Interreg Italy – Croatia

Programme Thematic Objectives

• A smarter Europe – innovative and smart economic transformation

  RSO 1.1 Developing and enhancing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies

  • The Programme has a list of actions to achieve two goals in the cooperation area. The first goal is to improve research and technology transfer, with examples such as joint studies and cross-border collaboration. The second goal is to increase the number of private sector researchers and STEM PhD students, with examples like joint research and agreements between institutions.

  RSO 1.4 Developing skills for smart specialisation, industrial transition and entrepreneurship

  • Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are important for the Programme's growth. To support their innovation and collaboration, the Programme has identified actions in two areas.
    The first area is to strengthen SMEs' innovation capacities, focusing on blue economy domains. Examples include promoting collaboration and developing digital skills.
    The second area is to increase SMEs' internationalisation capacities in blue economy domains, such as attracting foreign investments and accessing market intelligence services.

    To intensify the smart specialisation governance processes, the Programme has identified two further areas. The first is to increase consistency of smart specialisation strategies by fostering cross-border knowledge hubs and diffusing new approaches to technology and applied research.
    The second area is to improve businesses' preparedness for smart specialisation through cross-border initiatives, training programmes and boosting graduates' entrepreneurial skills.

• A greener, low-carbon Europe

  RSO 2.4 Promoting climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention and resilience, taking into account eco-system based approaches

  • The Programme aims to achieve specific goals related to climate change adaptation and civil protection through various actions in the cooperation area. These actions include promoting cooperation between public authorities, research institutions and private companies, developing training courses and workshops, and exchanging good practices. The Programme also identifies improving risk prevention systems and emergency management as key areas of focus. Examples of actions to achieve these goals include improving digital competencies, developing standardized procedures, and exchanging good practices to increase post-disaster management capacities.

  RSO 2.7 Biodiversity and green infrastructure

  • The Programme has made a list of actions to help achieve three different results in the cooperation area of SO 2.7. The first result is to monitor natural and marine habitats and human activities more efficiently. Examples of actions include developing indicators, setting up monitoring systems, using digital solutions, and developing strategies to protect biodiversity. The second result is to raise awareness about environmental pollution and protection of biodiversity. Examples of actions include training policy makers and promoting community-based initiatives. The third result is to reduce pollution in critical areas. Examples of actions include developing ecological technical solutions, adopting innovative technologies, and using sustainable fisheries and aquaculture models.

• A more connected Europe – mobility and regional ICT connectivity

  RSO 3.2 Developing and enhancing sustainable, climate resilient, intelligent and intermodal national, regional and local mobility, including improved access to TEN-T and cross-border mobility

  • The Programme suggests actions to improve transport connections related to ports, such as setting up common analysis, promoting circular economy, and developing cross-border strategies. It also recommends using ICT to pilot sustainable transport solutions and designing cycle routes to encourage intermodality.

• A more social Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights

  RSO 4.6 Enhancing the role of culture and sustainable tourism

  • The Italy-Croatia Programme for 2021-2027 has set out some actions to tackle certain challenges in the area. They want to reduce the vulnerability of the region to tourism and promote sustainable and alternative tourism options. To achieve this, they plan to study the impact of tourism on the area and develop sustainable strategies for tourism management. They also want to improve access to cultural heritage for all and create new services for people with different economic backgrounds. Additionally, they want to improve the competitiveness of coastal tourism and involve residents in the planning and follow-up of tourism activities. They also want to modernise the policies for the preservation of cultural heritage and support the development of skilled workers in the tourism sector.

• A better cooperation governance

  RSO 6.6 Other actions to support better cooperation governance

  • The Programme has created a list of actions that are expected to help achieve two specific goals in the cooperation area known as ISO1. The first goal is to investigate and overcome obstacles to cross-border cooperation in various fields related to maritime activities. This includes raising awareness of legal and administrative obstacles, identifying hindrances to cooperation, reducing obstacles, building capacities, and supporting joint actions to improve digital services for administrative cooperation. The second goal is to enhance the abilities of public institutions and stakeholders to improve policy-making and promote cross-border cooperation. This includes supporting new partners, developing collaboration schemes and governance models, strengthening communication channels, providing cross-border capacity building activities, and promoting multi-level governance in the areas of interoperability and data sharing.