Region of Social innovations

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia Serbia

Date of latest update: 2025-09-23

Description

Description (EN):

The level of social innovations (SI) and percentage of social enterprises in two countries economies is very low. Rare examples of social innovations and social enterprises in cross-border region are the exceptions that proves the rule - social innovations are underused and neglected opportunities in cross-border region. The supporting system for social innovations in CB region does not exist, while region is facing strong emigrations, especially of young people, population aging and have similar economic, environmental and social problems, social needs and social challenges that seeks for self-organization, active citizenship, organized approach and cooperation with public authorities and private sector in a form of business models or project concepts. Project overall objective is creation of environment and supporting system for the development of social innovations in the cross-border region. It will respect existing resources and potentials of targeted areas and create systematic solutions for social innovations in CB region through creation of educational concept, development of Living Labs for social innovations, pools of actors supporting the social initiatives and online knowledge base tool for idea exchange and cooperation. Project main outputs are: - Developed concept of education for social innovations including curriculum for the course, manual and video materials that can be used by educational institutions, employment services and business support institutions. - Created pool of supporters of social innovations in 4 cities serving to complete and upgrade the work of Living Labs for all interested in social innovations - young adults, unemployed persons, NGOs. - Development of two Living Labs in Subotica and Vukovar serving for education, idea generation, idea development, idea testing and mentoring for all actors interested in social innovations and mutual cooperation. -Development of online platform for education, networking and cooperation in the field of social innovations for diverse CB stakeholders. Low level of social innovations and underdeveloped social economy / entrepreneurship compering to EU are characteristics of the two countries and neighboring regions which makes the defined challenges, a common issue. Low participation in social initiatives and social innovations, with special emphasis on young adults, suggests the cooperation and finding the joint approach and solutions in facing common problems. Since, the diagnosed problems are common, the solutions should be find in the cooperation, exchange of knowledge and ideas, specially because there is no language barrier in communication and mentality, educational system, development level, social needs and challenges, youth engagement and creativity are similar in both regions. Through cross-border cooperation project partners will exchange approaches, methodologies and ideas, extend the frames and create the joint solution for the same economic, social and employment issues that are plaguing the region. Through common education, skills improvement, practical work and networking of the target groups the preconditions for cross-border cooperation in the field of social innovations will be created. Project proposal is using comprehensive methodological approach. Through 1. Knowledge and experience exchange on how to create and develop social innovation ideas, solutions, services and creation of pool of supporters, 2. development of courses, practical training, manuals, tutorials and other digital educational tools, 3. organization of promotional campaign for information about project activities and benefits of social innovations and 4. development of Living Labs and online platform, the creation of environment and supporting system for development of social innovations in CB region will be accomplished. Project is following logical methodological steps in creation of system of support. It goes far beyond existing practice in cross-border region and national countries since social innovations are not topic in the education and practical work in two countries, existing Living Labs are serving for generation and development of, only, technical innovations and CB online tool for exchange of ideas and cooperation in social initiatives does not exist. Project will use existing recourses, knowledge and experience but it aims to create pilot innovative solution for the development of supporting system for social innovations in the cross-border region.

Actual Achievements (EN):

Within the first reporting period two project team meetings were organized - first meeting in Subotica / Palić on 24th July and second meeting in Osijek on 16th December 2024. All partners participated at meetings aiming to exchange information on the achieved results, discuss the project progress and define the next steps. These meetings were an important opportunity to align the efforts of the partners and ensure the smooth continuation of the project, as well as to address challenges that arose and collaboratively find solutions. All partners also participated at Programme workshops held in Novi Sad and Osijek. Partners implemented several procurement procedures necessary for the implementation of activities in first reporting perion and preparation for activities planned for the second reporting period including the procedures for PRAG experts. Within first reporting period Living Lab in Vukovar was equiped, including technical (computer) equipment and office equipment (chairs and tables) for the participants. Equipping the Living Lab ensured the conditions for the smooth implementation of activities planned in the 2nd and 3rd periods. A key event during this period was the Opening conference of the project, held at the Science and Technology Park in Novi Sad. Around 60 participants attended the conference, including representatives from various media outlets, state authorities, relevant institutions, and civil society organizations involved in social innovations. The goal of the conference was to present the project's objectives and emphasize the importance of fostering social innovations in the region. Invitation letters, agendas, and appropriate presentations were prepared in advance and all logistical aspects were carefully planned. The Opening conference achieved our goal of increasing the project's visibility, generating interest in social innovation, showcasing the project's impact to the broader public, and inspiring further actions in the field of social innovations. Special attention was given to inviting representatives of public authorities, relevant institutions and civil society organizations working on social innovation issues to the conference. The conference also had a special focus on involving young people, who are considered key drivers of change in the field of social innovation. The event concluded with a reception, which provided participants the opportunity to exchange opinions, share experiences and discuss potential future collaborations. This informal setting proved highly effective in strengthening interpersonal connections and building a community among the participants. At the conference, attendees were provided with notebooks and leaflets containing information about the project. The visibility of the program was ensured by placing banners at a prominent location near the podium. Media outlets of local and regional significance reported on the event. Within this reporting period, Analysis of the current state of social innovations in the Croatian part of the cross-border region was complated while Analysis of the current state of social innovations in the Serbian part of the cross-border region is in progress and it will be complated at the begining of second reporting period.

