MontEDIH info day: The synergy between science and business is key to creating marketable innovations

 

The Montenegrin European digital innovation hub MontEDIH is available to small and medium-sized enterprises and public administration from today, and will provide easier access to innovative and digital tools, knowledge and expertise from various fields, strengthening the competitiveness, productivity and sustainability of the Montenegrin economy, and the efficiency of public administration.

As announced at today's info day, organized by the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro, through MontEDIH companies and institutions get the opportunity to strengthen their resistance to market challenges, use resources more efficiently and become part of the European digital community. MontEDIH is part of a network of more than 150 European Digital Innovation Centers (EDIH).

The coordinator of the project is the Faculty of Electrical Engineering of the University of Montenegro, and its consortium consists of the Chamber of Commerce, the University of Donja Gorica, the Institute of Contemporary Technologies of Montenegro, the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center Tehnopolis - Nikšić, the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro, the Center for Finances d.o.o. Podgorica and ICT Cortex. The members of the project consortium presented the services they offer to users through the digital innovation center, which are described in detail on the website. www.montedih.me.

President of the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro dr Nina Drakić pointed out at the opening of the meeting that digital transformation brings numerous opportunities, and that Montenegro, on the way to full membership in the EU, must be ready to take advantage of all the advantages of modern technologies.

"Synergy between scientific research institutions and the economy, theory and practice, will be key to creating innovations that are applicable and marketable", said Drakić, expressing her belief that the activities of MontEDIH will contribute to the further development of not only innovations, but also innovation culture, helping young, but already recognizable, national institutions of innovation infrastructure to develop further.

Rector of the University of Montenegro, prof. Ph.D Vladimir Božović, emphasized the importance of the role of this educational institution as a coordinator in the MontEDIH project, whose focus is on the application of the most advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things and data analytics, and especially on support for public administration and small and medium-sized enterprises in strategic areas of economic development.

"MontEDIH is a space of cooperation in which the boundaries between science and business, academic institutions and institutions of the system are erased. All services offered by MontEDIH will be available free of charge during the duration of the project. In this spirit, the University will open the doors of its laboratories and research centers to all interested actors from business and public administration, so that through joint work we can develop, test and apply concrete solutions, all with the aim of accelerating the digital transformation of our country", said Božović, adding that the possibility of networking with EDIH innovation presents an invaluable opportunity for centers to grow, learn and connect with each other.

Mr Ivana Janković Mijanović, director general of the Directorate for Innovation and Smart Specialization in the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, said that digital transformation is no longer a choice - it is a prerequisite for competitiveness, resilience and sustainable growth.

"MontEDIH is not just another European project - it is a strong expression of a partnership approach that unites the best of the academic community, innovation infrastructure and the economic sector", said Janković Mijanović, emphasizing that the department she represents remains dedicated to the development of policies that affirm innovation as the basis of smart growth and that systematically strengthen the ties between academia, business and the public sector.

Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Ljubica Popović, emphasized that the Ministry is not only a partner in this project, but also a guarantor of the commitment that the necessary funds and support will be provided by 2027, together with the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation.

"We believe that digital transformation is not only a technological, but also an essential reform process, which must include all sectors and all actors of society. Projects like MontEDIH are proof that we can do it together - as a team," said Popović.

Project coordinator, prof. Ph.D Igor Radusinović, presented MontEDIH.

"MontEDIH is the right address for all those who have problems, such as lack of knowledge, experience, resources, access to technologies and all those who perceive that the digital transformation of their companies or institutions is very necessary," said Radusinović.

The project budget is approx. two million euros, and it is co-financed by the European Union in the amount of 50%, through the "Digital Europe" program, the Government of Montenegro 45%, while the project consortium co-finances five percent of the funds.