Rijeka serves as Croatia's main seaport and is the country’s third largest city with 128 000 inhabitants. It was selected as a European Capital of Culture for 2020 with the motto, “Rijeka 2020 Port of Diversity.” Due to its strategic position on the Adriatic Sea, the city was historically contested between Italy, Hungary and Croatia. Minority communities of Serbs, Bosnians and Italians are still present today. 

Since its transition into a market economy, the structure of Rijeka's economy underwent a significant transformation. From an economy largely based on heavy industry, it became a knowledge-based economy that embraces new technologies. Tourism and related services are also important contributors of the local economy. 

Rijeka is one of the most advanced cities in Croatia in regard to digitalisation. Its digital transition has emphasised openness and communication with its citizens. The city is already moving forward with adopting e-governance, e-services, open data sets, quality visualisation tools and participative budgeting. 

Rijeka aims to continue on its path towards building a smarter and more sustainable city by strengthening its knowledge-based society with the help of new technologies.

Rijeka was a challenge city in the DCC. 

How to join ICC?
The application period for the ICC 2023-25 edition is now closed. However, if your city is still interested in getting involved with the ICC programme, please contact the Intelligent Cities Helpdesk (helpdesk_icc@technopolis-group.com) to explore the possible options.
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