Project “UPE-IP” is implemented within the framework of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan 2021–2026 and is financed by European Union funds through the NextGenerationEU instrument.
During the first year of the project, all key planned results were achieved, directly contributing to the fulfillment of the set project objectives and ensuring its stable and high-quality implementation moving forward.
Contribution to Objective 1: Project Management
As part of project management, two semi-annual progress reports were successfully prepared and submitted. Administrative and operational coordination was maintained through two official project team meetings and one meeting with the project partner GDi. All meetings were duly documented with minutes and attendance sheets signed by the attending members.
Contribution to Objective 2: Project Visibility in the Scientific and Professional Community
Project visibility and promotion were achieved through several complementary channels. An official promotional poster for the project was created, and an official subpage on the website of the Faculty of Economics and Business in Zagreb was established and regularly updated (four posts published). Additionally, an official project profile was launched on the LinkedIn social network, through which posts were published.
Contribution to Objective 3: Enhancing Scientific Excellence
Significant progress was made in scientific and research activities through the definition and preparation of scientific papers. A decision was made to select the journal EMC - Economy and Market Communication Review, indexed in the WoS database with an Open Access policy. One scientific paper was prepared, translated, and edited, and has been officially submitted for peer review (publication is expected in December 2026). International recognition and the dissemination of scientific knowledge were further achieved through the participation of a project team member in the 14th Annual International Conference on Ecology, Ecosystems and Climate Change, held in Athens in July 2026.
Contribution to Objective 4: Strengthening Cooperation with the Economy and Developing National and Regional Identity and Culture
The strengthening of ties with the private sector was achieved through continuous partnership management and a working meeting with the business entity GDi d.o.o., during which technical and research details of further cooperation were agreed upon.
Contribution to Objective 5: Increasing the Relevance, Quality, and Efficiency of Studying
A full contribution was made toward the goals of internationalization and strengthening research capacities. Project leader Prof. Dr. Martina Sopta Ćorić completed a professional development stay and international exchange at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg in Germany. Upon her return, a detailed report on the acquired knowledge and skills was submitted.
Contribution to Objective 6: Implementation of a Digital Solution for More Efficient Energy Infrastructure Operations in Cooperation with an Economic Partner
As part of the development and implementation of the digital solution, initial research activities commenced in cooperation with the partners. Access to the required data and software tools was secured, creating the necessary prerequisites for continuing research and further developing the digital twin models in the next phase of the project.