Montenegro

Montenegro has paid special attention to creating framework conditions for the stimulation of the innovation process and knowledge exchange, as well as to strengthening the links between scientific research institutions and the business sector.

Montenegro is the first EU candidate country to adopt a Smart Specialisation Strategy in 2019, which is a precondition for the future use of structural funds. The strategy itself is aimed at an integrated approach and focused action in areas where Montenegro has competitive advantages in Europe. By focusing on science, innovation and research, we promote the identified strategic priorities: a sustainable agriculture and food value chain, energy and sustainable environmental goals, sustainable and healthy tourism and IT as horizontal priorities, thereby strengthening the competitiveness and internationalisation of the economy.

Moreover, the Parliament of Montenegro adopted two new important laws in 2020: the Law on Innovation and the Law on Incentives for the Development of Research and Innovation, which are a basic measure for strengthening the IT economy and the functioning of the national innovation ecosystem, providing a wide range of benefits and incentives that apply equally to domestic and international companies.

Montenegro paid special attention to creating framework conditions for stimulating the innovation process and knowledge exchange, as well as strengthening the links between scientific research institutions and the business sector.

Montenegro is the first candidate country to adopt a Smart Specialisation Strategy in 2019, which is a precondition for the future use of structural funds. The strategy itself is aimed at an integrated approach and focused action in areas where Montenegro has competitive advantages in Europe. By focusing on science, innovation and research, we promote the identified strategic priorities: a sustainable agriculture and food value chain, energy and sustainable environmental goals, sustainable and health tourism and IT as a horizontal priority, thereby strengthening the competitiveness and internationalisation of the economy.

Moreover, the Parliament of Montenegro adopted two new important laws in 2020: the Law on Innovation and the Law on Incentives for the Development of Research and Innovation, which are a basic measure for strengthening the IT economy and the functioning of the national innovation ecosystem, providing a wide range of benefits and incentives that apply equally to domestic and international companies.

By adopting the new Law on Innovation, we envisage the establishment of a special institution in the public sector that will be in charge of the implementation of the Smart Specialization Strategy programme (the Innovation Fund of Montenegro). The implementation of innovation supporting instruments and measures through the fund is expected to take place by the end of 2021.

The first Science and Technology Park (NTP) in Montenegro was established in order to improve the innovation ecosystem as well as providing institutional and infrastructural support to the research and innovation system. It will directly affect the elimination of barriers between science, research, innovation and business.

The Ministry of Economic Development offers numerous supporting programmes and instruments, such as pre-acceleration startup programmes, calls for innovation projects, calls for Centres of Excellence, call for ICT Cluster development, supporting calls for Horizon Europe, Eureka, EIT, etc.

• Connecting science and research with innovation and business through the NTP support programme.

• Creating and attracting new small and medium enterprises and innovative startup or spin-off entities.

• Consolidating existing companies, creating strong links with local and regional business centres, incubators, clusters and voucher schemes.

• Stimulating the transfer of knowledge and high-end technologies from scientific institutions to companies.

• Fostering the commercial exploitation of research results.

• Encouraging the creation and application of new or improved existing technologies, processes, products and services in the market based on top scientific results, as well as employment in existing and new companies.

• Increasing the participation of national companies and research institutions within Horizon Europe, Eureka, COST and other international innovation and research support programmes.

• Improving access to financing for the private sector.

Ivan Tomovic
Ministry of Economic Development
Podgorica, Montenegro