Professionalization and Linking of FSB Research Centers with Industry
Project description
Project name: FSB LINK – Professionalization and Linking of FSB Research Centers with Industry
Acronym: FSB LINK
Project identifier: DIGIT.1.2.03.011
Implementation period: February 1, 2026 – September 30, 2028
Total project value: 349.400,00 EUR
Project HolderFaculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, University of Zagreb
Project lead: Assoc. prof. Marko Švaco
Project goals
FSB LINK focuses on four key areas:
professionalizing research infrastructure management and optimizing organizational processes
digitizing the research equipment inventory and improving its utilization
strengthening the competencies of research and administrative staff
enhancing cooperation between research centers, research groups and industry, and promoting technology transfer
One of the key elements of the project is the development of the Labs Catalogue digital platform, which will consolidate information on equipment, research capacities and professional services across all 54 FSB laboratories. By integrating a digital equipment inventory with a customer relationship management (CRM) system, the platform will provide industry with easier access to the Faculty's research resources and facilitate the establishment of new forms of cooperation.
Role of FSB and CRTA
The University of Zagreb Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture (FSB) is the coordinator of the FSB LINK project, which aims to improve research infrastructure management and strengthen links between the scientific community and industry. The Regional Centre of Excellence for Robotic Technology (CRTA) and the Regional Centre for Laboratory Research in Hydromechanics (ORCHID) play important roles in project implementation.
The participation of FSB and CRTA in the project will further strengthen their research and organizational capacities and create new opportunities for:
developing cooperation with domestic and international industrial partners
improving the efficient use and maintenance of high-value research equipment
increasing the visibility of research capacities and professional services
exchanging knowledge and enhancing staff competencies
developing joint research and development projects
promoting technology transfer and the application of scientific results in industry.
One of the project's key activities will be the development of a digital inventory of research equipment and standardized protocols for its use, maintenance and sharing among laboratories. This will improve access to research resources, facilitate coordination between research groups and increase the efficiency of existing infrastructure utilization.
Through the project, CRTA will further strengthen its role as an innovation hub in the fields of advanced robotics and intelligent systems. Activities will include maintaining and upgrading existing research equipment, presenting the Centre's technological capabilities to industrial partners, and developing new opportunities for cooperation on research and development projects.
The project will also include bilateral meetings with industry representatives, open laboratory days, and a conference bringing together academia and industry. These activities will help industry gain a better understanding of the research capabilities of FSB and CRTA, facilitate the exchange of experience, and identify new opportunities for the joint development of innovative solutions.
Expected Impact
The project will contribute to more efficient use of research infrastructure, stronger cooperation between the scientific community and industry, and the development of new joint projects and professional services. In the long term, it will promote technology transfer and the application of scientific results in industry, strengthening the innovation potential of FSB and CRTA.
Team members
The project was co-financed by the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund
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