Koprivnica

Koprivnica’s strategic position near Zagreb and on the main route into Hungary, along with its strong road and rail transport connections is reflected in its industrial profile. A number of large companies are based in Koprivnica including: the food producer Podravka which employs around 5,000 people; the pharmaceutical company Belupa; and the beer producer Carlsberg, whose South East Europe base is in Koprivnica. Koprivnica is also home to two enterprise zones which are seeking to stimulate the growth of  entrepreneurship and SMEs.

Despite its strong industrial heritage, Koprivnica has contemporary challenges around unemployment. The food producer, Podravka, in particular is downsizing its operations in Korpivnica with consequences for its older workforce. Youth unemployment is also an issue of increasing importance for the City of Koprivnica. The dominance of large businesses is also stifling innovation and SME growth, with many people moving into work at the large companies once they have completed their studies. Additionally Koprivnica has a huge amount of unused brownfield land (60% overall, and 80% specifically in the Kampus area).