Over the past year, the Ministry of Science and Technological Development has created an environment conducive to the development of the science and innovation community and raising the quality of scientific research and innovation work, announced the relevant minister, Biljana Šćepanović, stating that this year, investments will be made in science and innovation. over ten million euros, the PR center reports.
"Over ten million euros will be invested in science and innovation this year. Of that amount, 8,5 million euros is the budget of the Ministry. From the capital budget for our institutions, about 900 euros have been earmarked for the completion of the Science and Technology Park, as well as for the House of Digital Revolution in Nikšić, which will expand the spatial capacities of Technopolis. "One million, from other national grants, refers to programs to encourage innovation in the field of energy efficiency," Šćepanović said.
Today, at the presentation of the results of the Ministry of Science and Technological Development achieved in the past year, the minister said that the primary obligation of that department is to create and improve conditions for quality science and innovation in Montenegro, as well as for adequate valorization of that work and achieved results.
She pointed out that the Ministry is continuously working on improving the conditions for carrying out scientific research and innovation activities in Montenegro, with the application of the concept of smart specialization and harmonization with EU standards, with the aim of fully integrating our scientific and innovation community into the European research area and strengthening domestic innovation potentials. , in accordance with the New European Innovation Agenda.
"When it comes to scientific research activity, with tenders for national scientific research projects and co-financing of scientific research activity, we strengthen the capacities of research teams in Montenegro, and we encourage excellence in science, which contributes to the development of a society based on knowledge and competitiveness at the international level," pointed out Šćepanović.
She emphasized that by continuously improving conditions, the Ministry encourages the development of innovations, and motivates both individuals and companies to, with the support of the state, find their place on the market as soon as possible, solve a social problem or even dare to step on the path of innovation, and announced that, through the seven program lines of the Innovation Fund, two million euros were allocated to the innovation community this year alone.
She reminded that during the public discussion regarding the draft Law on the Government of Montenegro, the Ministry gathered the science and innovation community at a round table on the importance of the status of the Department of Science and Innovation in the Government of Montenegro, from which it was announced that this department should maintain its independence in the Government , with the recommendation of unification with higher education.
"After a two-year break, we successfully organized the Festival "Days of Science and Innovation 2022", an event that promoted and brought science and innovation closer to children, young people, as well as the general public through 63 program contents, in as many as 12 Montenegrin cities. "After a two-year break, the Ministry of Science and Technological Development awarded awards for scientific achievements in 2022 to outstanding scientists and inventors-innovators, appreciating their contribution to society," Šćepanović said.
She said that in the coming period, the Ministry will try to ensure that young scientists and innovators, as well as the more experienced ones, stay in Montenegro and achieve notable results, strengthening our science and innovation community.
The Prime Minister of Montenegro, Dritan Abazović, pointed out that the most important thing for every country is to invest in science and technological development, stating that natural resources cannot be used without human resources.
"I am sure that Montenegro will continue to follow this path. If only one innovation were to succeed for Montenegro, it would have incredible implications. Investing in science and innovation has a slower return, but it is the most sustainable investment. I am sure that Montenegro will find its place in the global scientific community," said Abazović.
He thanked all international partners, who support various projects of Montenegro "and who make our small country competitive in what is the modern world".
"The most important thing is to have a good idea, then the path to success will be easier to find," concluded Abazović.
At the event, it was announced that for the first time our scientific research institutions are coordinating two Horizon Europe projects - MONUSEN (UCG) and MONTEVITIS (UDG) - with a total value of around three million euros, and that in January of this year, the implementation of 30 joint research projects with Slovenia began , five joint research projects of great importance with Italy, nine projects within the EU Pre-accession Support Program for Montenegro - Grant scheme "Scientific potential in the service of innovation", in the total amount of almost one million euros.
The event was attended by a large number of representatives of the diplomatic corps, the international community, the Government, the academic and scientific community.
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