SFERA Project Final Press Conference: A Resounding Success
20/12/2024
On December 13, 2024, the Development Center of Lika-Senj County in Gospić hosted the final press conference of the SFERA project, marking a significant milestone in promoting rural entrepreneurship and fostering cross-border cooperation between Italy and Croatia. The event, organized by the LAG Lika and CNA Bari, showcased the successful outcomes and achievements of the project.
The SFERA project (Strategic Framework for Entrepreneurship in Rural Areas), co-financed by the Interreg Italy-Croatia 2021-2027 program, focused on fostering an integrated governance model to create a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurship in rural communities. The project aimed to alleviate legal and administrative barriers, enhance cross-border cooperation, and develop a white paper containing policy recommendations and best practices for rural entrepreneurship.
During the conference, Maria Ćaćić, Project manager at LAG Lika, welcomed all attendees, acknowledging their valuable contributions and expressing deep gratitude for their collaboration and active engagement throughout the entire duration of the project. She highlighted the importance of their collective efforts in achieving the project's goals and emphasized how their participation had been instrumental in fostering the success of the initiative.
Grazia Petrosino, Project Manager from CNA Bari, underscored the crucial role of the partnership between the Italian and Croatian regions, emphasizing how this collaborative effort had significantly contributed to the project's success. She highlighted the positive impact the initiative had on SMEs in both Lika-Senj County and the Apulia region, noting that the project had provided key insights into the needs and challenges faced by these businesses. Moreover, she further explained that the workshops and initiatives implemented during the project had generated valuable data and practical knowledge, which could be leveraged to improve the legislative framework and stimulate greater innovation and development within the region.
The conference also featured remarks from Andrija Brkljačić, Director of the Lika-Senj County Development Agency (LIRA), and Mile Milković, Director of the Development Center, who both underscored the importance of the project's successful conclusion and its potential for future collaborations.
This event not only celebrated the achievements of the SFERA project but also marked the beginning of new opportunities for strengthening cross-border ties and driving sustainable growth in rural communities. The success of this initiative creates a solid base for future projects that will keep promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and regional development.
The SFERA partnership remains committed to further enhancing cooperation between local authorities, SMEs, and support organizations, ensuring the continued success of rural development initiatives in the years to come.
