The Chamber of Economy of Montenegro’s representative recently visited the University of Donja Gorica (UDG) Smart Innovation Center and the University of Montenegro (UoM) Innovation Center for 3D printing, highlighting a significant milestone in fostering collaboration and driving innovation within Montenegro’s economic and business sectors.
During this significant visit, several essential topics were discussed.
The conversation delved into the various activities that will be jointly implemented within the SMART centers. The goal of these initiatives is to leverage the unique capabilities and resources of the innovation centers to propel economic growth and development. These activities will focus on promoting cutting-edge research, nurturing startups, and facilitating technology transfer, thereby creating a robust ecosystem of innovation.
A major focus was placed on strategies to effectively engage and promote the centers to a wide array of stakeholders. This includes not only government entities and educational institutions but also private sector companies and international partners. The discussions highlighted the need for comprehensive communication plans and outreach programs to ensure that the benefits and opportunities provided by the SMART centers are well-understood and utilized by all relevant parties.
Another critical topic was the integration of the innovation centers with Montenegro’s economic and business community. Emphasizing the role of these centers as catalysts for economic development, the discussions underscored the importance of creating a seamless interface between academia, industry, and government. This integration aims to foster a dynamic ecosystem that supports innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. By bridging the gap between research and market application, the centers are expected to drive the commercialization of new technologies and create new economic opportunities.
The UDG Smart Innovation Center aims to enhance the competencies of academic staff and students in smart specialization, innovation, and entrepreneurship. It focuses on transferring knowledge from the University of Donja Gorica to external beneficiaries and strengthening collaboration with the business sector in these fields. The center promotes work practices and mobility for students and employees, increasing the university’s competitiveness and the employability of graduates through advisory services and training. Additionally, the center strives to expand interdisciplinary scientific research and teaching activities, while increasing the internationalization of its organizational units by cooperating with similar centers and organizations through the SMART project and broader SMART network.
The University of Montenegro Innovation Center for 3D Printing is envisioned as a state-of-the-art technology and human resource infrastructure designed to foster an innovation ecosystem for sustainable smart specialization. It focuses on developing competencies in innovation and entrepreneurship. The center’s mission is to fully accomplish the fundamental tasks of the SMART project and promote innovation. A key aspect of its mission is to raise public awareness about 3D modeling and the potential of using recyclable and biodegradable materials to create new products. Through these efforts, the center aims to contribute significantly to sustainable development and innovative practices in Montenegro.
The visit of the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro signifies a promising collaboration between the Chamber and the Innovation Venters. This partnership is expected to yield impactful projects and initiatives that will not only benefit the region but also position Montenegro as a hub of innovation in the broader European context.