New Emerging Technologies For Digitalized INnovative Agricultural Research

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia Serbia

Date of latest update: 2026-05-25

Description

Description (EN):

Governmental research institutions and higher education organizations (universities, faculties, institutes) in the border regions of Serbia and Croatia are facing significant limitations in conducting cutting-edge agricultural research. Both Croatia and Serbia share common strengths and weaknesses in terms of their research and innovation landscape. For comparison, the GDP allocated to R&D is nearly identical, standing at 0.91% in Serbia and 1.27% in Croatia for the year 2020, indicating a deficiency in funding for research and innovation. Using the European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS) as a tool for comparative evaluation of research and innovation results in EU countries Croatia and Serbia, based on the results for the year 2021, are classified as a “emerging innovator”. It must be said that R&D investments in Croatia have grown significantly, from 0.86% of GDP in 2017 to 1,27% of GDP in 2020 owing to the European structural and investment funds (ESIF) while in Serbia, since 2012, its performance, using EIS score bored tool, has increased by 13,3%. However, Croatia still lags significantly behind with regards to the objectives set out in the National Reform Program and the EU-27 average (https://interreg-croatia-serbia.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Interreg-VI-A-IPA-Croatia-Serbia_version- 1. 1.pdf). The lack of modern tools and equipment from different research domains, such as high-throughput phenotyping, the IT sector, or artificial intelligence, greatly hampers the quality of research and impedes the development of new wheat varieties. This limitation not only affects the ability to enhance crop productivity and resilience but also undermines the potential for addressing the pressing challenges of climate changes, food security and sustainability. To overcome these obstacles, it is imperative for research institutes in the regions to prioritize investment in research infrastructure, to build capacities and acquire cutting-edge technologies. By upgrading their capabilities, they can narrow the gap and align with the research standards set by leading European institutions, as well as improve the methodology for developing new widely adapted wheat varieties. Collaboration with these institutions would provide valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and access to advanced methodologies and resources and provides a new venue to collaborate on large-scale EU-funded research projects, networks and programs. The overall objective of the NET4DINAR projects is to support research and innovation activities at AIO and IFVCNS in different fields of plant breeding and research activities. The project aim to enhance the capacity of both institutes to conduct cutting-edge scientific research and transfer knowledge in field of small grains/wheat breeding and skills that contribute significantly to greener economy and climate change adaptation. The expected project outputs involve the further establishment of the Institute's cross-border cooperation (RCO87-Organizations cooperating across borders ) through collaborative testing and advancement of wheat germplasm (regional network trials and speed breeding method), as well as technology transfer through pilot actions jointly developed (RCO-116) (four novel wheat lines submitted for official registration, speed breeding method and field days and workshops) and co-created AI based solutions for early yield prediction in wheat. The project result will be highly relevant for the EU crop phenotyping community to proof new concepts, how to cope with the challenges of global climate change at the regional level in the future. The main beneficiaries of the project includes research organizations, academia and plant breeding community, and as final users farmers and private agricultural holdings and entrepreneurs as well. The novelty of the project is based on the technological innovation in developing phenotyping platform integrating cameras, drones and sensors measurements from field to air and formation of the research hub for future research activities in the region. Delivered platform will improve the speed, quality and productivity in wheat research and breeding for stress resilience. Furthermore, new research equipment combined with AI based models will give the possibility to deal in the future with the climate change risks by producing new genotypes in shorter period of time using speed breeding method and advanced digital solutions.

Actual Achievements (EN):

