Digitization of Archives for Cross-Border Cooperation

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia Serbia

Date of latest update: 2026-01-14

Description

Description (EN):

DIGIARCH stands as a groundbreaking cross-border initiative, aiming to connect the cultural heritages of Croatia and Serbia through the digitization of archives. This endeavor is a joint collaboration involving Business Incubator Osvit (Croatia), Science Technology Park Novi Sad (STP, Serbia), the Municipality of Magadenovac (Croatia), and the Municipality of Apatin (Serbia). DIGIARCH Objectives: 1. Digital Preservation: Digitize and safeguard cultural heritage archives to ensure their longevity. 2. System Development: Establish a digital platform for streamlined storage and effective management of the archives. 3. Cross-Border Collaboration: Enhance cooperation and facilitate knowledge exchange between partnering entities. 4. Innovation Promotion: Drive forward-thinking approaches and technological advancements in the archiving sector. Beyond its tangible outcomes, DIGIARCH symbolizes a commitment to bridging cultural divides. The digitization process not only acts as a preservative measure for cultural assets but also catalyzes innovation, mutual respect, and collaborative spirit among the partners. With a focus on quality, security, and user accessibility, the digital platform is poised to serve as a cherished resource for future generations. DIGIARCH introduction of an AI-powered digital assistant promises to redefine user interaction with archival materials, ensuring a seamless and efficient user experience. The combined efforts of the Municipality of Magadenovac and the Municipality of Apatin in infrastructure enhancement and pilot project execution will offer a replicable model for other regions with similar aspirations. DIGIARCH transcends its primary objective of digitization. It stands as a testament to the power of cross-border collaboration, technological progress, and the enduring importance of cultural preservation. As its impact resonates, DIGIARCH will fortify the bond between Croatia and Serbia, casting a lasting positive imprint on the region's cultural milieu.

Actual Achievements (EN):

The first reporting period of the DIGIARCH project was focused on laying the groundwork for the digital archiving platform, aligning project objectives with stakeholders’ needs, and ensuring a smooth procurement process. Progress has been made in defining the technical and operational framework necessary for the platform’s development. Extensive market research was conducted to establish the requirements, ensuring that the platform aligns with best practices and modern technological trends. Consultations with experts from the Faculty of Technical Sciences, AI startups, and digital archiving professionals provided valuable insights that guided the planning process. The Science and Technology Park Novi Sad played a central role in drafting the Marketing and Communication Strategy, which outlines the approach for increasing visibility, engagement, and outreach for the platform. In parallel, significant advancements were made in AI-driven digital archiving. A collaboration with the National Institute for AI in Serbia helped define key functionalities for the AI-based digital assistant. This assistant is designed to facilitate intelligent document recognition, automate metadata generation, and enhance user interaction, ensuring a more efficient and modernized digitization process. These developments are crucial in making historical materials more accessible and searchable, paving the way for a comprehensive and user-friendly digital archiving system. Infrastructure readiness was another key area of focus during this reporting period. The Municipality of Magadenovac successfully completed the public procurement process for essential equipment, including laptops and a high-quality scanner, ensuring that digitization activities will proceed smoothly in the next phase. Simultaneously, the Municipality of Apatin conducted a detailed market analysis to prepare for the procurement of specialized equipment required for digitization. The planned acquisitions will enhance the longevity and sustainability of the digital archive, ensuring that cultural heritage is preserved and easily accessible for future generations. Strong coordination and cross-border collaboration between Serbian and Croatian partners have been central to the project’s success. Regular project management team meetings were held both in person and online, ensuring seamless communication and cooperation among all stakeholders. A significant milestone was the all-partner project meeting held in Apatin in November 2024, where discussions focused on implementation strategies, procurement plans, and outreach efforts. The structured engagement between partners demonstrated the added value of cross-border cooperation, facilitating knowledge exchange and the sharing of best practices. In addition to technical progress, community engagement and awareness-raising efforts played a critical role in the project's impact. Business Incubator Osvit successfully conducted a radio program campaign to introduce the DIGIARCH project to a wider audience, raising awareness of its significance in preserving cultural heritage. The Municipality of Apatin and Magadenovac displayed promotional materials and posters in public offices, ensuring that local communities were informed about the project's objectives. These outreach activities have generated interest and inspired local institutions and citizens to take an active role in digital heritage preservation. During the second reporting period, the DIGIARCH project made substantial progress toward its overarching goal of enhancing cross-border digitization and preservation of cultural heritage in Serbia and Croatia. All partners contributed meaningfully across technical, capacity-building, and organizational dimensions, demonstrating strong cooperation and coordinated advancement. A central highlight was the ongoing development of the AI-powered DIGIARCH Digital Archiving Platform, led by the Science and Technology Park Novi Sad (STP NS). Following a public procurement procedure, a software developer was contracted and began implementing the system. While the final version is expected by the end of July 2025, the reporting period saw major achievements in system architecture design, backend development, and preliminary UI testing. The platform integrates features such as AI-based semantic search and metadata tagging and is being developed in alignment with FAIR data principles and actual use cases from partners. In parallel, Business Incubator Osvit and Municipality of Magadenovac worked closely to operationalize digitization workflows. Osvit organized and delivered a training program for Magadenovac municipal staff on high-resolution scanner use. This knowledge transfer significantly enhanced local capacity for digitizing archival materials to international standards and contributed directly to the platform’s test dataset. Magadenovac also acquired and calibrated a professional scanner, facilitated in-person coordination with Osvit, and provided archival content for pilot digitization. These efforts ensured a smooth feedback loop between digitization needs and platform development, reinforcing practical and user-driven innovation. The Municipality of Apatin focused its efforts on equipment procurement in accordance with Serbian PRAG procedures. Laptops and cameras were successfully delivered and accepted, while a professional book scanner was ordered and is expected to arrive early in the next period. Apatin maintained contact with relevant archives (e.g., in Sombor) and continued preparing digitization content, contributing to the cross-border pool of archival material. On the communication front, the Comprehensive Marketing and Communication Strategy was finalized, led by STP NS with inputs from all partners. This strategy sets the stage for broader dissemination in the final project phase. Partners also began drafting promotional content and aligning dissemination formats with platform rollout timelines. Despite some minor delays—particularly regarding infrastructure procurement, which was logically postponed until technical specs became available—all partners remain on track. No critical deviations were reported, and anticipated outputs for the third period are realistic and well-prepared.

