Montenegro Presented Innovation Experiences at UNECE Committee Session in Geneva

At the session of the United Nations Committee on Innovation, Competitiveness, and Public-Private Partnerships (CICPPP) held on the 24th, the Director General of the Directorate for Innovation and Smart Specialization participated in a panel discussion on "Building Resilient Futures through Innovation-Enhancing Procurement (IEP)," during which Montenegro's experiences within the UNECE Innovation for Sustainable Development Report (I4SDR) process and the implementation of Montenegro's new Smart Specialization Strategy 2026–2031 were presented. Montenegro's views on the development of public procurement that encourages innovation as a tool for more efficient realization of priorities outlined in the Smart Specialization Strategy were also shared. The importance of the project "Innovation for Development and Economic Advancement in Montenegro," jointly implemented by UNECE and UNDP with the support of the European Union, was particularly emphasized; it contributed significantly to the development of the new Smart Specialization Strategy and supports its future implementation. During the Committee session, a decision was adopted recognizing Montenegro's progress in developing its innovation ecosystem through the Innovation for Sustainable Development Report (I4SDR). Montenegro's experience was regarded as a valuable example of good practice for other member countries in areas such as innovation management, ecosystem development, and policies aimed at fostering innovation.