Croatian strategy for education, science and technology

The Strategy for Education, Science and Technology adopted by the Croatian Parliament in October 2014 presents a comprehensive, long-term vision for transforming Croatia into a knowledge-based society by 2025. It outlines a systemic, evidence-based, and inclusive reform across all levels of education, research, and innovation, designed to address both national needs and global challenges.

At its core, the strategy is driven by the belief that education and science are foundational to Croatia’s social stability, cultural identity, and economic development. It emphasises the country’s limited human and natural resources, population ageing, and the need to remain adaptable within a rapidly evolving global landscape. Consequently, the strategy places a strong emphasis on lifelong learning, research excellence, institutional autonomy, and the integration of education with labour market needs.

Key components and objectives

1. Lifelong learning
   The strategy views lifelong learning as a cornerstone of personal development and employability. It seeks to:
   • Recognise and validate non-formal and informal learning.
   • Establish systems for career guidance from early childhood through adulthood.
   • Improve continuing professional development for educators.
   • Expand the application of ICT and e-learning tools across all education levels.
2. Early childhood, primary and secondary education
   The reform aims to modernise curricula, raise teaching quality, support gifted students, ensure better school management, and improve learning environments. It promotes inclusive education and the rights of marginalised groups.
3. Higher education
   Croatia intends to deepen the Bologna Process reforms, define clearer learning outcomes, and establish a binary higher education system suited to national needs. Key goals include increasing internationalisation, fostering quality assurance, improving funding mechanisms, and better aligning graduate skills with labour market demands.
4. Adult education
   The strategy promotes adult education as an integral part of lifelong learning, aiming to increase participation, develop work-based learning, and introduce quality assurance and better funding models.
5. Science and technology
   The document sets ambitious goals to:
   • Reform research institutions.
   • Encourage collaboration between universities, businesses, and the public sector.
   • Align with EU smart specialisation goals.
   • Develop national research infrastructures linked to European networks.
   • Boost public and private investment in R&D.
6. Implementation mechanism
   A special expert committee coordinated by the Prime Minister’s Office is tasked with overseeing the strategy’s implementation. Guidelines include:
   • Establishing a strategic implementation framework.
   • Improving science and education funding.
   • Promoting scientific publishing and public understanding of science.
   • Developing action plans and integrating lifelong learning policies with broader public policies.

The strategy is notably aligned with various European Union strategic frameworks such as Horizon 2020, Digital Agenda for Europe, and the Innovation Union. It also draws from earlier Croatian initiatives and academic publications on knowledge-based development.