Montenegro is advancing its innovation and research potential through the development of the second Smart Specialization Strategy (S3) for 2026–2031, announced at the launch of the Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (EDP), a key phase in strategy formulation.
Over the previous six-year period (S3 2019–2024), more than €167 million was invested in implementing the first strategy, resulting in the establishment of the Innovation Fund, the Podgorica Science and Technology Park, and Tehnopolis in Nikšić, which now host over 150 companies and teams.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajić highlighted that these investments have strengthened Montenegro’s innovation infrastructure, supported investors through tax incentives, and attracted foreign investment in innovative companies.
The new strategy will focus on five preliminary priority areas: energy and sustainable environment, innovative and sustainable tourism, sustainable agriculture and food value chains, information and communication technologies (ICT), and construction. Final priorities will be defined through the upcoming EDP consultation process.
UNDP Montenegro’s resident representative, Ekaterina Paniklova, emphasized that the process fosters inclusive dialogue among government, industry, academia, and civil society, turning ideas into investment opportunities. The process is supported by the EU-funded IDEA-ME project, in cooperation with the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).
Minister of Education, Science, and Innovation Anđela Jakšić Stojanović noted that the strategy identifies Montenegro’s development potential and aims to translate it into clear directions for economic growth.
Migel Landabaso Alvarez from the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre highlighted the importance of the EDP process for EU accession, focusing on collaboration between public and private sectors, universities, and other stakeholders to modernize and diversify the economy.
Ivana Janković Mijanović, acting director of the Ministry’s Directorate and national S3 coordinator, underlined that smart specialization invests in areas that make Montenegro competitive and recognizable, strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem.
Montenegro, recognized as a regional pioneer for adopting the first S3 outside the EU in 2019, aims with the new strategy to further enhance its innovation potential and deepen cooperation with the EU. The ongoing EDP process will identify priority sectors through participatory dialogue, supporting sustainable, smart, and competitive economic development.
