The final conference of the European project EDIH Adria – European Digital Innovation Hub for Adriatic Croatia was held at the Hotel Bonavia in Rijeka on Friday, 21 November. Impact & Future: Digital transformation without pause. The event brought together representatives of the economy, academia, local self-government and technology companies, who together marked three years of intensive work on strengthening digital capacities in Adriatic Croatia.
The conference was opened by the project manager prof. dr. sc. Saša Zelenika, accompanied by welcome speeches from representatives of the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County and the City of Rijeka and the virtual inclusion of project officers, Mr Alvaro Hernando Hernando, who highlighted the importance of the EDIH network in strengthening the digital sustainability of European regions.
Three years of concrete digital impact
Over three years, the project has made a strong contribution to the digital transformation: almost 300 organizations used the specialized services of EDIH Adria, about 750 services were delivered, more than 60 trainings were held with more than 3,500 participants, and 71 organizations tested technologies through the Test Before Invest service before making investment decisions.
These results were presented by Damir Medved, Project Director, emphasizing that project beneficiaries – from small and medium-sized enterprises to public institutions – have achieved measurable improvements in efficiency, analytics, data use and modernization of their services through digitisation activities.
Digitalization through user stories
In the inspiring part of the program prof. dr. sc. Danijela Jakšić presented concrete projects developed through collaboration with EDIH Adria – projects that show that AI is becoming a real tool for optimising business, services and resources.
Through these projects, Jakšić stressed, it is shown that AI is already today a practical, applicable and cost-effective tool – not a futuristic concept, but a real support to organisations.
EDIH Adria 2.0 - looking ahead
The presentation of the new programming period — EDIH Adria 2.0, presented by Boris Golob, Director of the STEP RI Science and Technology Park of the University of Rijeka, generated particular interest from the participants. The new programme, starting in 2026, focuses more strongly on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and advanced digital services for industry and the public sector.
AI in practice: Experiences from EDIH Ecosystems
At the heart of the conference was a panel discussion on the application of artificial intelligence in business, moderated by Martina Dodić from Infobip. The panel consisted of:
- Zorana Matić (CENOSCO)
- Albert Novak (CARNET)
- Doc. dr. sc. Vladimir Mozetić (Policlinika Primari)
- dr. sc. Ugo Toić (OTRA & City of Cres)
Panellists described how they developed or improved AI solutions through collaboration with EDIH Adria, from decision support systems and predictive analytics to improving digital services for citizens and patients.
EDIH Adria Annual Awards 2025
The ceremonial part of the conference was dedicated to the annual awards for digital excellence, which were presented to the users by prof. dr. sc. Saša Zelenika and dr. sc. Damir Medved.
The award for social impact was received by Francesca Gržinić (City of Opatija) and Mario Rajn (Koprivnica-Križevci County).
Dragan Sokolović (Smart Aqua) and Zorana Matić (CENOSCO) were awarded for outstanding contribution in cooperation with the SME sector. 
In the category of cooperation with local self-government units, awards were given to Marin Gregorović (City of Cres) and Sanja Cinkopan Korotaj (Tourism Association of the City of Pula).
Legacy that remains and project that continues
The final messages emphasized that, although the first phase of the project is coming to an end, the results and built capacities remain at the disposal of organizations throughout Croatia. And with the new cycle — EDIH Adria 2.0 — the digital transformation of the region continues stronger than ever, with an even greater focus on the use of artificial intelligence and the development of advanced solutions.
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