Presentations held after the 6th secondment in Croatia by USK

On 15.09.2025 at the Faculty of Economics – Skopje, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, a dissemination event was organized following the secondment in Samobor, Croatia, hosted by the International Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE) so that the members of the local community can find out more about the activities of the talents, the ongoing project activities as part of the secondment, and the project’s impact.

During her presentation, Jasna Tonovska focused on the strategic role of the “Little Technopolis Samobor” (MTS) as an innovation-driven entrepreneurial hub. She outlined its evolution from a repurposed military facility into a dynamic business incubator offering infrastructure and tailored support for start-ups. Tonovska explained how MTS integrates three main pillars: incubation services, a training and education center, and a 3D innovation lab equipped with cutting-edge technologies that enable entrepreneurs to prototype and scale their ideas. She highlighted the range of advisory and funding support programs, including seminars, ICT trainings, EU project preparation, investor matchmaking, and specialized mentorship. Tonovska emphasized that such centers, when linked to universities, act as catalysts for sustainable innovation and national competitiveness

Todor Tocev structured his presentation around the entrepreneurial ecosystem concept and the enabling role of policy, finance, education, and collaboration. He discussed how barriers such as limited funding, skill gaps, and regulation can slow innovation, and how lifelong learning and co-designed educational programs bridge these gaps. Drawing from cases at Libertas University and the Faculty of Economics & Business Zagreb, Tocev showed how practitioner-led mentoring and student-industry collaborations turn academic assignments into real entrepreneurial projects. He also analyzed Samobor’s municipal ecosystem, emphasizing tax incentives, co-working infrastructure funded by EU projects, and the city’s convening role in building trust among stakeholders.