The third edition of the Cross Border Coworking Conference, a regional conference that focuses on the needs of digital nomads and the region's potential to meet those needs, gathered more than 150 people from all over the world in Nikšić. The conference is organized by the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center "Technopolis" and the Technology Park "Intera" with the co-organization of the National Tourist Organization.
"Montenegro is an excellent opportunity for the development of a digital nomad as an individual, and the expansion of the business network, which is supported by the fact that the people are extremely hospitable, which is one of the region's strengths. My role in the world of digital nomads is to help others who lead the same lifestyle to create a positive lifestyle to avoid burnout," said Sandra Barker, a personal trainer and nutrition coach for digital nomads, who is originally from Canada and currently resides in the Netherlands.
Digital nomads are a significant segment of the tourist population, and according to Ana Bogdanović from "Inter", the previous two conferences brought good results to both Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
"The conference provides an opportunity for the state to present its offer intended for digital nomads, but also gather representatives of digital nomads who, after the conference, continue to spread the story of these countries in their community," said Bogdanović.
The Minister of Science and Technological Development, Biljana Šćepanović, said that as tens of millions of the world's population decide on this, increasingly popular profession, the obligation of every responsible state is to provide adequate conditions for the stay and work of digital nomads and those who travel while working remotely.
"Digital nomads are important in many ways for the destination where they decide to start their work, both because of the transfer of knowledge, and because of the increase in consumption in periods outside the main summer tourist season, income from taxes, encouraging the valorization of rural areas, the growth of the local economy and investments . Therefore, we are talking about the great potential of Montenegro and the region in this regard, but only if we prepare the ground that fully meets the high criteria that this market niche has", said the minister.
According to her, thanks to its natural beauty, decent cost of living compared to other countries, proximity to important European centers, Montenegro is an attractive destination that has the prerequisites for digital nomads to stay as long as possible. She reminded that last year in Montenegro, a document was adopted to attract nomads for the period until 2025, and changes were made to the Law on Foreigners, which now allow digital nomads to obtain residence visas.
"Montenegro continues, in addition to legal regulations, to improve strategic documents and create adequate support programs that enable the creation of a suitable environment for the undisturbed stay and work of digital nomads in Montenegro," Šćepanović said, adding that "our small but strong the region has a unique comparative advantage and great potential".
Mladen Grgić, advisor for economy and economic diplomacy to the President of Montenegro, said that the cooperation between Technopolis and "Inter" park is an excellent example of regional cooperation and an inspiration for others to follow that path.
"This conference represents a unique opportunity to be together, learn from each other, exchange ideas and establish valuable connections. It is also an opportunity to present our region as an attractive destination for digital nomads and remote workers," Grgić said.
According to him, the importance of digital nomads is best explained by the fact that many countries and cities now recognize the economic advantages of attracting digital nomads and offer special visas and programs to attract them.
"These initiatives not only create a more welcoming environment for digital nomads, but also stimulate healthy competition and put pressure on legislators and local governments to do more to attract the digital nomad community." For Montenegro, and Nikšić in particular, digital nomads, who bring fresh skills and innovative ideas, could significantly boost local consumption and benefit small businesses," said Grgić.
Đorđije Malović, executive director of Technopolis, expressed satisfaction that they have the opportunity to gather such a large number of digital nomads, representatives of the tourism sector, and local and national authorities, thus strengthening existing cooperation and creating opportunities for new ones.
"The goal of the conference is to present the advantages that digital nomads bring to the countries of the Western Balkans and to promote the region as the next destination for them. The program of the conference is very diverse and, we hope, useful for everyone, given the interesting topics and even more interesting speakers," said Malović.
According to Marko Kovačević, the president of the Municipality of Nikšić, the conference is an exceptional opportunity to become better acquainted with the concept of digital nomads and the advantages of their stay in Nikšić and in Montenegro.
"Also, to present what our municipality and state can offer to digital nomads.
I also have personal experience with this, because my first neighbor in my village is a digital nomad from the Netherlands and his family, who himself discovered the advantages of this area for the work he does. Such conferences can only remind and facilitate the arrival of digital nomads in our municipality and country. One of the main reasons why the neighbor from the village came to Montenegro and Nikšić is the warmth and kindness of the local people. I have no doubt that Technopolis, led by its director, as the host of this conference, will also show that reason as one of the examples", said Kovačević.
At the opening of the conference, Velizar Kaluđerović, president of the board of directors of the Investment and Development Fund, Danija Kreg, project director of GIZ, who spoke via video message, and Vedran Simunović, executive director of the Intera Technology Park, who pointed out that the Western Balkans are rapidly developing, spoke at the opening of the conference. is developing as an attractive destination for digital nomads from all over the world.
"Our region is not only witnessing the growth of digital nomadism. He actively participates in shaping the global trend. Governments in the Western Balkans are increasingly aware of the potential and importance of this modern workforce. They not only recognize but also respond to the needs and expectations of digital nomads by implementing progressive laws and policies that enable a flexible, connected and convenient environment for remote work," he said. Simunović.
During the conference on the potential of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, remote work, time management, the connection of digital nomads and local communities, personal image, 27 speakers will speak.
During the conference program, 12 coworking spaces from the region will present their communities and services as resources available to digital nomads living in the region through four-minute presentations.
On the second day of the conference, a cruise along the Bay of Kotor is planned.
This year's conference is co-financed by the European Union and the Government of Germany. The project is implemented by GIZ BiH with the aim of reducing the economic consequences caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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