EC 2020 Progress Report on Montenegro: Ministry of Science best rated department in the Government of Montenegro

In the annual progress report of the European Commission for Montenegro for 2020, presented yesterday in Brussels, the Ministry of Science of Montenegro was the best rated department in the Government of Montenegro. The Commission has noted a good level of preparedness in this sector, but also good progress.

The report has indicated that Montenegro was the first country in the region to adopt the Smart Specialisation Strategy (August 2019) and start implementing it. Investment in science grew from 0.37% in 2017 to 0.5% of GDP in 2018. Montenegro’s participation in the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme showed a very good trend in 2019, accounting for EUR 3.2 million in direct EU contribution and reaching a success rate of 13.9%, compared to 12%, as the European average. Montenegro has been included in the European Innovation Scoreboard, which is an important step in improving its statistical system and monitoring the implementation of the Smart Specialisation Strategy of Montenegro (2019-2024). Finally, it has been pointed out that Montenegro did a lot to create an innovation ecosystem by adopting two laws with incentives for the establishment of innovative companies, which provide for the establishment of the Innovation Fund, which will act as a special agency focused on implementation of the Smart Specialisation Strategy.

Two new centres of excellence (covering the areas of food science and biomedical science) have commenced their work in January 2020, with funding of EUR 1.8 million over three years. In response to the COVID-19-related pandemic, the Ministry issued a call for research projects in the field of health and socio-economic recovery (EUR 200,000). Together with the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre “Tehnopolis” and the newly established Science and Technology Park of Montenegro, the Ministry has coordinated the work of 3-D laboratories in the academic and private sector for joint production of personal protective equipment.
Through the EU Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA), 13 projects have been selected under a joint grant scheme for innovative project ideas, and in March 2020 contracts were signed for equipping three Tehnopolis laboratories, as well as for construction works on the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro.

In addition to the Progress Report, the European Commission, i.e., the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR), announced yesterday a comprehensive economic and investment plan for the Western Balkans, which aims to encourage long-term economic recovery in the region, support green and digital transition, encourage regional integration and convergence with the European Union.
Through the Innovation Agenda for the Western Balkans, the economic and investment plan acknowledges and focuses on the South East European International Institute for Sustainable Technologies – SEEIIST as the only major scientific infrastructure project that should contribute to strengthening the region, announcing support for further development of the SEEIIST project. The economic and investment plan highlights its key regional role in the future Cancer Mission, under Horizon Europe, the EU’s new framework programme for research and innovation, which will replace H2020 in the next seven years.