Investing in the Future: Gaming for new generations

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia - Bosnia and Herzegovina - Montenegro

Date of latest update: 2026-04-23

Description

Description (EN):

Project partners of this project are Regional development agency SIMORA, Foundation for innovation and technology development INTERA, and ICT Cortex – ICT Cluster for Information Technologies, Innovation, Education, Design and Technology Development in Montenegro. The project will last 24 months and it will be performed in Sisak Moslavina County, Herzegovina Neretva County and Podgorica. The project will be focusing on the further development of the game industry in project regions, as the gaming industry has been recognized as more and more interesting to diverse target groups and it is worth more than the movie and music industries together. The global game market value in 2022. was 1,66 billion EUR, and it is expected the market to reach 3,1 billion EUR by 2028. The region of Sisak Moslavina County (SMC) started an Initiative called “SMC – Center of gaming industry” in 2016. The motive was to revive the region because of the collapse of heavy industries, the skilled workforce left behind which caused a high unemployment rate and high emigration rate of young people. So far, the results are remarkable. BIH and Montenegro are at the beginning of developing innovative types of industries or using new technologies in everyday business processes. Game industry is still underdeveloped and characterized by individuals and several small companies. There are some common challenges in program area that this project will be dealing with - restoration of infrastructure and modernization of equipment, improvement of educational programs, new skills and competencies, incubation and acceleration programs, the ecosystem is not adjusted to development of game industry in some project areas, poor connection among cross border areas for enhancing networking possibilities and improve cooperation among key stakeholders in the game industry, poor national and regional support for new technologies, low awareness on advantages of introducing new technologies in business processes, lack of innovativeness and research skills, etc. In response to existing challenges, this project will result with the following - the work methodology for game industry development in cross border area; forming Centers for game scene development and strengthening existing scene; establishing and strengthening ecosystems; improving educational system; infrastructure and equipment modernization; Marketplace for gaming industry establishment (pilot action) and raising awareness of the main target groups. All above mentioned will bring positive changes to the program area and lead to achievement of the overall project objective - Establishing Game Centers with efficient ecosystems in program area countries. Some of the expected changes are better understanding of modern technologies and benefits of digital transformation, an increase in the number of innovations, attracting young people to program areas and stopping their emigration, an increase in the number of employment, and much more regarding the economic situations of all three areas. The project will result in a few outputs. The first one is Capacities of SIMORA, INTERA, and CORTEX upgraded in the field of game development support. PP institutions, which will raise their capacities, will have direct benefits from project activities, but consequently, all ecosystems will gain some benefits as those institutions will be more familiar with game industry expectations and needs. The second one is a Marketplace for game development promotion and networking. The benefit from this toll will have the whole ecosystem and key stakeholders engaged in the game industry, as there will be a place for networking, promotion, selling, etc. And the third one is Educational outreach in the program area. From this output, direct benefit will have all interested in game development creation (developers, programmers, artists etc.), but also other stakeholders will gain some benefits as there will be more experts in game industry. Raising awareness activities will be a big part of this project, oriented to linking gaming experts with traditional sector, with creative sector, with public institutions but also it will be focused on raising awareness among general public. Through various events and social media the benefits of developing such an industry will be presented, using good practice examples, showcases and implemented projects. Project is original as it is introducing game industry in BIH and Montenegro from the beginning, and will be raised to higher level in Croatia. Most of the project results are new in IPA areas, and in Croatia are more strengthened. Joint pilot action - Marketplace for game development creation, is novelty and will gather all actors from creative sectors from program areas. Networking within cross border areas is very important and will bring various benefits to all parties, as they are becoming more competitive and could create joint projects and solutions for the global market.

Actual Achievements (EN):

