How to select and develop Key Enabling Technologies and policies to advance manufacturing in Croatia?: Localising roles for innovation researchers and policy makers

Key Enabling Technologies as defined by the European Commission include: photonics, nanotechnology, advanced materials, micro/nano-electronics, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing technology.  The up-take of KETs enables to advance manufacturing, productivity and growth; Without using KETs in manufacturing, inventing KETs does not generate growth, nor productivity, nor solves societal challenges.  Technologies and policies which are ‘key’ and ‘enabling’ at EU level, may not be ‘key’ and ‘enabling’ for the actors, sectors and regions of Croatia.  KETs research and policy practices developed at EU level might however be adapted to innovation research and policy making in Croatia.  Sweden and Slovenia are leading in using sustainable and ICT-enabled manufacturing technologies. The position of Germany and Croatia is more modest. Policy lessons from Slovenia are likely to be more relevant.  Challenges on the user-side of enabling technologies typically include: lack of understanding; conservatism of users; skills; fear for disruption in a systemic way; scale of investment/risks.  Centres across Europe promote the up-take of KETs in manufacturing; activities include: Access to technology expertise and facilities; Demonstration; Proof of concept; Prototype development and testing; Pilot production and demonstration; Product validation & certification.  Innovation researchers and policy makers can contribute to interactive learning among stakeholders in the (policy) innovation processes. Moreover, they can get empowered by orchestrating this discovery process