SynHealth at the Mostar Fair 2026: Connecting Policy with Regional Science and Innovation
How can technological innovation move beyond the lab and support the development of local communities?
This question lies at the heart of the EU-funded SynHealth project and was also central to discussions at the International Economy Fair Mostar, held from 14 to 18 April 2026. As one of the leading economic and innovation events in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider region, the fair brought together stakeholders from across the region to explore pathways for economic growth, innovation, and stronger collaboration between science, policy, and industry.
As part of the programme, the Office of the Prime Minister of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton hosted a roundtable titled “Public Policies and Science as Drivers of Entrepreneurship Development and Local Communities.” The session focused on how knowledge and innovation can more effectively translate into tangible economic and societal impact.
The roundtable brought together representatives of national and regional authorities, policymakers, the scientific community, and industry, reflecting the multi-stakeholder approach needed to translate research and innovation into local impact. Following a presentation of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Growth Plan by Zoran Zeljko, Director of the Directorate for Economic Planning of Bosnia and Herzegovina, participants explored ways to strengthen connections between research, policy, and economic development, as well as how to better use EU funding opportunities that rely on collaboration and consortia.
Contributions came from leading academic and public institutions, including the University of Mostar and the University of Zagreb, alongside local government leaders such as the mayors of Čapljina and Kreševo, and representatives of industry and entrepreneurs’ associations. Among them was Genos, the coordinator of the SynHealth project, with Ivana Gulišija Radić contributing to the discussion and sharing insights from SynHealth.
Strengthening regional potential: SynHealth’s approach
The event provided a relevant setting for the SynHealth project, aligning with its broader focus on increasing science and innovation capacity across European countries. At its core, SynHealth focuses on valorising glycan biomarkers for preventive healthcare and longevity, helping translate research breakthroughs into market-ready solutions for personalised medicine.
As a Horizon Europe WIDERA project, it contributes to innovation capacity in regions such as Croatia and Slovenia, while fostering regional cooperation and closer links between academia and industry. This builds on ongoing collaborations across the region, including recent joint initiatives with other EU-funded projects.
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