Business Gazette of the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro

The Science and technology park (STP), an investment worth 12 million euros, will be tasked with generating the necessary energy and serving as a gathering place for scientists and researchers, as well as for technology-oriented companies with the potential for rapid growth and performance, offering new solutions for new times, said Prime Minister Duško Marković.

At the ceremony marking the start of construction of the STP Montenegro, Marković welcomed the decision of the University of Montenegro, in partnership with the Ministry of Science, to implement this valuable investment, which will also boost its competitiveness. The Prime Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to allocating even more resources for development and prosperity, especially in challenging times.

“Therefore, there is no waiting or hesitation. We will not cut back on such projects,” Marković stressed, as reported by the portal Aktuelno. Where observers see negligence, he added, it is the government’s duty to show responsibility and create conditions for new value. “This is what we did in the Cultural Center in Pljevlja, the University Center in Berane, and other facilities that had long been underused,” said Marković.

Recognizing that global changes and scientific-technological development do not allow for inertia, the Prime Minister noted that Montenegro’s scientific and intellectual potential lies particularly with young people, and that educated and talented individuals must be provided with everything they need to realize their professional potential. Reflecting on the recent challenging global events, Marković said that during the recent budget revision, the Ministry of Science’s budget was largely preserved to ensure that all programs supporting scientific research and innovation activities are fully implemented. “I remind you that, thanks to these activities, 170 young people have secured jobs so far, 40 of whom are doctoral students, and this year the number of supported doctoral students will increase to 50, with funds of 2.3 million euros allocated for this purpose,” said the Prime Minister.

Marković emphasized that the new legal framework for innovation and technological development will enable a significant leap toward creating a favorable environment for innovation in Montenegro. “Young, innovative companies and startups will be given the opportunity to finance their ideas, increase employment, and expand export activities,” said Prime Minister Marković.

Minister of Science, Sanja Damjanović stated that this is not just another building but a center and a driver of new strength for our economy, expecting a quick return on this investment. Thanking the Prime Minister and the government for supporting the 8 million euro investment, Damjanović also thanked Telekom for providing significant support in equipping the STP Montengro and its future development, totaling 1.5 million euros, both in financial support and equipment.

“We expect this place to attract interest from other donors and investors,” said the Minister, praising the excellent cooperation with the innovative and IT community.

The Rector of the University of Montenegro, Danilo Nikolić, said that they expect the STP Montenegro to stimulate scientific research work, encourage innovative thinking, foster knowledge and technology transfer, strengthen entrepreneurial capacities, and promote interdisciplinary collaboration, as well as the successful commercialization of their work’s results. “The park is located within the campus of the technical faculties of the University of Montenegro in Podgorica, providing proactive access to the best highly-educated staff and symbolically connecting the scientific-research sector, the business sector, public institutions, and the local community, all with the aim of creating a stimulating environment for innovative and entrepreneurial activities, which will result in enhancing the competitiveness of the Montenegrin economy,” said Nikolić.

Executive director of the STP Montenegro, Velibor Bošković, stated that the STP is envisioned as the central unit of the national innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem. “This place will be home to all innovative companies and individuals whose business is based on knowledge, innovation, and the latest technologies. A special segment of our activities will be focused on supporting the development of startup companies with high growth potential and the potential to export their products and services,” said Bošković.

The building of the future Science and technology park is designed according to the latest architectural, functional, and technological standards. With a gross area of over 14,000 square meters, it will feature all necessary facilities to provide individuals, teams, and companies with the opportunity to develop, test, and commercialize their entrepreneurial ideas.

Sourse: Privredni Glasnik PKCG