MARITIME POTENTIALS OF THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA WITH THE PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON THE CITY OF SPLIT

Every economy wants to improve their competitive advantage in the world market game using their available resources. These resources may include oil, minerals, cultivated land and less tangible assets such as cultural diversity and specific knowledge. These resources are unevenly distributed between countries that optimally, or less than optimally, use them for their own progress. Evers and Karim (2011: 118) find that there is a trade-off : non-natural nations can compensate for human resources, talents and knowledge in order to maintain and enhance economic and socio-political performance. The purpose of this study is to present the maritime potentials of the Republic of Croatia with a special focus on the city and port of Split. The paper provides a short theoretical overview of Croatia's maritime economy and port activities as well as its maritime potentials, since the Adriatic Sea represents one of the most important national strategic resources. The particular and practical focus will be placed on the city of Split and its port whose activities have had a great impact on the economy of the city. The paper will off er several policy proposals, suggesting what the ports should do in order to make a greater influence on the relevant economic development.