Digitalization and Smart islands in the Kvarner archipelago

Currently, in the European Union there are two major initiatives that address the issue of sustainable development of the islands. Top-down initiative coming from the Declaration on Clean energy for EU islands and bottom-up Smart Islands initiative. Both initiatives consider islands as living labs that can host innovative pilot projects and lead Europe’s transition into a sustainable and low carbon environment. Following objectives of both initiatives, the Croatian government passes a law on islands that support the development of smart islands. The paper presents a comprehensive review of studies, projects, policy documents and scientific publications related to Smart Islands development in Kvarner archipelago which can be used as a model for implementing new sustainable technology on the islands. It also provides expert recommendations for digitalization in several sectors crucial for the development of islands and an integrated approach to management of island resources.