The regional and sectoral challenges in the Croatia-Serbia border region faces a critical challenge: climate change is fundamentally altering wheat growing conditions. Unpredictable weather, prolonged droughts, and temperature extremes threaten food security. Traditional varieties cannot adapt quickly enough, while conventional breeding requires 8-10 years to develop new varieties. Agricultural research institutions in both countries operated in isolation, missing opportunities to pool resources and compete for international funding. NET4DINAR addressed specific problem how to accelerate development of climate-resilient wheat while modernizing research methodologies. Farmers urgently need drought-resistant wheat, but slow traditional breeding created a dangerous gap between needs and solutions. Neither institution possessed all necessary tools, expertise, or data alone. The project developed three interconnected solutions. First, wheat speed breeding technology now produces two complete generations yearly—cutting the traditional breeding cycle in half. Second, transparent AI algorithms enable early yield prediction and nitrogen stress detection, automatically extracting phenotypic data from UAV imagery with unprecedented speed and precision. Third, a regional trial network and improved institutional capacities provides sustainable cooperation testing continuing beyond project completion. Cooperation was essential throughout. The Agricultural Institute Osijek contributed wheat breeding expertise and genetic materials, while the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad provided decades of phenotypic data and digital analysis capabilities. AIO-LP1 installed a rain-shelter facility for drought studies; IFVCNS-PP2 processed historical data into structured databases. This complementary investment created capabilities neither could afford independently. Cross-border cooperation made results possible. Multi-location and (a)biotic trials spanning both countries provided environmental diversity essential for identifying truly resilient varieties. Four promising winter wheat lines have been submitted for official registration trials in both countries. AI models gained accuracy from training on datasets representing different soils, climates, and practices across both nations. Speed breeding protocols benefited from continuous technical exchange between teams. Both institutions gained enhanced infrastructure positioning them competitively for international funding. They now possess advanced digital tools, improved equipment and germplasm and validated breeding methods strengthening their contribution to climate adaptation initiatives. The partnership created lasting relationships including future joint publications, information exchange, and collaborative project applications. The project transformed agricultural research capacity across the border region. Researchers access validated digital tools increasing efficiency in plant improvement programs. Four wheat lines advancing through registration represent concrete progress toward climate-resilient agriculture, potentially reaching farmers within 3-4 years. The regional trial network established a blueprint for cross-border scientific cooperation, with other institutions expressing interest in joining. Agricultural researchers gained practical training in speed breeding and digital analysis through workshops, enabling more efficient studies and faster results. Plant breeders access accelerated methods reducing time-to-market for new varieties. Transparent AI models reveal which traits most influence crop performance assisting in breeding decisions. Farmers will benefit from faster access to regionally-adapted varieties, though full impact unfolds as new varieties enter commercial production. The project built sustainable structures. The trial network operates through established institutional frameworks with committed resources. Speed breeding integrates into regular operations, while digital infrastructure supports ongoing programs. Knowledge transfer through workshops ensures wide methodology adoption. The new wheat lines represent just the first cohort; the accelerated pipeline continues producing candidates. Partners maintain collaboration through joint proposals and regular exchange. Climate change demands even faster variety development. NET4DINAR tools position the region well, but sustained research investment and international cooperation remain essential. Opportunities exist to expand digital applications to additional crops, incorporate satellite imagery, and develop farmer decision-support systems. The bilateral model could scale to a broader Pannonian network, multiplying impact across Southeast Europe. The foundation is laid, partnerships strong, and the region now possesses tools and collaborative spirit for climate-resilient agriculture.

Project outputs: Project partners co-operating in cross-border project(EN)
Improved wheat germplasm and speed breeding method(EN)
Multi-location field trials(EN)

Thematic information

Innovation capacity and awareness-raising Agriculture and fisheries and forestry

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 (2)

Lead Partner: Poljoprivredni institut Osijek

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR03665720049

Department: Department for Cereal Breeding and Genetics

Address: Juzno predgradje 17, 31000 Osijek, Croatia

Department address: Juzno predgradje, 31000 Osijek, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.poljinos.hr

Total budget: EUR 248 107.36

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 210 891.25

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 37 216.11

Contractors:

Name: HIPHEN
VAT registration or tax identification number: FR59807603618
Name: PŠENO D.O.O.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR31087096394
Name: ANSAR-ANALITIKA d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR12100614190
Name: Findri d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR17770850990
Name: PROGRAFIK grafički obrt
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR43204081121
Name: EL-TE obrt
VAT registration or tax identification number: 38108203352
Name: Pšeno d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3108709634
Name: Kuća peciva obrt
VAT registration or tax identification number: 42598408872
Name: MACAKLIN D.O.O.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 48332024283
Name: ROTO DINAMIC
VAT registration or tax identification number: 24723122482
Name: HAPIH
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR355006269186
Name: Institut Biosense
VAT registration or tax identification number: SR109015886
Name: AVITEH d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR74228338976
Name: RU-VE d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR88470929840

Institut za ratarstvo i povrtarstvo Novi Sad

Name: Institut za ratarstvo i povrtarstvo Novi Sad

Department: Department for Small Grains

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 101705343

Address: Maksima Gorkog , 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia

