Knowledge is what new national energy should be based on, the PM added.
The world has never been changing faster and if Croatia wants to join it, it needs to be fast and set clear goals, the PM said, adding that there was no time for futile arguments and that the government had no right to let down those who had given everything for the country's independence and freedom.
The introduction of an economy of knowledge should be an additional encouragement and fuel for EU entry, he said.
Talks with the EU are not a magic wand, Croatia will set the strategy of its development on its own and assess its advantages in relation to its environment, Sanader said.
President Stjepan Mesic, who also addressed the conference, said that a national development programme aimed at increasing employment and growth rates should be adopted by March next year.
Investing into education, science and investment creates conditions for increasing Croatia's international competitiveness and its economic development, as well as for accelerating its integration into the global market, Mesic said, adding that special care had to be taken of the social element of development.
Parliament Speaker Vladimir Seks recalled that there was a number of countries, such as Ireland and Finland, which, by investing into knowledge, had managed to overcome economic crises, encourage development and increase living standards.