As part of the “Days of Science and Innovation 2023” festival programme, eight projects were presented that received funding under the “Grant Scheme to Support the Implementation of the Smart Specialisation Strategy through Projects.”

Funds amounting to €900,000.00 were provided from the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) of the European Union for Montenegro within the Competitiveness and Innovation sector, coordinated by the Ministry of Economic Development and Tourism.

Attendees had the opportunity to acquaint themselves with innovative ideas in various areas of smart specialisation, related to promoting sustainable agriculture and the food value chain, energy and sustainable environmental practices, sustainable and health tourism, as well as the horizontal ICT sector.

In the introductory part of the programme, the representatives of the Ministry of Science and Technological Development, the Ministry of Economic Development and Tourism, the Ministry of Finance, and the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro addressed the attendees. They were the leaders in the planning and creation of support programmes aimed at the development and co-creation of innovations, by empowering the synergy between science and economy.

Marijeta Barjaktarović Lanzardi, Director-General of the Directorate for Innovation and Technological Development at the Ministry of Science and Technological Development, emphasised the importance of continuous and complementary support for innovation development provided by the Government of Montenegro and the European Union.

"Support for the implementation of the Smart Specialisation Strategy in Montenegro through the IPA funds, provided in the form of technical support and through this grant scheme, testifies that we are on the right path when it comes to implementing this concept, and that the European Union is our key partner on this journey," said Barjaktarović Lanzardi.

Rosanda Jocović, Head of the Directorate for Programming and Implementation of EU Funds at the Ministry of Economic Development and Tourism, congratulated the grant recipients who stood out with their creative ideas among a large number of high-quality project proposals, earning the opportunity to realise and market their innovations.

"We are encouraged by the fact that Montenegro can boast an innovative community that shows enthusiasm and proactive action, possesses knowledge, skills, and the capacity to absorb significant financial resources in line with the rules and procedures of the European Union," Jocović emphasised.

From the Ministry of Finance, Dragomir Marković, Head of the Directorate for Contracting EU Assistance and Implementation of Contracts, addressed the attendees and highlighted the importance of strengthening administrative capacities and compliance with EU legal acquis in the field of competitiveness and innovation.

"Implementing such projects is significant in the perspective of strengthening the administrative capacities of beneficiaries and gaining experience in preparing and implementing projects financed through the IPA funds, which will be valuable experience for accessing funds from future Structural Funds," Marković concluded.

Ingve Engstrom, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, reminded everyone of the European Union's long-standing tradition of implementing initiatives that drive positive changes, stimulate innovation, and promote sustainable development.

“These grant awards represent more than just financial support; they are an investment in the future. We aspire to nurture a spirit of collaboration and foster a shared purpose among various sectors. Only through the collective efforts of the government and all segments of society can we effectively address the current national, European, and global challenges, advancing progress and sustainability. Today, the European Union proudly stands as a partner to Montenegrin businesses and academic institutions. We wish you the utmost success in implementing your projects and eagerly anticipate seeing remarkable results. Our hope is that your actions will elevate and propel Montenegro's innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem to new heights,” Engstrom said.

The project teams presented their ideas which will be developed in the coming months.

The interested public will be informed about the progress and achievements of these projects, which we believe will significantly enhance Montenegro's competitiveness and innovation capabilities.