Jems
The kick-off conference of the CODES project was held: The role of startup ecosystems, innovation labs and coworking spaces in the development of the region.
On 22 November 2024 the kick-off conference for the project Cooperation for Development of Cross-Border Business Environment Strengthened (CODES) was held at Code Hub Mostar. The event gathered experts, entrepreneurs, and innovators to strengthen the cross-border business ecosystem. The conference introduced project activities, addressed critical topics for regional development, and created opportunities for sharing experience and networking. The conference was preceded by the project’s Kick-off meeting, which was held the day before at the INTERA Technology Park.
CODES project: Connecting through innovation and collaboration
The conference was opened by Vedran Šimunović, Executive director of INTERA Technology Park, who highlighted the key objectives of the CODES project and the importance of cross-border cooperation in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. Dragan Đurišić, Project Manager at the Joint Secretariat of the Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027 Program, also addressed the participants, briefly presenting the program and Program Specific objective RSO1.1 Developing and enhancing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies. Mateja Arapović, Project Manager of the CODES project, gave a detailed overview of the activities aimed at empowering regional startups, coworking spaces, and innovation labs.
From prototype to product
The first panel, titled “From prototype to product: Can innovation labs drive the business scene in cross-border areas?”, focused on the role of innovation labs in generating new business ideas and products. Đorđije Brkuljan from the Innovation and entrepreneurship center Tehnopolis in Nikšić emphasized that these spaces provide access to cutting-edge technologies, resources, and knowledge – key factors for developing innovative business ideas. The panel also included dr. sc. Ante Panjkota from the University of Zadar and Mladen Kostić from VML Engineering, who emphasized the potential of labs to strengthen entrepreneurial initiatives and economic growth in the region.
Startup scene: Quality vs. quantity
The second panel, “The startup scene in cross-border areas: Fewer startups as lack of interest or improved quality?”, brought together experts such as Vedrana Ajanović from BIT Center Tuzla and Ivona Tolić, Ecosystem facilitator at Swiss EP. The discussion explored the challenges faced by startups in the region and strategies to enhance the quality and interest in entrepreneurship among young people.
Coworking spaces: Community builders
The third panel, “Coworking spaces in cross-border areas: A tool for community and IT sector development”, highlighted the significance of coworking spaces in connecting young professionals and entrepreneurs. Mateja Arapović from INTERA TP provided an introduction to the development of Code Hubs, while panelists Đorđije Brkuljan (Code Hub Nikšić), Nermin Šehić (Tershouse), and Mia Miočević (Code Hub Mostar) discussed how coworking spaces foster collaboration, idea exchange, and IT sector growth in the region.
Conclusion: Networking and knowledge sharing
The CODES kick-off conference marked the beginning of the project’s mission to strengthen innovation capacities and support entrepreneurs in cross-border areas. Through innovative programs for innovators, coworking space members, and startups, the project aims to improve the business environment, enhance the regional ICT ecosystem, and increase business competitiveness, fostering collaboration and the development of new products and services.
INTERA Technology Park, as the lead partner, is implementing the CODES project in collaboration with the Innovation and entrepreneurship center Tehnopolis in Nikšić, BIT Center in Tuzla, the University of Zadar, and the City of Zadar. The project is co-financed by the European Union through the Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027 Program.
