The path from a brilliant idea to a successful product on the market requires much more than just creativity. That is why the European Patent Office (EPO), in cooperation with the Patent Office of the Republic of Poland, organized the annual PATLIB conference on September 16 and 17 in Warsaw. This event brought together members of the European PATLIB network and numerous experts in the field of intellectual property, with the aim of exchanging experiences on the most effective models of systemic support for innovators.

This year’s program focused on innovation financing and technology transfer. Through practical examples and panel discussions, participants had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the new tools offered by the EPO, as well as the ways in which PATLIB centers facilitate the protection of intellectual property at the local level. It was precisely within this part of the program that the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro presented its work. Dr. Srna Sudar, Director of the Technology Transfer Office at STP Montenegro and Head of the PATLIB Montenegro – IP4Innovation center, delivered a presentation titled “Push for Innovation – Montenegro’s journey into the PATLIB network”.

Answering the questions that innovators often ask about their next step after an idea is born, Dr. Sudar emphasized the importance of a connected development path: from the idea itself, through intellectual property and protection, all the way to technology transfer, commercialization, and the final impact on the market. For this reason, the PATLIB support services and the Technology Transfer Office at STP Montenegro do not function separately, but represent two interdependent parts of the innovation process. The main role of STP Montenegro in this system is connecting knowledge with innovators, expertise with ideas, and the technologies themselves with the market.

During the presentation, the first concrete results achieved in the initial months of the IP4Innovation center’s operation were also shared. Innovators are provided with direct support through one-on-one consultations, as well as through the creation of practical patent guides, connection with domestic and international expertise, and the launch of support through IP vouchers.

The next step in the development of this system is even more ambitious. The focus is now shifting from resolving individual issues and basic awareness-raising to advanced business strategies. The ultimate goal is for the protection itself to serve as a stepping stone for innovators to transition from local support to European and global commercialization opportunities.

In anticipation of the ambitious national goal of joining the European Union by 2028, the mission of STP is to ensure that domestic knowledge, ideas, and intellectual property are fully ready for the European market. By developing such support models, Montenegrin researchers, entrepreneurs, and startups are empowered to be not merely participants, but active creators who contribute to the development of the entire European innovation ecosystem.

You can find full presentation HERE