Gaming incubator in Novska: Valuable contributor to the country’s ICT success

International success and breakthroughs have kept the Croatian ICT industry in the spotlight for several years now. Moreover, many believe it should become one of the priority areas in the national economy, due to its proven ability to compete globally and produce exceptional value.

Gaming industry has been an important contributor to ICT success in recent years. This community is known for their vibrant ideas and imaginative solutions, which are the basis of their innovation potential. Novska, Croatia, is home to a successful gaming startup incubator. Operating under the name PISMO, it is home to 67 startups and more than 200 developers trained in their 6-month education programs.

-It is great to see such a positive business story and its successful growth in Novska, our gaming industry focal point. I invite you to have your say in the creation of S3, and share your vision for the future in which IT and digital industries will play a strong transformational role in the economy, our founder and CEO Goran Mrvos said in a recent conference held in Novska.

Speaking to an audience of founders, incubator leaders and journalists, Goran explained how the Croatian IT Association, which he is heading, is working to list ICT as a strategic area in the national economy. The way to do it is through the Smart specialisation strategy of the Republic of Croatia (S3). Labelling ICT as strategic in S3 could enable additional investment in R&D and innovation, and unlock new sources of prosperity in society. It will open up opportunities for the country's gaming community, too, Goran said, speaking in the gaming industry incubator.

Smart specialisation is an approach to economic development aimed at shaping "transformational activities" in selected priority areas with the support of public and EU funds. EU member states have already adopted research and innovation strategies for smart specialisation to target investment in areas that best suit their innovation potential, based on identified resources and capabilities.

Gaming industry input and perspective on S3 will be valuable, together with contributions from the Chamber of Economy, Croatian Independent Software Exporters (CISEx), Croatian Employers’ Association, Croatian AI Association (CroAI) and other stakeholders involved in shaping the state-level document.

Many thanks to the host Dominik Cvetkovski, and Aleksandar Gavrilovic and Mario Celan for making the gathering in Novska a success.