In the very beginning of project implementation LP started by sharing its knowledge and experience in the gaming industry with PP, providing them inputs and information for establishing their Game Centers in Mostar and Podgorica. The entire project team has been discussing their ultimate goals and the direction by which they want to achieve their goals. Among others, they were talking about qualifications of future Gaming Managers, investing in partner institutions capacity building (necessary staff education, networking, study visits, etc.), incubation and acceleration programs, education programs, event management, target groups, and about the entire ecosystem of the gaming industry in general. Within this period, PP actively worked on developing work methodology documentation to support the future growth of their gaming centers together with external experts engaged for documents creation. For LP an acceleration program was created, needed to support their start-ups and companies to enter the market and increase their competitiveness. Meanwhile, PP INTERA and ICT COTEX developed an incubation program, aimed at supporting gaming enthusiasts in entering the industry, launching their start-ups, and actively engaging in game development. Furthermore, PP INTERA and ICT CORTEX engaged Gaming Managers with industry expertise to manage their Gaming Centers and provide strategic advice for future game development in their areas. Also, PP have finalised public procurement for acquiring equipment, ensuring their centers can offer enhanced services to their target groups. Additionally, PP created a visual identity for the project and acquired promotional materials to gain higher visibility. Based on all above mentioned it is evident that the establishment of Gaming Centers in Mostar and Podgorica is progressing as planned, while in Novska, the center has reached a more advanced stage, focusing on modernizing both equipment and methodologies to meet current needs and industry trends. As the project is in its very beginning, at this moment there is no evident concrete contribution to each specific objective, but the groundwork for their realization in future periods has been prepared. Also, PP started to promote and disseminate project through their web page, on social media, and on various events. During the second reporting period, the CBC GAIN project moved from initial preparations to visible and tangible results, strengthening cross-border cooperation in the gaming industry across Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Within WP1, significant milestones were achieved. Staff from all three partners successfully completed an intensive training programme delivered by the European accelerator SpielFabrique, which included an on-site workshop in Mostar and a series of webinars on publishing, financing strategies, community management, and pitching. This activity enhanced the knowledge and skills of project teams, enabling them to better guide start-ups and manage their Game Centers. In parallel, a joint study visit to Paris and Angoulême provided valuable insights into best practices from leading European institutions in e-sports, VR innovation, incubation of creative industries, and academic training for game developers. These exchanges not only built staff capacity but also strengthened networking across borders. The equipping of Game Centers progressed strongly. In Novska, new high-performance equipment was installed, while in Mostar and Podgorica centers became operational, offering modern facilities, training spaces, and even informal networking “hubs” that connect students with industry experts. Game Center Managers in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro played an active role in engaging communities, supporting beneficiaries, and linking local ecosystems with international networks. Within WP2, the first major output was finalised: the comprehensive mapping of key stakeholders in the regional game industry. This document identifies developers, publishers, technology providers, educational institutions, and support organisations across the three countries, laying the foundation for formal networks and long-term cooperation. In parallel, the development of the regional online marketplace has begun. This platform will serve as a central hub for promoting talent, educational opportunities, and business connections, ensuring sustainability of the Game Centers beyond the project lifetime. Preparations for cross-sectoral workshops were also advanced, with procurement procedures launched and implementation planned for the next period. Under WP3, the first awareness-raising events were organised. SIMORA hosted a GameDev Meet-up in Croatia, attracting over 50 participants from local authorities, NGOs, SMEs, start-ups, and the general public. INTERA organised a Meet-up and an Open Day in Mostar, engaging 20+ participants and reaching wider audiences through extensive media coverage. ICT Cortex held the CBC Gain Meet-up in Podgorica, bringing together more than 70 participants, including industry experts, indie developers, and representatives of innovation support institutions. These events promoted the gaming industry to broader communities, encouraged networking, and raised visibility of the newly established Game Centers. Preparations for major upcoming events – including the regional Hackathon in Podgorica and the Global Game Jams in all three countries – have already started. Overall, the project has successfully advanced towards its objectives: building the capacities of Game Centers, creating regional networking structures, and engaging diverse target groups. The added value of cooperation is clearly visible – joint trainings, study visits, and awareness-raising events would not have been possible without close collaboration across borders. Each partner contributed with their specific strengths, and only together were they able to establish modern infrastructures, launch regional networking processes, and create a shared foundation for long-term sustainability of the gaming industry in the programme area. The project is now entering its next stage with stronger capacities, established infrastructure, and active communities ready to participate in training and events.

