All aimed to establish links between public-sector research and the private sector and to “develop innovation, know-how, technology, prototypes and to market preliminary products in as short a time span as possible” (ZSI, 2011). It was the first operationally independent agency of its kind. At the same time, and much more important for the evolution of Croatia’s innovation policy and innovation system, this was an opportunity to collect valuable practical experience and to leam about and assimilate new ideas about innovation management and policy delivery. It helped to build up and secure the human capital and networks formed by a core group of technology centre managers and relevant civil service officials.