Editorial

These lines are tracing a recently held meeting in Zagreb between a big Croatian shipyard and sev- eral academic and research institutions from Croatia. The aim of the meeting was to establish a common platform so that by means of united forces in the ship- yard the design and produc- tion of new products (read: vessels) competitive in the world shipbuilding market will be done, and at the same time new projects competitive for the access to the European funds will be developed. Although on the editorial page of this journal the need for such joint initiatives was already pointed out on several occa- sions, it is particularly encouraging that this time such an initiative was originated by the shipyard itself.

Already at the above mentioned meeting the following key question was raised: How to establish such a common platform that will incorporate not only the technical but also the economical- financial and political aspects? As a conclusion several options were men- tioned. One of the options is the tripod model, i.e. synergy, having the following three legs: technology, economy, and government. However, judging by the (in-) competence of the former and of the current government as well, I am afraid that this tripod is having two legs. Guess, which leg is missing? This fear is also supported by the fact that the representatives of the three relevant ministries were invited to attend the said meeting. However, the representatives of only one ministry appeared and then they disappeared in the crucial moment of the meeting, when the conclusions and decisions were made. The other options included the establishing of a consortium, establishing of a technical and technological institute and the like. Tracing these other options, the author of these lines would like to contribute with a proposal. Perhaps it would be most effective to establish or engage a profes­sional organisation that will realise the synergy of technology, economics and politics in a competent way, in accord- ance with the project management rules.