Montenegro Advances Smart Specialization in Innovation Strategy

A recent event organized by the European Commission, titled “Opening New Paths to Innovation and Growth,” highlighted Montenegro’s commitment to building a robust system based on clearly defined priorities in smart specialization. The session, led by Bernhard Magenhann, General Director of the Joint Research Centre (JRC), emphasized that the new dynamics of EU enlargement policy represent a critical priority for the European Union and a significant geopolitical investment.

Magenhann underscored that the JRC actively supports candidate countries by developing evidence-based policies, adopting EU standards, and strengthening capacities for future membership. He pointed out that effective management of smart specialization could increase regional and national development by up to 40%. Conversely, insufficiently developed innovation infrastructure diminishes economic potential.

Despite common challenges such as green and digital transitions and skill development, Magenhann asserted that collaboration and innovation remain essential tools for transforming challenges into developmental opportunities, thereby fostering a more resilient and competitive future.

Valentina Superti, Director for the Western Balkans at DG ENER, noted that smart specialization helps partner countries modernize their economies, strengthen innovation systems, and align with the opportunities presented by the EU’s single market. She highlighted that all regional economies have already adopted S3 strategies, identifying sectors with the highest potential for innovation and economic transformation.

Superti also pointed out key challenges: progress is most rapid where political commitment and stable governance are strong, while varying levels of commitment can slow down processes, particularly in monitoring, evaluation, and stakeholder engagement. She emphasized the connection between S3 strategies and the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, which is grounded in principles of smart specialization, focusing on targeted investments, capacity building, and implementing reforms.

The region has completed the most challenging part of defining priorities, according to Superti, but now it is crucial to ensure continuity and successful implementation.

At the panel discussion titled “Processes of Smart Specialization in the Western Balkans: Key Achievements and Experiences,” Anđela Jakšić-Stojanović, Minister of Education, Science, and Innovation, highlighted Montenegro’s exceptional results in achieving the goals outlined in the Strategy for Smart Specialization 2019–2024. She noted that over 90% of the planned funds, amounting to more than €168 million, have been realized. This achievement has established a comprehensive innovation infrastructure that serves as the foundation for a modern innovation system in Montenegro.

The Minister also shared that Montenegro is currently drafting the second cycle of its strategy, with the Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (EDP) successfully completed, involving over 250 representatives from academia, the research sector, industry, and civil society. Jakšić-Stojanović announced that the new strategy is expected to be adopted by June 2026 and will provide a clear framework for digital and green transformation over the next five years.

She emphasized that all public policies, programs, and competitions—from science and innovation to education—are already being aligned with S3 priorities. In conclusion, Jakšić-Stojanović stated that Montenegro continues to build a system where economic, scientific, and innovation development is grounded in clearly defined priorities of smart specialization.