Project outputs: DIGIARCH Digital Platform
(EN)
Project partners co-operating in cross-border project
(EN)
Pilot Archive Digitization(EN)

Thematic information

ICT and digital society Cultural heritage and arts

Priority: (VI-A_HR-S_1) Cooperating for smarter programme area

Priority specific objective: RSO1.1. Developing and enhancing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO1 A more competitive and smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation and regional ICT connectivity

Type of intervention: 012 Research and innovation activities in public research centres, higher education and centres of competence including networking (industrial research, experimental development, feasibility studies)

Partners (4)

Lead Partner: Naučno tehnološki park Novi Sad

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 117769185

Address: Fruškogorska, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Infrastructure and (public) service provider

Website: http://www.ntpns.rs

Total budget: EUR 99 375.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 84 468.75

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 14 906.25

Contractors:

Name: SPESCOM consulting
VAT registration or tax identification number: 20768665
Name: RADMILA KVASCEV PR MONOID NS
VAT registration or tax identification number: 112447021

Općina Magadenovac

Name: Općina Magadenovac

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR47221079851

Address: Školska, 31542 Magadenovac, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: https://www.magadenovac.hr/

Total budget: EUR 55 440.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 47 124.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 8 316.00

Contractors:

Name: Info-tech, obrt
VAT registration or tax identification number: 92622446089

Opstina APATIN

Name: Opstina APATIN

Department: Office for local economic development

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 101269416

Address: Srpskih Vladara , 25260 Apatin, Serbia

Department address: Srpskih Vladara , 25260 Apatin, Serbia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.soapatin.org

Total budget: EUR 66 780.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 56 763.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 10 017.00

Poduzetnički inkubator Osvit - zadruga

Name: Poduzetnički inkubator Osvit - zadruga

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR39693206416

Address: Industrijska zona Janjevci, 31540 Donji Miholjac, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.osvit.biz

Total budget: EUR 92 966.83

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 79 021.80

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 13 945.03

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Magadenovac Municipality

Digitization of Archives for Cross-Border Cooperation

Partners and Projects info

Minicipality of Apatin

Digitization of Archives for Cross-Border Cooperation

Partners and Projects info

Business incubator Osvit - cooperative

Digitization of Archives for Cross-Border Cooperation

Partners and Projects info

Science and Technology Park Novi Sad

Digitization of Archives for Cross-Border Cooperation

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Digitization of Archives for Cross-Border Cooperation