Project outputs: Project partners co-operating in cross-border project(EN)
Supporting system for development of social innovations in CB region developed(EN)

Thematic information

Institutional cooperation and cooperation networks Knowledge and technology transfer

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: Otvoreni univerzitet Subotica Doo

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 100847341

Department: Sector for Project management

Address: Czar Jovan Nenad Square , 24000 Subotica, Serbia

Department address: Czar Jovan Nenad Square , 24000 Subotica, Serbia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Education/training centre and school

Website: http://www.openunsubotica.rs

Total budget: EUR 100 080.80

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 85 068.68

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 15 012.12

Contractors:

Name: RCFDR
VAT registration or tax identification number: 108870080
Name: PLAN CONS
VAT registration or tax identification number: 112305949
Name: PC BIT
VAT registration or tax identification number: 105018234
Name: GLOBEXPO
VAT registration or tax identification number: 100729574

Učilište Studium – ustanova za obrazovanje odraslih

Name: Učilište Studium – ustanova za obrazovanje odraslih

Department: EU Project development and implementation

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 04198000932

Address: I. G. Kovačića , 32000 Vukovar, Croatia

Department address: Stjepana Radića, 31000 Osijek, Croatia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Education/training centre and school

Website: http://www.uciliste.net

Total budget: EUR 76 003.20

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 64 602.72

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 11 400.48

Contractors:

Name: Intellectum j.d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 37749882112
Name: Jukić,obrt za prom. i uslugu
VAT registration or tax identification number: 64760243011

Pokrajinski sekretarijat za regionalni razvoj, međuregionalnu saradnju i lokalnu samoupravu

Name: Pokrajinski sekretarijat za regionalni razvoj, međuregionalnu saradnju i lokalnu samoupravu

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 105702405

Address: Bulevar Mihajla Pupina, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia

Department address: Bulevar Mihajla Pupina, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: http://www.region.vojvodina.gov.rs

Total budget: EUR 85 979.88

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 73 082.89

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 12 896.99

Contractors:

Name: NET Computer Engineering doo
VAT registration or tax identification number: 100727484
Name: GLOBALMEDIA, Pančevo
VAT registration or tax identification number: 104680722
Name: Attorney Branimir Blagojević
VAT registration or tax identification number: 111916664
Name: Group Brendomania DOO Novi Sad
VAT registration or tax identification number: 108851336
Name: ZZT NS
VAT registration or tax identification number: 111954222

VURA – Razvojna agencija Vukovar društvo s ograničenom odgovornošću za promicanje razvoja

Name: VURA – Razvojna agencija Vukovar društvo s ograničenom odgovornošću za promicanje razvoja

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 35723009241

Address: Dr. Franje Tuđmana , 32000 Vukovar, Croatia

Department address: Dr. Franje Tuđmana , 32000 Vukovar, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.vura.hr

Total budget: EUR 88 263.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 75 023.55

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 13 239.45

Contractors:

Name: Ergonova Piljek d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR43699365561
Name: DIGITAL
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR48671197356

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Adult Education Institution Studium

Region of Social innovations

Partners and Projects info

Provincial Secretariat for Regional Development, Interregional Cooperation and Local Self-Government

Region of Social innovations

Partners and Projects info

Vukovar Develoment Agency Ltd.

Region of Social innovations

Partners and Projects info

Open university Subotica Ltd.

