The first day of the conference titled “Anticipatory Science Advice in the Western Balkans” was opened, co-organized by the Montenegro Science and Technology Park as part of the Policy Answers project. The goal of the conference is to present three scenarios on the possible future of research and innovation (R&I) policies in the Western Balkans by 2035, which were created as part of a study by the European Commission. During the opening of the conference, attendees heard speeches from the Minister of science and technological development of Montenegro, prof.  Biljana Šćepanović,phd, who emphasized the importance of science and innovation; Acting director general of the Directorate for Digital economy and technological development, ms. Marijeta Barjaktarović Lanzardi; Executive Director of the Montenegro Science and technology park, Velibor Bošković; as well as project coordinators Elke Dall and Simon Schmitz. The Policy answers project aims to continue and enhance the joint efforts of the European union and the Western Balkans – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia – in areas such as innovation, research, education, culture, youth, and sports.

The scenarios in the report are rooted in an extensive co-creation process with over 700 research and innovation experts from the Western Balkans, representing the academic community, civil society, the private sector, and international organizations. They aim to inspire decision-makers by specifying goals and the necessary actions to further develop their R&I systems for the benefit of all citizens in the Western Balkans. The Policy Answers project officially started on April 14, 2022, gathering 14 partner organizations, and will run until 2025.