SMART Conference – SMART Innovation for Next Generation
The Erasmus+ CBHE SMART project, an EU-funded initiative, supports the creation of Innovation Centres to strengthen innovation and entrepreneurial thinking across the Western Balkans. Its Final Conference – SMART Innovation for Next Generation will be held on 23 October 2025 at the University of Donja Gorica, Podgorica (Montenegro).
The event brings together academics, innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and S3 experts to exchange best practice examples and success stories from SMART Innovation Centres, and to explore how sustainable smart specialisation can drive regional growth and integration.
Key highlights include:
- Panel discussions on translating strategies into action and on the role of smart specialisation in shaping sustainable futures for the Western Balkans.
- Showcasing of best practices developed by SMART Innovation Centres in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.
- Presentations by national student winners of the SMART Idea Contest and Business Idea Fair, demonstrating youth-led innovation for sustainable development.
Organised by the University of Donja Gorica and the University of Montenegro, in collaboration with the Chamber of Economy Montenegro and partners from Slovenia, Germany, Italy, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This conference will be a valuable space to connect with international experts, share insights, and shape the future of sustainable smart solutions in the Western Balkans.
We look forward to welcoming you warmly to Podgorica!
For more information you can find in Agenda.
Panel Discussions
Panel 1: From Strategy to Implementation – Support for SMART Innovation Centres within the SMART Framework
This session explores how to turn strategic visions into practical actions. Experts from across Europe and the Western Balkans will share experiences on establishing and supporting SMART Innovation Centres, discussing mechanisms to ensure their long-term sustainability and impact on regional development.
- Antonella Contin, Politecnico di Milano, Italy
- Mattis Altmann, Technical University Dresden, Germany
- Stefano Sanna, Fondazione Politecnico di Milano, Italy
- Marija Vuković, Chamber of Economy of Montenegro, Montenegro
- Mirela Koci, AULEDA, Albania
- Gordana Višekruna, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Moderated by Mateja Geder, SMART EU Project Coordinator, DOBA Business School, Slovenia
Panel 2: Smart Specialisation and Innovation in the Western Balkans – Good Practices, Lessons Learned and Future Outlook
Focusing on the role of smart specialisation in driving sustainable growth, this panel highlights successful initiatives and lessons learned from SMART Innovation Centres in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Panelists will reflect on challenges, showcase best practices, and discuss future opportunities for innovation-led, sustainable development in the region.
Panelists:
- Bojana Malisić, University of Donja Gorica, UDG SMART Innovation Center, Montenegro
- Nenad Marković, University of East Sarajevo, SMART Center for Digital Innovations, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Milena Djukanović, University of Montenegro, Innovation Center for 3D printing, Montenegro
- Dragan Gligorić, University of Banja Luka, UNIBL SMART Innovation Center Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Ylvije Kraja, University of Shkodra “Luigj Gurakuqi”, SMART Business Hub, Albania
- Benita Stavre, “Fan S. Noli” University of Korça, SMART Innovation Center, Albania
Moderated by Fioralba Vela, University of Vlora “Ismail Qemali”, SMART City Hub, Albania
SMART Idea Contest and Business Idea Fair
This is an opportunity to witness presentations from the students, national winning teams of the SMART Idea Contest and Business Idea Fair, representing:
Albania (“GLUCOPLAST”)
Introducing GLUCOPLAST from Universiteti i Shkodrës Luigj Gurakuqi, Albania! Students Klajdi Kraja, Loren Gjonaj, and Valeria Ara are transforming cotton textile waste into biodegradable plastic using a sustainable process.
Montenegro (“ReLink”)
Introducing ReLInk from University of Donja Gorica! Students Maja Adžić, Sladjana Grbovic and Bozica Konatar and their A sustainable platform for exchanging and reusing materials.
Bosnia and Herzegovina (“Green Horizons: The Smart Way Forward”).
Introducing GreenHorizons from University of Banja Luka! Students Danilo Rogic, Emilija Borkovic, Andrija Petric, Marija Tasovac and Relja Pejić presenting their idea of creating a platform in the form of an application that would showcase and present the tourist offers of the Republic of Srpska in an engaging way, thereby increasing their popularity and recognizability.