Department address: Čenej, 21223 Čenej, Serbia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://ifvcns.rs/

Total budget: EUR 121 590.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 103 351.50

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 18 238.50

Contractors:

Name: EU PROJEKTI PCM, Pancevo
VAT registration or tax identification number: 107952279
Name: Polj. strucna sl. Sombor
VAT registration or tax identification number: 100273323
Name: Megra d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 100124484
Name: Kopter Pro d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 111510378
Name: Kite d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 109765089

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Institute for field and vegetable crops Novi Sad

New Emerging Technologies For Digitalized INnovative Agricultural Research

Partners and Projects info

Agricultural Institute Osijek

New Emerging Technologies For Digitalized INnovative Agricultural Research

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): New Emerging Technologies For Digitalized INnovative Agricultural Research

Project acronym: NET4DINAR

Project ID: HR-RS00038

Project start date: 2024-07-01

Project end date: 2025-12-31

Project status: closed

Relevant linked projects:

CROPINNO (Stepping up scientific excellence and innovation capacity for climate-resilient crop improvement and production); Horizon Europe; Grant agreement ID: 101059784 (EN) | The overall objective of the CROPINNO project is to stimulate and accelerate scientific excellence and innovation capacity of the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in terms of development and production of climate-smart crops, as well as enhancing its ability to respond and create innovative solutions for the challenges facing agriculture– climate change and the need to feed the increasing world population. NET4DINAR will leverage the expertise and knowledge shared within the CROPINNO network to apply innovative approaches in climate-resilient crop improvement. By fostering collaborations with farmers and the industry, NET4DINAR will further promote resilient and sustainable agricultural practices at the farm level in fields of small grains breeding and production. This aligns with the goals of CROPINNO, which aims to develop and implement innovative solutions to enhance the production of climate-smart, nutritious, and diverse crops. (EN), CROPDIVA (EN) | CROPDIVA will reinforce agrobiodiversity in European agricultural cropping systems on different levels and along distinct geographic and socio-economic areas resulting in resilient food and feed production systems. To realise the project objectives CROPDIVA will focus on the promotion of six underutilised crops: oats, triticale, hull-less barley, narrow-leafed lupin, buckwheat and faba bean in various cropping systems and on the creation of new value chains. The synergy between NET4DINAR and the CROPDIVA project lies in their shared focus on enhancing agricultural sustainability and diversification. While NET4DINAR emphasizes small grains breeding and climate-resilient practices, CROPDIVA centres on reinforcing agrobiodiversity within European cropping systems. Both projects contribute to resilient food and feed production systems by promoting underutilized crops and innovative value chains. This collaborative alignment enhances the impact of both initiatives, collectively contributing to a more sustainable, diversified, and climate-resilient agricultural landscape in the programme area. (EN), GRAINEFIT (FAO) (EN) | Grainefitt is based on new approaches to utilizing genetic resources of small grains with the aim of enhancing the sustainability of the grain value chain and improving the livelihoods of agricultural producers in Serbia and Bulgaria. The synergy between NET4DINAR and the GRAINEFIT project lies in their shared goal of advancing the utilization of genetic resources in small grains for enhanced sustainability along the grain value chain and the improvement of farmers' livelihoods in the South Europe. Both projects focus on innovative approaches to small grains breeding and production, contributing to resilient agricultural systems and improved socio-economic conditions for farmers. This collaborative alignment fosters the exchange of knowledge, resources, and best practices, ultimately working towards a more sustainable and prosperous agricultural sector in the programme area. (EN), AGROSERV (EN) | AgroServ features a large consortium of research infrastructures, most of them being on the EU roadmap, and a vast offer of services at all scales, from the molecule to the organism, to the ecosystem, to the society. AgroServ will facilitate a systemic and holistic approach to understand the threats and challenges agriculture is facing, towards the implementation of a resilient and sustainable agri-food system. The synergy between NET4DINAR and AgroServ lies in their shared objective of developing resilient and sustainable agricultural systems. Both projects recognize the importance of understanding agroecosystems, their environmental interactions, and effective management practices. (EN), CROP-BIODIV (EN) | Crop_Biodiv (Centre of excellence for biodiversity and molecular plant breeding) represents a Croatian research hub for studying genetic diversity, genomics and physiology of (a)biotic stress for the plants and traits of interest comprised of six Croatian academic institutions. The link between Crop-Biodiv and NET4DINAR is in the continuation of the activities at deeper level primarily focused on the further advancement of the existing phenotyping technology that begun in Crop-Biodiv which will be complemented to the existing genomic technologies such as genome wide association studies and next generation sequencing. (EN)

