engleski

Economic diplomacy in Croatia: myth or need

The aim of this paper is to analyze the system and model of economic diplomacy in Croatia, as well as recommendations for a more effective model and wider involvement of all interested groups. The authors that are studying economic diplomacy have refrained from defining the very term and emphasize that it is a discipline that is constantly changing and evolving. There is no universal solution or a unique model of economic diplomacy, but there are several frameworks through which the system is usually carried out. The analysis presented in this paper was made using the desktop method. Relevant available documents, studies, books and scientific papers were analyzed and interviews were conducted with a dozen of major Croatian businessmen and their qualitative assessments of economic diplomacy in Croatia are summarized. The following theoretical models of economic diplomacy have been analyzed: a unified model, a partially unified model, a third agency model, a model of competition and a model of resignation. These models are presented through a comparative analysis on the case of Croatia, and in the concluding reviews and recommendations it is pointed to the key challenges ahead of Croatian diplomacy connected with economic breakthroughs in the future. The results of the analysis indicate that there is still no consensus in Croatia on which body would be best suited to promote economic interests, whether commercial diplomats from the Ministries of Foreign and European Affairs and other ministries, county offices, cities and municipalities, the Croatian Chamber of Economy and the Croatian Employers’ Association, commercial diplomats from other states and 873 associations. The overall conclusion is that in spite of the fact that entrepreneurs recognize the need for services provided by Croatian economic diplomacy, it is clear there is a need for stronger coordination of different bodies, especially when it comes to harmonizing domestic policies that could enhance the competitiveness of entrepreneurs on the foreign market.

economic diplomacy, models of economic diplomacy, entrepreneurs

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