Project outputs: Project partners co-operating in cross-border project (EN)
Pilot network of Game Development Centers (GDC)in program area (EN)
Marketplace for Game Development Centers(EN)

Thematic information

Labour market and employment Regional planning and development

Priority: (VI-A_HR-B-ME_1) Smart investments in research, innovation and competitive entrepreneurship

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: 004 Investment in fixed assets, including research infrastructure, in public research centres and higher education directly linked to research and innovation activities

Partners (3)

Lead Partner: Razvojna agencija Sisačko-moslavačke županije SI-MO-RA d.o.o.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR 86514734622

Department: EU project department

Address: Rimska, 44000 Sisak, Croatia

Department address: Rimska, 44000 Sisak, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: https://rk-smz.hr/

Total budget: EUR 255 810.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 217 438.50

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 38 371.50

Contractors:

Name: PAMA-KOD d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 86042683189
Name: STEGRIS, usluzni obrt
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR16152857437
Name: SPERANZA d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR56831241098
Name: NAS PET d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 06455628601
Name: PROXIMA INFORMATIKA d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 35956517501

IKT Korteks

Name: IKT Korteks

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 10045

Address: Romanovih, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Department address: Romanovih, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.ictcortex.me

Total budget: EUR 341 964.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 290 669.40

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 51 294.60

Contractors:

Name: Archangel Enterprises LLC
VAT registration or tax identification number: 30/31-26299-1 / 03580911
Name: SpielFabrique 360 UG
VAT registration or tax identification number: DE307897840
Name: Congress Travel
VAT registration or tax identification number: 30/31-06576-2
Name: PC PLANET DOO PODGORICA
VAT registration or tax identification number: 02941937
Name: Miloš Šćepanović
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2612994260017
Name: Strategy Tools AS
VAT registration or tax identification number: 921186738
Name: Brain Media doo
VAT registration or tax identification number: 03150321

Zaklada za inovacijski i tehnološki razvitak

Name: Zaklada za inovacijski i tehnološki razvitak

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 227724810003

Address: Bišće polje bb, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Department address: Bišće polje , 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.intera.ba

Total budget: EUR 260 505.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 221 429.25

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 39 075.75

Contractors:

Name: EVENT d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 422791150000
Name: CIRP Mostar
VAT registration or tax identification number: 4227934540009
Name: Fondacija ICBL Banja Luka
VAT registration or tax identification number: 403145470007
Name: Shift obrtnička radnja
VAT registration or tax identification number: 327531910005
Name: Darko Majerski
VAT registration or tax identification number: N/a
Name: ZK Office d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 227473120002

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

ICT Cluster for Information Technologies, Innovation, Education, Design and Technology Dev. in ME

Investing in the Future: Gaming for new generations

Partners and Projects info

Foundation for innovation and technology development

Investing in the Future: Gaming for new generations

Partners and Projects info

SISAK MOSLAVINA COUNTY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY SI-MO-RA Ltd

Investing in the Future: Gaming for new generations

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Investing in the Future: Gaming for new generations