Region of Social innovations

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Region of Social innovations

Project acronym: ROSI

Project ID: HR-RS00107

Project start date: 2024-07-01

Project end date: 2025-12-31

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

Project IT community region (EN) | Project IT community region was implemented in previous Call for cross-border cooperation by three of four partners in the current consortium (OUS, VURA and USV). The synergy between these two projects lies in the transfer of knowledge, expertise, and resources from the IT community project to the social innovation project. By building upon the foundations laid by the previous project, the social innovation project can benefit from the experience, networks and innovative solutions developed in the IT sector, ultimately enhancing its capacity to address social challenges in a more comprehensive and innovative manner. These two projects can complement and build upon each other through 1. Knowledge Transfer: Knowledge and experience from previous project can be leveraged in the social innovation project, particularly in the implementation of technology-driven solutions for addressing social challenges; 2. Collaborative Networks: The IT community project have established collaborative networks and partnerships with local businesses, educational institutions and IT entrepreneurs and SMEs. These networks can be expanded to involve additional stakeholders in the development of supporting system for social innovations, enhancing its reach and impact; 3. Capacity Building: The IT community project provided training and capacity-building opportunities for individuals and organizations in the field of IT skills. This capacity-building can be extended to include training in social innovation methodologies, promoting cross-disciplinary collaboration between the IT and social sectors; 4. Entrepreneurship and Startups: The IT community project have supported the development of startups and entrepreneurial ventures in the IT sector. This entrepreneurial spirit and experience can be harnessed to create social enterprises or initiatives that tackle social challenges in innovative ways.
(EN), Project Common – Development of the business environment through the education of the labor force in accordance with the market needs (EN) | Project Common was implemented in previous Call for CB cooperation by three of four partners in current consortium (VURA, PS, USV). The synergy between these two projects lies in their shared goals of enhancing education, workforce development and social inclusion. The ROSI project can draw upon the lessons, networks and expertise of the previous project to create innovative solutions that bridge the gap between social challenges and labor market needs, ultimately benefiting individuals, businesses and communities. These two projects can complement and build upon each other through: 1. Skill Development: The Common emphasized skill development to align the labor force with market needs. The ROSI project can benefit from this by identifying specific skill gaps and tailoring social innovations to address these gaps, ensuring that education and training programs are more effective in preparing individuals for the job market; 2. Entrepreneurship and Job Creation: Common had a focus on entrepreneurship and job creation, so this project can build upon this foundation by supporting the creation of social enterprises and startups that address specific social challenges while also contributing to economic development; 3. Adaptive Learning: Since Common project introduced adaptive learning technologies and methodologies, these can be applied to create personalized and flexible educational solutions for individuals with diverse learning needs; 4. Soft Skills and Social Competencies: ROSI can complement previous project by focusing on the development of soft skills and social competencies, which are increasingly important in the modern job market and can contribute to employability; 5. Inclusive Education: Previous project have encountered challenges related to inclusivity and access to education so these challenges can be overcome by developing innovative approaches to ensure that education and skills development are accessible to all, regardless of background or abilities. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 350 326.88

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 297 777.84

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

Co-financing sources:

IPA/IPA II/IPA III: Amount, EUR 297 777.84. Co-financing rate, 85.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Document - Analysis of the current state of social innovations in the Serbian part of CB region.
Document - Analysis of the current state of social innovations in the Croatian part of CB region.
Joint report - Document
Developed curriculum, training material and educational course for Social innovation supporters
Educational course for Social innovators of the future
Business cases - projects created
Working meetings of social innovators
Round tables
Study tours
On-line platform
Educational tools
Development of Living Labs for Social innovations in the CB region
Promotional campaign