Project acronym: DIGIARCH

Project ID: HR-RS00187

Project start date: 2024-07-01

Project end date: 2026-03-31

Project status: closed

Relevant linked projects:

UPDATE - Future powered by AI (EN) | The DIGIARCH project is strategically positioned to build upon and leverage synergies from past and ongoing EU initiatives, ensuring a continuum of collaboration and knowledge transfer. A notable synergy is the continuation of the proven partnership between OSVIT and STP, which was solidified during their collaboration on the UPDATE project titled "Future powered by AI." This partnership, having already navigated the intricacies of EU project dynamics, ensures a seamless integration of roles, responsibilities, and expertise in the DIGIARCH initiative.
The experience from the UPDATE project, which delves deep into the realm of artificial intelligence, provides a robust foundation for the AI components of DIGIARCH. The knowledge acquired, the technological tools developed, and the lessons learned from challenges faced in the UPDATE project will be invaluable in ensuring the success of the AI-based digital assistant in DIGIARCH.
Furthermore, the best practices and successful strategies from the XBIT project will be integrated into DIGIARCH's approach. The XBIT project, with its focus on innovation and technology, offers a repository of methodologies, tools, and strategies that can be adapted and scaled to suit the objectives of DIGIARCH. By tapping into the insights from XBIT, DIGIARCH can avoid potential pitfalls, streamline processes, and ensure the efficient utilization of resources.
In essence, DIGIARCH is not starting from scratch but is building on a legacy of successful collaborations and projects. By harnessing the collective expertise and experiences from UPDATE and XBIT, DIGIARCH is poised to achieve its objectives more efficiently, ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage through digitization and fostering cross-border cooperation. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 314 561.83

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 267 377.55

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 85.00%

Co-financing sources:

IPA/IPA II/IPA III: Amount, EUR 267 377.55. Co-financing rate, 85.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

DIGIARCH Digital Archiving Platform v1.0
AI Archivist v1.0
DIGIARCH Infrastructure & Equipment Upgrade Kit
Training Modules Developed
Comprehensive Training Curriculum
Trained stakeholders
Pilot Digitization Success Rate
Comprehensive Marketing and Communication Strategy Document.
Event and Webinar Agenda, Materials, and Post-Event Summaries
Digital and Printed Brochures
Promotional Videos
Online Content Package
Suite of Promotional Materials
Press Release Kit.
Media Engagement Report.

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EuropeanGreenDeal Resource Efficiency: Digitizing archives reduces the need for physical storage, transportation, and paper-based replication, leading to a decrease in resource consumption and waste generation.
Digital Transformation for Sustainability: By leveraging digital technologies, DIGIARCH promotes a form of sustainable cultural preservation, ensuring longevity without the environmental costs associated with traditional archiving methods
EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion Promoting Sustainable Tourism: By making cultural and historical data easily accessible, DIGIARCH can boost cultural tourism in the Adriatic-Ionian region. Tourists can have enriched experiences, understanding the deep histories of the places they visit.
Strengthening Research, Innovation, and SMEs: The technological aspects of the project, especially the AI components, align with EUSAIR's focus on promoting innovation and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in the region.
EUStrategyDanubeRegion Connecting the Danube Region: The cross-border nature of DIGIARCH fosters collaboration between countries in the Danube region, promoting mutual understanding and shared cultural appreciation.
Building Prosperity through Culture and Creativity: By preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Danube region, DIGIARCH can stimulate cultural tourism, creative industries, and local businesses.
Investing in Education and Skills: The training components of DIGIARCH, along with the accessibility of digitized archives, can serve as valuable educational resources for institutions in the Danube region.
Other Digital Skills and Jobs: The technological components of DIGIARCH, from platform development to AI integration, can serve as training grounds, enhancing the digital skills of the workforce in the region.
Digital Transformation of Public Services: By modernizing the archiving sector, DIGIARCH contributes to the broader digital transformation of public services, making them more efficient, accessible, and user-friendly.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSAIR

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia Serbia

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2026-01-14

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

27 / 27 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

94 / 94 (100%)

Notes on the data

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Digitization of Archives for Cross-Border Cooperation

Description

Thematic information

Partners (4)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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