On November 22, 2024, the kick-off conference of the project Cooperation for Development of Cross Border Business Environment Strengthened (CODES) was held at the Code Hub Mostar. The event gathered experts, entrepreneurs, and innovative minds to strengthen the cross-border business ecosystem. The conference presented project activities, opened key discussions on regional development, and provided a platform for networking and knowledge exchange.
CODES Project: Connecting Through Innovation and Collaboration
The conference was opened by Vedran Simunovic, Director of INTERA Technology Park, who emphasized the key objectives of the CODES project and the importance of cross-border cooperation in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. Dragan Đurišić, Project Manager of the Joint Secretariat of the Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027 Program, addressed the audience, introducing the program with a particular focus on the development of research and innovation capacities and the adoption of advanced technologies. He also announced a new call for projects. Mateja Arapovic, the project leader, detailed 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 the Cross-Border Area?”, explored the role of innovation labs in generating new business ideas and products. Djordjije Brkuljan from the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center Tehnopolis in Niksic highlighted that these spaces provide access to cutting-edge technologies, resources, and knowledge—key factors for the development of innovative business ideas. The panel also included Dr. Ante Panjkota from the University of Zadar and Mladen Kostić from VML Engineering, who emphasized the potential of labs to enhance entrepreneurial initiatives and regional economic growth.
Startup Scene: Quality vs. Quantity
The second panel, “The Startup Scene in the Cross-Border Area: Fewer Startups as a Lack of Interest or an Increase in Quality?”, brought together experts such as Vedrana Ajanović from BIT Center Tuzla and Ivona Tolić, an ecosystem facilitator at Swiss EP. The discussion addressed 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, 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 Arapovic from INTERA TP introduced the development of Code Hubs, while panelists Djordjije Brkuljan (Code Hub Nikšić), Nermin Sehic (Tershouse), and Mia Miocevic (Code Hub Mostar) discussed how coworking spaces encourage collaboration, idea exchange, and IT sector growth in the region.
Conclusion: Networking and Knowledge Sharing
The kick-off conference of the CODES project marked the beginning of the realization of its objectives—strengthening innovation capacities and supporting entrepreneurs in the cross-border area. Through innovative programs for innovators, coworking space members, and startups, the project aims to improve the business environment, strengthen the regional ICT ecosystem, and increase the competitiveness of companies, fostering collaboration and the development of new products and services.
The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center Tehnopolis is implementing the CODES project in collaboration with partners—INTERA Technology Park (lead partner), 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 Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027 Program.