Project acronym: CBC GAIN

Project ID: HR-BA-ME00222

Project start date: 2024-08-15

Project end date: 2026-08-14

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

Central Baltic Game Camps (EN) | Central Baltic Game Camps project targeted to create 10 new cross-border companies in the gaming industry and contributing to solving common challenges in the CB region’s gaming industry. The project brought together 240+ aspiring game developers from Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Sweden. More than 30 professional mentors have given presentations, lectures and mentoring sessions during the four Game Camps which increased the participants knowledge about the gaming industry and improved their business skills. Extensive experience and knowledge of challenges connected to internationalization and acceleration of start-ups within the gaming industry was exchanged and over 50 ideas were developed and among them around 10-20 % have reached the gaming market. Therefore it is a direct link to the project Investing in the Future: Gaming for new generations – CBC GAIN, which is trying to the same, but in another region and maybe in different circumstances. The project output indicator is not a number of established companies, but that is expected as an indirect result. The main connection between those 2 projects is in the fact that both of them are or will be aimed at solving common challenges in the CB region’s gaming industry. (EN), Qvarken Game Industry (EN) | Qvarken Game Industry project implemented tools and business development processes for the gaming industry within the innovation system in Finland regions. It aimed to increase gaming companies' competence in business development and internationalization in the global gaming market. In addition, the project aimed to increase the number of companies in the gaming industry in those regions and to promote closer cooperation for the development of the gaming industry. This project will also work on creating new solutions, such as joint market place and a model of gaming industry development. The experience of Qvarken Game Industry project will be used in order to avoid some mistakes and make use of available practices.
Boosting European Games Industry project was dealing with boosting the European games industry and supporting regional development authorities in understanding the importance of this industry for the European economy. Focus was on the challenges policy makers are either not yet aware of or which they are already facing, such as economical and societal impact of gaming industry development. Following that, this project will attempt also to widen horizon’s of regional and national governments in project regions, stimulating needed changes in national laws (such as tax regulations) or changing indolent educational systems bringing them closer to labour market needs. In that sense, a number of events will be organised, policy advocacy will be undertaken and new training programs will be developed and used.
(EN), GAMELABSNET (EN) | Project GAMELABSNET promotes the digital transformation of enterprises from priority sectors of Sudoe’s area through the creation of a technologies demonstration centre of videogames and gamification. It is a transnational network of test centres (labs) for video game and gamification technologies and they are working on testing, incorporating and experimenting with disruptive technologies by applying them to the reality of companies, they train professionals through new methodologies, tools and technological devices to apply video game technologies, and they generate an innovation ecosystem for these technologies. Throughout CBC GAIN the gaming centres in Bosna and Montenegro will be established and gaming centre in Novska, Croatia will be upgraded. They will offer a number of services for start ups and SMEs enabling them to enter a world of gaming industry. (EN), Creating a stimulating entrepreneurial environment in Sisak-Moslavina county by establishment of entrepreneurial incubator PISMO-Novska (EN) | Project Creating a stimulating entrepreneurial environment in Sisak-Moslavina county by establishment of entrepreneurial incubator PISMO-Novska ended in 2020. with two buildings transformed to gaming incubator PISMO, gaming equipment purchased and eco system for gaming industry development established. It was one of steps of the Initiative Sisak - Moslavina county - Center of the gaming industry: 1. Free English courses in kindergartens, 2. Workshops for making video games in primary and secondary schools of Sisak-Moslavina county, 3. Launching startup business through Business Incubator "PISMO", 4. New four-year program for development of video games in high school (Video game technician), 5. Support for launching startups in the field of video game development, 6. Establishing Gaming campus with University, Student dormitory, Incubator, Accelerator. All of these steps are implemented, except from step 6. which is in the process. The results can be used in this project, because it shows how to develop trainings program, how to implement them, how to support startups, how to help them find a market, how to connect with gaming community. For RDA SIMORA, the project is a natural extension of everything it has be done in gaming development, and for Bosnian and Montenegro partners project activities will help to climb to same or similar level. (EN), China (IURC) (EN) | RDA SIMORA is currently involved in the programme International Urban Cooperation programme China (IURC) which aims to lead and develop a form of decentralised international urban and regional cooperation in the fields of sustainable urban development and innovation. The project supports a limited number of Chinese and EU regions/provinces to develop and implement innovation actions. SIMORA represents Sisak Moslavina region and it is currently being paired with Chinese region which is doing a similar thing in gaming industry development. Number of workshops were held, exchange of good practices and knowledge with Chinese partners were held and a study visit is expected to be done. The experience for RDA SIMORA is very valuable and the outcome can be new partnerships, projects and innovations. So, this project can benefit from IURC programme in the sense of wide networking possibilities, strong partners on the global level. Project partners can learn how to build entire community based on certain type of industry, and see how Chinese regions dealt with all challenges and what were their needs regarding work force, trainings, stakeholders etc. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 858 279.00

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 729 537.15

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

Co-financing sources:

IPA/IPA II/IPA III: Amount, EUR 729 537.15. Co-financing rate, 85.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Work methodology document
Training for staff
Study visit
Gaming centar management
Equipment for Centers purchased and installed
Promotion
Map of key stakeholders
Workshops
Marketplace for game industry
Visual identity of Game Centers
Educational program
Training
Public events

