. Ispitujući kako su fondovi EU-a utjecali na razvoj hrvatskog tehnološkog sektora, ovaj rad želi pridonijeti novim uvidima o učinkovitosti financijske potpore EU-a u olakšavanju strukturnih reformi i poticanju tehnološkog rasta. U tom kontekstu, ovaj rad također nastoji pridonijeti razumijevanju širih praktičnih i teorijskih implikacija kohezijske politike EU-a, ali također ponuditi vrijedne lekcije za druge nove članice EU-a i zemlje kandidatkinje koje se suočavaju sa sličnim izazovima.

Abstract (english)

Since becoming a full member of the European Union in 2013, the use of EU financial programs and initiatives has been essential in supporting transition of Croatian technological sector and climate surrounding it. The paper investigates the influence and role of EU financial resources, starting from pre-accession funds to the latest EU financial frameworks such as the Horizon EUROPE program. The role of such financial frameworks is vital, especially for smaller EU Member States such as Croatia, while they enable higher financial resources for proliferation of innovation and infrastructure development as well as boosting intersectoral and international cooperation. By examining how EU funds have influenced the development of Croatia's technology sector, this thesis aims to contribute to new insights regarding the effectiveness of EU financial support in facilitating structural reforms and fostering technological growth. In that context, this thesis may also contribute to understanding the broader practical and theoretical implications of EU cohesion policies but also offer valuable lessons for other newer EU member and candidate countries navigating similar challenges.

• Keywords: fondovi Europske unije; Republika Hrvatska; tehnološki sektor; inovacije; Horizon 2020; Horizon EUROPE
• Keywords (english): European Union funds; Republic of Croatia; technological sector; innovations; Horizon 2020; Horizon EUROPE
• Language: english
• URN:NBN: urn:nbn:hr:114:382437
• Study programme: Title: Master of European Studies; Study programme type: university; Study level: graduate; Academic / professional title: MAGISTAR EUROPSKIH STUDIJA (MAGISTAR EUROPSKIH STUDIJA)
• Type of resource: Text
• File origin: Born digital
• Access conditions: Open access
• Created on: 2024-10-04 08:24:39