Relevant mentions and prizes:

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 369 697.36

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 314 242.75

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

Co-financing sources:

IPA/IPA II/IPA III: Amount, EUR 314 242.75. Co-financing rate, 85.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Report with the results from the trials
Organized database
The wheat speed breeding method
Report on the (a)biotic stress trials
Explainable AI models for early yield prediction and detection of nitrogen stress
Workshop for research community in agriculture
Improved algorithm for automatic extraction of features of phenotypic traits from digitalized images

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

Other United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The project's contributions align with several SDGs, including Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), Goal 13 (Climate Action), and Goal 15 (Life on Land). By developing climate-resilient wheat varieties, the project supports efforts to end hunger, achieve food security, and promote sustainable agriculture. Additionally, its focus on climate change adaptation and sustainable practices supported by ICT solutions directly addresses the SDGs related to climate action and conservation of terrestrial ecosystems.
EuropeanGreenDeal In line with the European Green Deal and Circular Economy action plan, the experts from the partner institutions, in co-creation with targeted groups, will develop, apply and spill over tailored innovative solutions for the development of crops and cropping systems more resilient to climate change. By focusing on climate change adaptation, sustainable agriculture, and the promotion of a greener economy, the project contributes to the broader objectives of the European Green Deal. The development of climate-resilient wheat varieties and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices supported by ICT solutions will reduce the environmental impact of farming activities, promoting more resource-efficient and ecologically responsible agricultural production.in accordance with the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the national strategic plans (NSP), the Green Deal, the Farm to Fork strategy and the Climate Change policies (Fit for 55)
Other National strategies in Serbia
All project objectives are defined in alignment with the priority areas and subareas outlined in two major strategies of the Ministry of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia: the Smart Specialization Strategy Serbia (4S) and the Strategy of Scientific and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia for the period from 2021 to 2025, titled "The Power of Knowledge." Within the Smart Specialization Strategy Serbia, the second priority area is Food for Future, which encompasses a visionary and modernized approach to agriculture and food production specifically designed for Serbia. The "The Power of Knowledge" aims to pursue specific objectives. These include a focus on research dedicated to addressing social challenges and priorities such as food and water, environmental protection, and climate change. Additionally, it emphasizes the reinforcement of international cooperation, particularly at the European and regional levels. Also, goals are in synergy with the Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development of the Republic of Serbia for the period 2014-2024 Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia, which promotes sustainable resource management and environmental protection for climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Other National strategies in Croatia
All project objectives are defined in accordance with the priority areas specified in the strategy document of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Croatia Smart Specialization Strategy (S3) until 2029. The project objectives fit into all the special goals of the Smart Specialization Strategy – improving scientific excellence, bridging the gap between the research and business sectors, and increasing innovation efficiency. The project objectives fit into the thematic priority area “digital products and platforms” - encompassing parts of the ICT and creative industries that achieve most of their added value by providing IT-related services, which include the development of customized and off-the-shelf software or software as a service and secondarily, as well as the thematic priority area “sustainable and circular food” - covers food production, food processing and services that support production. The combination of two thematic areas enables synergy and identification of complementarity through the development of instruments for research and development in the field of biotechnical sciences, the application of ICT solutions, and enables the development of human capital and training through the transfer of innovations and new technologies based on practice. Also, by adopting an integrative approach, it is possible to strengthen the strategic innovation area with the aim of ensuring the sustainable development of the agri-food sector with an emphasis on the potential for increasing its competitiveness and monitoring biodiversity.

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:

Delivered output indicator(s):

(RCO87) Organisations cooperating across borders: 2.0
(RCO116) Jointly developed solutions: 1.0
(RCO84) Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects : 1.0

Programme Common Result Indicator:

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

Delivered result indicator(s):

(RCR84) Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion: 2.0
(RCR104) Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations: 1.0

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

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia Serbia

Latest month of project-partner-call data publication

2026-05

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

41 / 41 (100%)

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

142 / 148 (95.95%)

Notes on the data

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New Emerging Technologies For Digitalized INnovative Agricultural Research

Description

Thematic information

Partners (2)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

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

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