The CROSS-REIS Business Forum 2026, entitled "Renewable Horizons: Unlocking the Potential of Innovation for a Green Economy," brought together researchers, policymakers, business leaders, and innovation experts at Hotel Ambasador in Opatija to discuss how Europe can accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable, competitive, and regenerative economy. Organized by the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Rijeka, the Forum served as a platform for dialogue between academia, industry, and public institutions, highlighting the importance of innovation ecosystems, governance frameworks, and cross-sector partnerships in addressing contemporary challenges.
The event was opened by Prof. Saša Drezgić, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Rijeka, Assoc. Prof. Saša Čegar, Vice-Dean for Internationalization and Sustainable Development, and Prof. Jelena J. Stanković, CROSS-REIS Project Coordinator from the Faculty of Economics, University of Niš.
In their opening remarks, the speakers emphasized that the green transition can only succeed through cooperation among universities, businesses, governments, and citizens. They highlighted the role of the CROSS-REIS project in strengthening research excellence and fostering regional and international partnerships capable of supporting long-term economic transformation.
The keynote lecture was delivered by Tomasz Kozluk, Head of the Going for Growth Division at the OECD Economics Department.
Drawing on OECD research and international evidence, Kozluk examined the relationship between environmental policies, innovation, and productivity growth. The presentation explored how policy frameworks, technological change, and emerging trends are shaping the transition towards more sustainable economic models across industries and countries.
Particular attention was devoted to the role of innovation, digital technologies, and artificial intelligence in supporting future economic development, as well as to the challenges and opportunities associated with balancing environmental objectives and economic performance. The presentation also highlighted recent OECD work on productivity, competitiveness, and the policy conditions that can support long-term growth in a rapidly changing global environment.
The discussion provided valuable insights into the evolving relationship between sustainability, innovation, and economic development, offering an international perspective on policy approaches to the green transition.
The first panel discussion, “Building Regenerative Innovation Ecosystems: Lessons from European Research and Industry Collaboration,” brought together representatives of the three research-intensive CROSS-REIS partners. Moderated by Matjaž Hribar (University of Ljubljana), the discussion featured Carlo Sessa (EMEA), Alessandro Lué(Poliedra – Politecnico di Milano), and Claudia van der Laag (Oslo Metropolitan University).
The panel emphasized that innovation ecosystems do not emerge automatically but require long-term investment in collaboration, knowledge exchange, and institutional capacity. Speakers highlighted the importance of connecting universities, businesses, public authorities, and civil society actors in order to transform research results into practical solutions. Particular attention was devoted to the role of interdisciplinary approaches and international cooperation in addressing complex sustainability challenges, from climate adaptation and circular economy to digital transformation and urban resilience.
Panelists also reflected on the experience of the CROSS-REIS consortium itself, demonstrating how collaborative research networks can contribute to building stronger innovation ecosystems across widening countries and support the transition towards regenerative economic models.
The Policy Panel, “From Green Policies to Regional Action: Enabling the Transition through Governance and Partnerships,” explored how sustainability strategies can be translated into tangible regional development outcomes. Moderated by Ana Malnar (Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Rijeka), the panel brought together Vedran Kružić, Director of the Regional Development Agency of the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County (PRIGODA), Prof. Nataša Nater Drvenkar, Special Advisor at the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds of the Republic of Croatia, and Emira Brkić Karninčić, Head of Production Incubators at Rijeka Development Agency PORIN.
A central theme of the discussion was the importance of moving beyond policy declarations towards practical implementation. The panelists emphasized that achieving green transition goals requires strong regional institutions capable of connecting European policy priorities with local development needs, business initiatives, and community interests. The discussion highlighted how regional authorities and development agencies can act as intermediaries between European strategies and local actors, facilitating investment, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration.
The panel also stressed the growing importance of entrepreneurial support structures, business incubators, and innovation networks in enabling sustainable growth. Speakers noted that successful regional transitions depend not only on financial resources but also on institutional readiness, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to build partnerships across public, private, and academic sectors.
Throughout the discussion, the participants agreed that governance plays a critical role in shaping resilient regional economies and ensuring that sustainability objectives are translated into measurable economic and social benefits.
The Business Innovation Panel, “Innovators Driving the Green Economy: Technologies, Solutions and New Business Models,” focused on the role of entrepreneurship, technological innovation, and business leadership in supporting sustainable economic transformation.
Moderated by Dragijana Radonjić Petrović, Vice President of the SerbianAssociation of Economists, Partner at MD Solution, Vice president ofthe Serbian Business Club Privrednik the discussion brought together Erich Cossutta, President of Dragon Maritime Group, Prof. Dušan Barać, Vice-Dean for Corporate Affairs and Innovation at the Faculty of Organizational Sciences, University of Belgrade, and Hrvoje Prpić, entrepreneur, investor, and founder of several successful technology ventures.
The panel explored how companies and innovators are responding to emerging economic, technological, and environmental challenges. Drawing on experiences from academia, business, and industry, the speakers reflected on the changing innovation landscape, the importance of entrepreneurship, and the opportunities created by digital technologies and new business models. Particular attention was devoted to the role of innovation ecosystems in supporting business growth and competitiveness, as well as to the importance of collaboration between research institutions, startups, established companies, and public-sector actors. The discussion highlighted the value of knowledge exchange, experimentation, and adaptive business strategies in a rapidly evolving economic environment.
While approaching the topic from different perspectives, the panelists agreed on the importance of innovation and collaboration as key elements in shaping future economic development and supporting the transition toward more sustainable and resilient business practices.
The Forum concluded with reflections from Assoc. Prof. Saša Čegar and Dr. Carlo Sessa, who highlighted the importance of maintaining dialogue and cooperation among academia, business, policymakers, and civil society in addressing the challenges of the green transition.
In their closing remarks, the speakers reflected on the key messages emerging from the Forum, including the need for stronger innovation ecosystems, effective governance frameworks, and closer links between research and practice. The discussion also highlighted the role of projects such as CROSS-REIS in creating spaces for interdisciplinary exchange and international cooperation. By bringing together diverse perspectives and experiences, the Forum demonstrated the value of collective efforts in shaping more resilient, competitive, and sustainable economies.
