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HKKOI Supports the Establishment of the Economic Council to Strengthen Links Between Academia and the Defence Industry

The first meeting of the Economic Council of the University of Defence and Security “Dr Franjo Tuđman” was held on 27 October 2026, marking an important step towards more systematic cooperation between academia and the Croatian economy, with a particular focus on the needs and development of the defence industry.

Goran Basarac, President of HKKOI, also attended the meeting, highlighting the importance of actively involving Croatia’s defence industry in the development of education, research and new technologies.

HKKOI strongly supports initiatives that bring industry, science and education closer together, recognising their importance in developing domestic expertise, fostering innovation and strengthening the competitiveness of Croatian companies in European and international markets. As a link between Croatian defence and security companies, academia and public institutions, HKKOI advocates creating concrete opportunities for cooperation, knowledge exchange and joint projects.

Mr Gordan Kolak, President of the Management Board of Končar, was unanimously elected President of the Economic Council, while Dr Siniša Krajnović, President of the Management Board of Ericsson Nikola Tesla, was elected Vice-President.

The Council’s priorities include improving academic curricula, providing professional internship opportunities for students, exchanging expertise, and developing joint research and development projects.

For HKKOI, this type of cooperation provides an important foundation for the long-term strengthening of Croatia’s defence industry – from developing a skilled workforce and applying new technologies to creating innovative solutions that meet the needs of the defence and security sector.

We congratulate the newly elected President and Vice-President of the Economic Council and wish them every success in building strong, long-term links between the University, the Croatian economy and the defence industry.