The final conference of the project was held in the Hotel Bonavia in Rijeka on Friday, 21 November 2025. EDIH Adria - European Digital Innovation Hub for Adriatic Croatia, named Impact & Future: Digital transformation without pause.
The event brought together numerous stakeholders from the economy, academia, the public sector and the technology industry, 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. Sasa Zelenika, with welcome speeches by Ljudevit Krpana, Head of the Regional Development, Infrastructure and Project Management Directorate of PGC and Aleksandar Saša Milaković, Deputy Mayor of Rijeka and virtual inclusion Project Officer, Alvara Hernanda Hernanda.
Three years of concrete digital impact
During the three years of implementation of the project, a significant contribution to the digital transformation was made. Key results were presented:
- done 300 organisations used the services of the EDIH Adria project,
- delivered around 750 specialized services,
- It took place more than 60 trainings with over 3,500 attendees,
- 71 organisations tested the technology through a service Test Before Invest.
Dr. sc. Damir Medved, Project Director, pointed out that through these activities, users have achieved measurable improvements in efficiency, data use, digital processes and service modernisation.
Examples of good practice and the role of artificial intelligence
Prof. dr. sc. Danijela Jakšić presented concrete projects developed with the support of the EDIH Adria project, showing how artificial intelligence is applied in the optimization of business, services and resources.
Through these projects, Jakšić emphasized, it is shown that AI is already today a practical, applicable and cost-effective tool that is not a futuristic concept, but a real support to organizations.
EDIH Adria 2.0 - Continuing to support digital development
Plans for the new programming period; EDIH Adria 2.0, presented by Boris Golob (STEP RI).
The new phase, which starts in 2026, brings a stronger focus on:
- artificial intelligence;
- cybersecurity;
- advanced digital services for industry and the public sector.
AI in practice – user experiences
A central part of the programme was a panel discussion on the use of AI in organisations. The panel was moderated by Martina Dodić (Infobip), with the participation 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
At the ceremonial part of the conference, awards for digital excellence were presented to the users by prof. dr. sc. Saša Zelenika and dr. sc. Damir Medved.
Social impact:
- Francesca Gržinić (City of Opatija)
- Mario Rajn (Koprivnica-Križevci County)
SME sector:
- Dragan Sokolović (Smart Aqua)
- Zorana Matić (CENOSCO)
Local self-government units:
- Marin Gregorović (City of Cres)
- Sanja Cinkopan Korotaj (City of Pula Tourist Board)
Legacy that remains
Although the first phase of the project is coming to an end, the built capacities, knowledge and digital solutions remain at the disposal of organizations throughout Croatia.
With the start of a new cycle EDIH Adria 2.0, support for the digital transformation continues even stronger, with a clear focus on the use of artificial intelligence and the development of advanced solutions.
