Analysis of Interactions and Effectiveness in Managing ESI Projects in Croatian Higher Education: Insights from Empirical Research

This paper explores the management and implementation of higher education infrastructure projects funded by European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds in Croatia for the period between 2014 and 2020. Focusing on projects under the Operational Programme Competitiveness and Cohesion, particularly those enhancing student accommodation, it analyzes the allocation of 10.731 billion EUR from various ESI funds, including the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The study describes the institutional framework involving the Managing Authority (MA) and the Central Finance and Contracting Agency (CFCA) as the Implementation Authority (IA). It examines their roles in ensuring transparent, efficient, and adaptable project management. Feedback from project users, mainly universities and polytechnics, was gathered through a structured questionnaire. The survey assessed their perceptions of CFCA’s effectiveness in communication, support, and response to project changes. Obtained results suggest a generally positive view of CFCA’s role, especially in providing support and impacting project quality. However, the need to improve response timeliness and project adaptability was also highlighted.