At the beginning of 2020, we could never imagine that our interviews with ecosystem representatives will be the last face-to-face meetings. During this time, interesting information were obtain from University representatives, Technology Park and Technology Innovation Centre representatives and National Government Organization representative. Each of them presented its own view of industry 4.0 in Croatia, problems, obstacles, proposals as well as their role in it. In addition to all other project activities, the information collected through interviews serves for better understanding of the situation in the partner regions.
 
Suddenly situation with covid-19 changed everything. Conferences, exchanges of experience and B2B meetings were postponed. Digital Takeover, Croatia 4.0, Smart cities are some of the conferences in Croatia that are postpone. Everyone works from home, communicate virtually, having virtual meetings.
 
Therefore, Enter held virtual meeting on 27th of March with stakeholders regarding current and next project activities. The meeting was attended by Professor Nedeljko Stefanic from the FAMENA (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture) and CEO of Culmena, Mario Kostan (Innovation Project Leader, Business Developer, Project Manager) from Culmena and by the team from Enter. Since these stakeholders are experts in the field of industry 4.0, digitization, establishment of DIHs these topics were discussed, also with the next and previous project activities. Although transnational expert group meeting in Linz is postpone, stakeholders expressed desire for the next opportunity to visit Centre of mechatronics in Linz and meet partners.
 
Besides that, team Enter is working on SWOT analysis of the ecosystem and preparing GAP analysis. In the next month’s interviews with the relevant species; industry and SMEs will be completed. In addition, Enter is preparing deeper analysis of the area that will help with defining an adequate and precise condition, obtain information that is more accurate so we could get a clearer state of the gap between the real and desired state. With this information, we will complement SWOT analysis and make good foundation for establishing HUB and developing action plan.

The project ECOS4IN was funded through the Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE program https://www.interreg-central.eu) and co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund. The total value of the project is EUR 1.4 million (85% EU co-financed).