Kick-off Conference of the CODES Project Held: The Role of Startup Ecosystems, Innovation Labs, and Coworking Spaces in Regional Development

The kick-off conference of the Cooperation for Development of Cross Border Business Environment Strengthened (CODES) project was held on November 22, 2024, at Code Hub Mostar. The event brought together experts, entrepreneurs, and innovators to strengthen the cross-border business ecosystem. It showcased project activities, addressed key topics for regional development, and provided a platform for experience sharing and networking.

The CODES Project: Connecting Through Innovation and Collaboration

The conference was opened by Vedran Šimunović, Director of INTERA Technology Park, who emphasized the key goals of the CODES project and the importance of cross-border collaboration in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. Dragan Đurišić, Project Manager at the Joint Secretariat of the Interreg VI-A IPA Program Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027, also addressed the attendees, providing a brief overview of the program with a focus on enhancing research and innovation capacities and adopting advanced technologies. He also announced a new call for project proposals. Mateja Arapović, the project manager, provided a detailed presentation of 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 highlighted how these spaces provide access to cutting-edge technologies, resources, and knowledge, which are essential for developing innovative business ideas. The panel also featured Dr. Ante Panjkota from the University of Zadar and Mladen Kostić from VML Engineering, who emphasized the potential of innovation labs in strengthening entrepreneurial initiatives and driving economic growth in the region.

Startup Scene: Quality vs. Quantity

The second panel, titled “Startup Scene in the Cross-Border Area: Fewer Startups as a Lack of Interest or an Increase in Quality?”, brought together experts Vedrana Ajanović from BIT Center Tuzla and Ivona Tolić, Ecosystem Facilitator at Swiss EP. The discussion addressed the challenges faced by startups in the region and strategies to increase the quality and interest in entrepreneurship among young people.

Coworking Spaces: Community Builders

The third panel, titled “Coworking Spaces in the Cross-Border Area: A Tool for Community and IT Sector Development,” highlighted the importance of coworking spaces in connecting young professionals and entrepreneurs. Mateja Arapović from INTERA TP opened the session by presenting the development path 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 the growth of the IT sector in the region.

Conclusion: Networking and Knowledge Exchange

The CODES kick-off conference marked the beginning of the project’s goal – strengthening innovation capacities and supporting entrepreneurs in the cross-border area. Through innovative programs for innovators, coworking space members, and startups, the project enhances the business environment, strengthens the regional ICT ecosystem, and boosts the competitiveness of companies, 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 from Nikšić, BIT Center from Tuzla, the University of Zadar, and the City of Zadar. The CODES project is co-financed by the European Union through the Interreg VI-A IPA Programme Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027.

November 22, 2024