| Description | The Međimurje Knowledge Centre in Croatia showcases how strategic regeneration of neglected brownfield sites can drive regional innovation and competitiveness. Located in a post-industrial border region facing unemployment, economic stagnation, and weak innovation capacity, the initiative transformed former military barracks into a vibrant hub for knowledge, entrepreneurship, and education. Triggered by the county’s need to retain talent and support SMEs, the decade-long effort involved nine major projects worth €100 million, financed through ERDF, World Bank funds, and local resources.
Today, the Centre hosts key institutions such as PI REDEA, the Business Incubator TICM, MENEA energy agency, the University of Applied Sciences MEV with its dormitory, and the Metal Centre R&D institution. Coordinated by REDEA, the initiative has created 500 direct and 1,200 indirect jobs, increased SME competitiveness by 48%, and established strong synergies between business, research, education, and public services.
Its success stems from political will, coordinated management, diversified funding, and an integrated ecosystem approach, making it a model for regions with underused infrastructure or economic transition challenges. The practice demonstrates that with long-term planning, adaptability, and stakeholder consensus, brownfield regeneration can effectively strengthen innovation capacity, support SMEs, and contribute to sustainable regional development. |
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