From July 1–4, 2025, the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Rijeka (EFRI) hosted the Joint Academic Workshop "Building Bridges: Interfaculty Cooperation for Future Excellence", gathering researchers and academic leaders from across the CROSS-REIS consortium to collaborate on future research directions, proposal development, and EU funding opportunities.
The four-day event was structured around strategic themes, including the European Excellence Initiative, Digital Europe Programme, and the CROSS-REIS project’s first evaluation review. It brought together experts from the University of Niš (FEUN), University of Rijeka (EFRI), University of Split (EFST), and the wider CROSS-REIS network, promoting meaningful interfaculty cooperation and laying the foundation for upcoming Horizon Europe proposals.
The opening session featured remarks by Prof. Saša Drezgić (EFRI), setting a collaborative tone for the workshop. Prof. Jelena Stanković (FEUN) shared insights from previous proposal successes, followed by a detailed session on the European Excellence Initiative. An interactive roundtable, moderated by Assoc. Prof. Saša Čegar (EFRI), helped spark ideas for future joint applications.
On the second day, focus shifted toward digital transformation and smart city innovation. Prof. Saša Drezgić and Assoc. Prof. Saša Čegar, together with Dr. Ivana Marjanović, explored synergies between digital tools and urban analytics. In the afternoon, Prof. Vinko Muštra (EFST) moderated a dynamic brainstorming and partner matchmaking session, fostering new project ideas.
As part of the CROSS-REIS project, the third day was dedicated to the first online evaluation meeting, including the European Commission officers, evaluators, and CROSS-REIS partners. In the afternoon, a constructive feedback exchange provided clarity for future improvements and reinforced the project’s ambition to shape regenerative economic research across widening countries.
The final day focused on concrete next steps. Prof. Marina Stanojević (FEUN) guided participants through WP structuring for upcoming project proposals. The event concluded with a roundtable moderated by Prof. Jelena Stanković, where roles, responsibilities, and commitments were outlined to ensure a strong follow-up.
The workshop served as an inspirational forum for co-designing next-generation research initiatives, enhancing cross-border academic collaboration, and deepening the scientific excellence of widening institutions. It also reaffirmed the commitment of CROSS-REIS partners to build long-term, high-impact consortia across Europe.