Development Agency North (DAN) is a regional development institution based in Varaždin, Croatia, dedicated to fostering sustainable economic growth, innovation, and territorial cohesion in Northern Croatia. As a public development agency, DAN plays a key role in initiating, preparing, and implementing EU-funded projects, with a strong focus on strengthening local capacities, supporting SMEs, and addressing regional development challenges through strategic planning and cross-sector cooperation.
The Varaždin region, located in the north of Croatia near the borders with Slovenia and Hungary, is characterized by a dynamic mix of urban centers and rural areas. While the city of Varaždin represents a historical, cultural, and economic hub with a strong industrial and entrepreneurial tradition, the surrounding rural municipalities face typical challenges related to accessibility, demographic change, and limited public transport options. In recent years, administrative expansion has further increased the share of rural areas within the functional region, making the issue of balanced territorial development even more relevant.
DAN has extensive experience in managing and participating in transnational and cross-border cooperation projects, particularly within Interreg programmes. Our work spans across various thematic areas, including sustainable mobility, climate adaptation, digital transformation, and innovation ecosystems. Through these projects, we have developed strong partnerships with regional and local authorities, research institutions, and private sector stakeholders across Central Europe.
One of the key challenges we are addressing is the growing disparity in mobility access between urban and rural populations. Limited and inflexible transport systems often restrict access to employment, education, and essential services, especially for residents of smaller settlements. This directly impacts social inclusion, labor market participation, and overall quality of life. DAN recognizes mobility as a crucial component of regional resilience and economic development.
Within the GO4FAIR MOVE project, DAN aims to contribute its expertise in stakeholder engagement, data-driven planning, and pilot implementation. Our goal is to support the development of innovative, inclusive, and sustainable mobility solutions that respond to the real needs of citizens and employers. By fostering cooperation between public authorities, businesses, and communities, we seek to co-create practical models that can improve access to workplaces and reduce mobility-related inequalities.
In the long term, DAN is committed to integrating the concept of “Mobility as a Right” into regional development strategies, ensuring that mobility is not a privilege but a fundamental enabler of equal opportunities. Through GO4FAIR MOVE, we see an opportunity to test new approaches, strengthen institutional capacities, and contribute to shaping more inclusive and connected regions across Central Europe.