From 16 to 18 October 2024, RESOLVO participated in the 2nd interregional meeting of the FutureECOS project, held in Zadar, Croatia. The event gathered project partners and stakeholders to share initial results from territorial analyses, promote in-depth exchanges on sustainable, inclusive, and smart living, and showcase and learn from case studies based on the Zadar region.
The FutureECOS project involves eight partners from Finland, Ireland, Romania, Croatia, Ukraine, and Serbia, representing their growth corridors, working together to develop integrated strategies to tackle the challenge of future-proofing living spaces. These strategies are being developed in close collaboration with public and private actors, as well as citizens.
On the first day, the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds and the Zadar County Development Agency ZADRA NOVA, both from Croatia, presented a comparative analysis of Croatian counties, with a focus on the Adriatic region, based on various development indicators. They also highlighted key national programmes and provided insights into regional development policies for the Zadar region.
Project partners shared insights from their respective regions, discussing challenges and opportunities, and identifying stakeholders for improving housing and living spaces in growth corridors. While each region differs in various aspects, it was jointly concluded that revitalising the attractiveness of these areas is essential for competing with major metropolitan areas.
The meeting also saw the launch of three thematic sub-groups, each dedicated to a different aspect of future living:
- Sustainable living – led by Tampere University (Finland)
- Smart living – led by the South Regional Assembly (Ireland)
- Inclusive living – led by the Regional Development Agency West (Romania)
Partners and stakeholders engaged in various workshops and exercises to promote in-depth exchanges on each sub-group topic.
The second day was dedicated to case study visits in Zadar. Known for its tourism, Zadar also has a long history in higher education, with a university originally established in the 14th century. To attract people to stay in or move to the region, various efforts have been made to further develop these sectors. Participants visited several locations, showcasing how regional, national, and international programs are already supporting local development, including:
- Student campus – Dormitory of the University of Zadar
- University building in the historical center of Zadar
- Rector’s Palace
- Church of St. Nicholas & International Centre for Underwater Archaeology
The 2nd interregional meeting concluded on the third day with a Steering Group and communication session.
Stay tuned for further updates as RESOLVO continues to contribute to the FutureECOS project and support sustainable regional development in Europe.