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion Project ROSI contributes to EUSAIR through:
Environmental Sustainability: Social innovations ideas, developed within project, related to sustainable agriculture, renewable energy or waste reduction can contribute to environmental sustainability, which is one of the pillars of EUSAIR.
Regional Cooperation: EUSAIR aims to promote cooperation and cohesion among countries in the Adriatic and Ionian region. A project involving CB partners fosters regional collaboration, which is one of the core objectives of the strategy. By working together on social innovations, two countries will address common challenges and develop solutions that benefit the entire region.
Economic Development: Social innovations often have economic implications and they can lead to the creation of new businesses, jobs, and economic opportunities. Social innovations can contribute to economic growth and development in the region, aligning with EUSAIR's goal of enhancing economic prosperity.
Social Inclusion and Cohesion: Social innovations often focus on improving the quality of life for marginalized or vulnerable populations and address social challenges and inequalities and they can help reduce disparities. By addressing social issues through innovation, project will contribute to greater social inclusion and cohesion within CB region which aligns with EUSAIR's commitment to promoting social inclusion and reducing disparities.
Community Engagement: Social innovations involve collaboration with local communities and stakeholders which can empower communities to take an active role in addressing their own challenges, aligning with EUSAIR's objective of involving local actors in regional development.
Knowledge Sharing: Exchange of knowledge and best practices in the field of social innovations between participating countries can lead to more effective solutions to common social issues. EUSAIR seeks to promote cooperation and knowledge exchange among its member states.
EUStrategyDanubeRegion Project ROSI contributes to EUSAIR through:
Knowledge Sharing: Projects facilitate the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and best practices between participating countries. By sharing insights and experiences in the field of social innovations, Croatia and Serbia can learn from each other and develop more effective solutions to common social problems. This knowledge sharing directly contributes to priority 3. Building prosperity and Actions: Knowledge Society and People &Skills and supports EUSDR's goal of promoting cooperation and sharing expertise.
Regional Collaboration: EUSDR aims to foster cooperation among countries along the Danube River. A cross-border project involving Croatia and Serbia promotes regional collaboration and encourages these two countries to work together on common challenges related to social innovations. This collaboration aligns with the spirit of EUSDR, which seeks to enhance cooperation and solidarity in the Danube Region.
Economic Development: Social innovations can have economic implications, such as the creation of new businesses and job opportunities. Project focused on social innovations can stimulate economic growth and entrepreneurship in CB region, contributing to EUSDR's objective of promoting economic development in the region.
Social Inclusion: Social innovations are often focused on addressing social issues and improving the quality of life for marginalized or vulnerable populations. By tackling social challenges, this project will promote social inclusion and reduce disparities within the Danube Region, which is in line with EUSDR's commitment to addressing social and economic disparities.
Innovation and Modernization: Social innovations often involve the use of modern technology and innovative approaches to problem-solving. By embracing innovation in the social sector, the project contributes to EUSDR's goal of fostering innovation and modernization throughout the Danube Region.
EuropeanGreenDeal Project ROSI contributes to European Green Deal through:
Promotion of Sustainable Practices: Social innovations often focus on addressing environmental and sustainability challenges. By developing and implementing social innovations, the project will promote sustainable practices and solutions that align with the European Green Deal's goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving resources, and protecting the environment.
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: Social innovations created within project may involve energy-efficient technologies or the use of renewable energy sources. Implementing such innovations can contribute to the European Green Deal's objectives of achieving energy efficiency and transitioning to clean energy sources.
Waste Reduction and Circular Economy: Social innovations may address waste reduction, recycling, and the promotion of a circular economy. These initiatives align with the European Green Deal's focus on reducing waste generation and promoting the responsible use of resources.
Eco-friendly Products and Services: Social innovations can lead to the creation of eco-friendly products and services, reducing the environmental impact of consumer choices. This supports the European Green Deal's focus on promoting sustainable consumption.
Community Engagement: Many social innovations involve community engagement and participation. Engaging communities in sustainability initiatives can raise awareness and drive collective action towards achieving environmental goals outlined in the European Green Deal.
Research and Innovation: Social innovations often involves research and innovative approaches to solving societal and environmental problems. These efforts support the European Green Deal's emphasis on research and innovation as critical drivers of sustainability.
Other Project ROSI also contributes to other EU strategies and policies:
Digital Europe Strategy: Social innovations often involve the use of digital technologies to address societal challenges. The project can align with the Digital Europe Strategy's aims of promoting digitalization and innovation in various sectors.
Circular Economy Action Plan: Social innovations that focus on waste reduction, resource efficiency, and the circular economy contribute to the objectives of the Circular Economy Action Plan, which aims to create a more sustainable and circular economic system.
European Innovation Council (EIC): The project's emphasis on innovation aligns with the goals of the EIC, which seeks to support breakthrough innovations and technologies that can address societal and environmental challenges.
Cohesion Policy: The project can contribute to the European Union's Cohesion Policy by promoting economic and social cohesion between regions and member states, particularly in less developed or border regions.
Regional Policy: The project can support the EU's regional policy objectives by addressing regional disparities, fostering innovation, and promoting economic development in specific regions.
Innovation and Research Policies: The project's emphasis on research, innovation and creative problem-solving aligns with various EU innovation and research policies and programs, such as Horizon Europe.
Social Inclusion and Social Innovation Policies: The project directly contributes to EU policies and initiatives focused on social inclusion, social innovation, and addressing societal challenges.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

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

2025-09-23

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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Region of Social innovations

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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