The development of the economy in new conditions of the post-industrial, digital global economy represents the key element of the future.

By 2030, Rijeka will need to be completely transformed into a city of modern industries, especially creative, technologically innovative and green. Such a focus also takes into account the sustainability of the economy (clean technology) as well as the provision of quality and stimulating contents (creative industry) by which Rijeka is recognisable.

When drawing up the development plan the following issues are taken into consideration: how to develop Industry 4.0, creative industry and IT in Rijeka, and also how to encourage innovation and scientific research, which are a prerequisite for a further development of the Rijeka economy. Rijeka is already a smart city and it strongly cooperates with institutions and companies that promote this concept. It is important to ensure technical and organisational conditions for further smart city development. It is necessary to consider actively the development of the Port, which should remain one of the levers of Rijeka development, but urban space should remain clean and functional. Tourism in Rijeka should be sustainable, recognisable and based on a quality offer and well thought out further development.

The topics covered by this segment are as follows:

  • Encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation,
  • Industry 4.0: smart manufacturing industries,
  • IT industry,
  • Creative industries,
  • Clean and “green” industries,
  • Research and development: University and cooperation of science and the economy,
  • IT infrastructure,
  • Crafts,
  • Rijeka as a port city,
  • Shipbuilding,
  • Tourism and
  • Other.

Workshop with the professional public

On 10 November 2020, a workshop with the professional public was held tackling the topic “Working in Rijeka 2030” as part of the strategic planning process for the development of the City of Rijeka in the next period. It is within the methodology envisaged for drawing up the Development Plan of the City of Rijeka 2021 – 2027 in the context of the development and connection of the economy, science and tourism.

The workshop addressed the topics of industry, ICT, creative industries, innovation environment and tourist services and motives arrival of tourists. These topics in a form of group work and discussion were addressed through three issues related to:

  • challenges and needs in relation to the topic (current situation),
  • vision and opportunities for development of the segment (desired state),
  • key projects and activities to achieve the desired direction of development (how to achieve this).

Observing the mentioned challenges and opportunities, projects and activities and proposals of vision, the participants had the task to present the conclusions of the workshop.

The key and common conclusion of all stakeholders by sub-topics is that it is primarily necessary to invest in the development of highly educated staff, adapting educational institutions to the needs of the economy, and putting an emphasis on shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, ICT and tourism, and enable interdisciplinary linkage of stakeholders – industry, the civil sector, science and education and tourism (eg pharmaceutical industry, health-oriented associations, pharmaceutical education, health tourism and the use of large data sets and business intelligence). Also, a stimulating business environment should be developed, primarily entrepreneurial support infrastructure (upgrade a well-developed incubation system) and ICT infrastructure, encourage innovation and invest in new digital technologies. Finally, we should make the right use of the resources that Rijeka has at its disposal for a long time – the Port (open Rijeka to the sea), geo-traffic position, historical heritage and tradition, and underused and neglected industrial infrastructure.

Defining the vision of the economy, science and tourism in the City of Rijeka in 2030, within all subtopics, related to the creation of a stimulating business environment, creation of highly educated staff, new technologies, interoperability in city development and use of existing resources. Therefore, Rijeka 2030 is a city with a stimulating business environment that has a large number of highly educated staff, it uses and improves existing resources, encourages the development and introduction of new technologies and interoperability in city development.

WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS:

  • Ivo Usmiani, JGL
  • Boris Popović, Rijeka urban agglomeration
  • Franjo Gregov, 3. Maj shipyard
  • Edi Grbac, iOlap
  • Mateo Starčević Filipović, Brightdock
  • Anto Domić, NetCom
  • Vladimir Mozetić, Cluster of health tourism
  • Zoran Luštica, Jadran hoteli
  • Jose Luiz Ruiz Arroya, Hilton Costabella
  • Maja Šimunić, Hilton Costabella
  • Vedran Jakominić, association of hotel and restaurant tenders of Kvarner and Istria
  • Vojko Obersnel, mayor
  • Marko Filipović, deputy mayor
  • Jana Sertić, Department of Entrepreneurship, head
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