Conference Aims and Scope

The Scientific Assembly of Slavonia and Baranja aims to promote interdisciplinary and cross-sector research, scholarly discussion and knowledge transfer focused on the long-term development, resilience and quality of life of Slavonia and Baranja, while addressing questions of broader national, European and international relevance.


The Scientific Assembly particularly encourages contributions that connect fundamental and applied research and advance understanding of economic, demographic, social, technological, environmental, health, educational, legal, cultural and spatial development processes.


Its scope includes, among other areas: economic and regional development; sustainability and resilience; demographic change and migration; agriculture, food and food systems; health and quality of life; education, science and knowledge transfer; innovation, digital transformation and artificial intelligence; public governance, law and public policy; infrastructure, spatial development and the environment; culture, identity, heritage, creative industries and tourism.


Each edition of the Scientific Assembly has an overarching theme and a more precisely defined set of topics. Submissions are expected to fall within these areas and to demonstrate a clear connection with the aims and thematic scope of the relevant edition.

Conference Theme

 

Slavonia and Baranja are entering a period in which economic resilience, effective knowledge transfer, and high-quality governance are becoming essential drivers of sustainable regional development.


Aligned with the strategic priorities of the European Union for the 2024–2029 period, the Sustainable Europe 2030 agenda, the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the European Semester recommendations for Croatia, the National Development Strategy of the Republic of Croatia until 2030, and the Government Programme 2024–2028, the 2026 Scientific Assembly focuses on strengthening the economic resilience of Slavonia and Baranja through an integrated framework built around food, knowledge, and governance.


Food is increasingly recognised as a strategic pillar of economic, social, and cultural resilience rather than solely as an agricultural sector.

Knowledge is the foundation of innovation, competitiveness, and long-term regional development. The effective transfer of knowledge into practice is essential for strengthening regional resilience and creating sustainable economic value.


Governance provides the institutional capacity necessary for resilient communities, effective public administration, strategic investment, and sustainable territorial development.

Together, these three pillars constitute an integrated framework for strengthening regional resilience and enhancing long-term competitiveness.

Conference Objectives

 

The Scientific Assembly seeks to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and cross-sector collaboration among researchers, industry leaders, public institutions, and policymakers. Through scientific exchange and evidence-based discussion, the conference aims to contribute to the development of innovative solutions and public policies that enhance the economic strength and resilience of Slavonia and Baranja and support the sustainable development of Croatia.

The Conference welcomes original scientific contributions addressing the following key themes:

  1. Sustainable and Smart Food Production
  2. Food Safety and Food System Resilience
  3. Global Disruptions and Regional Food Systems
  4. Food Security
  5. Innovation and Emerging Technologies in Food Systems
  6. Food and Health
  7. Nutrition and Quality of Life
  8. Mathematical Modelling and Analytical Approaches to Sustainable Food Production
  9. Food and Climate Change
  10. Climate and Environmental Stress Resilience of Field and Horticultural Crops
  11. Biodiversity and Conservation of Indigenous Crop Varieties
  12. Innovative Approaches to Plant Protection
  13. Food Waste Reduction and the Circular Economy
  14. Traditional and Authentic Food Products
  15. The Role of Livestock Farming and Alternative Production Systems in Strengthening Food System Resilience
  16. The Food Heritage of Slavonia and Baranja
  17. The Gastronomic Heritage of Slavonia and Baranja
  18. Agritourism and Rural Tourism
  1. Science as a Driver of Regional Resilience
  2. Transforming Knowledge into Economic Value
  3. Legal and Institutional Models for Knowledge and Innovation Transfer
  4. Human Capital Development for the Future
  5. The Role of Education in Building Individual and Societal Resilience
  6. Knowledge-Based Governance for Sustainable Development
  7. The Role of Innovative Technologies in Economic Development
  8. FoodTech Innovations
  9. Digital Transformation of Industry and Society
  10. Artificial Intelligence and Data Technologies
  11. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Artificial Intelligence in Science and Education
  12. Ethics, Responsible Use, and Societal Impacts of Artificial Intelligence
  13. Nanotechnology as a Foundation for Economic and Social Progress
  14. Regional Energy Resilience and Self-Sufficiency
  15. Mathematical, Statistical, and Computational Models of Resilience
  16. Culture as a Resource for Economic and Social Resilience
  17. Digital and Immersive Technologies in Education and Cultural Heritage Interpretation
  18. Innovation and Knowledge for Sustainable Tourism Development
  19. The Creative Industries as a Driver of Contemporary Tourism Development
  20. Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies, and Decentralized Finance
  1. Transparency and Efficiency in Local Government and Public Administration
  2. Public Policy and Community Resilience
  3. Legal and Institutional Frameworks for Regional Development
  4. The Impact of European Development Policies on Sustainable Regional Development
  5. Crisis Management and Strengthening Community Resilience
  6. Cross-Sectoral Collaboration in Development Governance
  7. Sustainable Spatial Planning and Land Use Governance
  8. Infrastructure, Water Resources Management, and Climate Risk Resilience
  9. Restoration and Revitalisation of Industrial Heritage
  10. Green and Digital Transition in Construction and Infrastructure
  11. Energy Resilience, Security, and Sustainable Transport Systems
  12. Digital Transformation of Public Administration
  13. Artificial Intelligence in Public Governance and Regional Development
  14. Tourism Governance and Sustainable Spatial Development
  15. Cultural and Creative Practices in Regional Development Policies
  16. Media, Digital Communication, and Community Identity
  17. Strategic Communication of Public and Cultural Institutions