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian region has 4 pillars Blue Growth, Connecting the Region, Environmental Quality, Sustainable Tourism. This project is not directly linked to any of those pillars, but could be found in all of them, in the way that it can help all of those sectors and their SMEs to achieve defined goals. The project will not deal only with game development, but with introducing gamification in to private and public sector. Gamification is the use of game mechanics, behavioural elements and design techniques in non-gaming contexts - it entails taking key elements that drive engagement in games, such as design, activity structures, visible achievements and competition, and applying them to things that are not naturally games. It can be linked to enhancing learning, or tourist experiences and creating memorable experiences for travellers, or it can be used in health sector - health care gamification is very patient-centric as it aims to improve patient engagement by making their experience more personalized. It can be used in transport, protecting the nature, energy efficiency and so many other sectors, therefore the development of gaming industry as a very prosperous sector can be linked to achieving a mission of EUSAIR strategy
EUStrategyDanubeRegion As a part of Danube Region, Croatia, Bosna and Montenegro can contribute with this project significantly to the EUSDR priorities. The are 11 priorities of this but project can be closely linked to PA 7 To develop the Knowledge Society, PA 8 Competitiveness of Enterprises and PA 9 People and skills which are focusing on increasing effective investment in R&I, fostering cooperation and exchange of knowledge between SMEs, academia and the public sector, improving business support, creating high performing training and qualification schemes, eliminating cross border barriers and bottlenecks to people and business, improving framework conditions where competitive infrastructure is missing, increasing employment rate in the Danube Region, improving educational outcomes, increasing quality and efficiency of education, training and labour market systems. This project will attempt to enhance currently low level of innovativeness in project areas as it is expected a new tools will be developed through new businesses. It will develop specialised and tailor-made training programs for startups, existing companies, individuals but also for students, and public sector and it will bring those training programs and education on the high level. Project activities overcome cross border barriers developing gaming industry as the one which functions on global level, and combines talents, knowledge all over the world and from different sector, public or private. The gaming industry development in SMC has shown great results in decreasing unemployment, and those results are expected to be achieved in other project areas. The gaming centres in Bosna and Montenegro will be equipped, providing necessary infrastructure and gaming centre in Novska will be upgraded. That way, technical conditions and competitive infrastructure will be accessible. All activities will be directed to create a knowledge society and change current economic situation.
EuropeanGreenDeal European Green Deal is dedicated to reducing emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, creating jobs and growth, addressing energy poverty, reducing external energy dependency, improving health and wellbeing. European Green Deal wants to lead the third industrial revolution but also to open opportunities for everyone, supporting vulnerable citizens by tackling inequality and energy poverty, and strengthening the competitiveness of European companies. This project finds its role in contributing to the EDG through stimulating gaming industry, industry with no pollution, and with an opportunity to create new solutions for all other sectors, thus affecting climate changes, health, industry in general. Project will create strong eco system gathering all relevant stakeholders, increasing competitiveness enhancing knowledges and skills, increasing employment numbers.
Other Croatian National Development Strategy 2030 (CNDS) offers 4 directions – Sustainable economy and society, Enhancing resistance to the crisis, Green and digital transition and equal regional development. By increasing skills in new technologies, by introducing new industries such as gaming, by opening new jobs, by creating competitive infrastructure, project will contribute to CNDS goals and those are that Croatia expect by 2030. Therefore further upgrade of gaming industry in Croatia and start of same industry in other project countries can definitely change countries economy and steer it towards digitalisation and growth.
MNE recognises this project in 2 main strategies - National strategy of sustainable development 2016-2030 (NSOR) where ambitious goals are set for quality education, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment etc. In Strategy of digital transformation those goals are further detailed. Montenegro wishes to increase digital skills of the society in the whole and stimulate digital transformation and efficiently running it. By introducing gaming industry, enabling infrastructure and equipment, by educating people those preconditions will be created and Montenegro can make a strong progress.
BIH also has several strategies which are important for their future development and can be linked to the project. Development strategy of BIH has a strategic goal of economic development and one of the priorities is Support to business sector with emphasize on creative industry. Strategy of small businesses development focuses on creating business infrastructure, supporting business support institutions, modern technologies and business culture development. As BIH is still at the very beginnings of introducing new technologies, especially gaming, project will be an excellent opportunity to contribute to strategic document goals.

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:

Delivered result indicator(s):

(RCR84) Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion: 3.0

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 - Bosnia and Herzegovina - Montenegro

Latest month of project-partner-call data publication

2025-12

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

37 / 37 (100%)

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

165 / 167 (98.8%)

Notes on the data

The end dates of project: - RACE 2 - APOLLO - CODES - SMART STEP are an approximation based on the programme's List of Operations available on the programme's website on 2024 -09-18. There the end date is marked in quarters. Partnership EmBRACE Combined total of all projects partnerships (11764705.47) in field total_budget is larger than projects total (1499617.98) of total_budget.

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Investing in the Future: Gaming for new generations

Description

Thematic information

Partners (3)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

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

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