At the beginning of September, Split became a meeting place for researchers, academics, students and professionals from a wide range of fields at the 12th International Conference on ENTerprise REsearch InNOVAtion – ENTRENOVA 2026.

ENTRENOVA is a multidisciplinary conference dedicated to innovation, emerging technologies, knowledge management, and research into contemporary economic, business, organisational and social challenges. This year’s edition was held in a hybrid format, both in person in Split and online, bringing participants together around an idea that perfectly captures the spirit of the conference: “Present, network, learn, relax.”

EFFECTUS University of Applied Sciences was represented at the conference by our student Mihaela Kovačić, who participated as a presenter, giving her the opportunity to present her work to an international academic and professional audience.

For EFFECTUS, student participation in events of this kind is particularly meaningful. It demonstrates that education extends beyond lectures, examinations and the acquisition of theoretical knowledge. It also encompasses research, evidence-based discussion, presenting one’s own ideas, and building connections with the academic and business communities.

The conference was also attended by Professor Višnja Jurić, PhD, from EFFECTUS University of Applied Sciences, whose work reflects many years of academic and professional interest in quantitative methods, statistical modelling and their application in economics and finance. Her engagement with the ENTRENOVA conference has continued for many years.

We are particularly proud of the achievement of our student Mihaela Kovačić, who, together with Professor Višnja Jurić, PhD, and Vanja Šimićević, co-authored the research paper “Statistical Analysis of the Relationship between EU Funds and Gross Domestic Product per Capita in the Republic of Croatia,” published in the Croatian Regional Development Journal (CRDJ). The publication of the paper represents a valuable outcome of research work and a great example of collaboration between faculty members and students in academic research.

The ENTRENOVA programme covers a broad range of current topics – from innovation, artificial intelligence and business intelligence to finance, marketing, education and project management. One of the conference’s particular strengths is its ability to connect the academic community with the business sector while encouraging the international exchange of knowledge and experience.

The participation of Mihaela Kovačić and Professor Višnja Jurić, PhD, is yet another affirmation of the direction we are pursuing at EFFECTUS – connecting education, research and practice, while creating opportunities for our students to test, present and further develop their knowledge beyond the boundaries of the classroom.

Because knowledge reaches its full value when we can share it, substantiate it through meaningful discussion, and transform it into a new idea.