The Ministers of Education, Science, and Innovation, Foreign and European Affairs of Montenegro spoke today with the representatives of foreign diplomatic and consular missions in Montenegro on the topic of the regional project International Institute for Sustainable Technologies in Southeastern Europe (SEEIST). During the meeting were presented the objectives of the project and its mission for the region, EU relevance, as well as the status of the implemented activities, and the significance of continued implementation was pointed out, with mutual understanding and agreement, and support from various partners.
SEEIIST, as a regional development project in Southeastern Europe initiated by Montenegro in 2017, is dedicated to the establishment of scientific, medical and green infrastructure, which has the ambition to become a center of excellence for cancer therapy and biomedical research, with the application of modern technology and innovative methods. As such, the project provides a significant opportunity for scientific and technological progress, contributing to economic growth and social cohesion throughout the Region.
Recognizing the importance of the project in the context of regional cooperation, and its mission to become a effective example of “Science for Peace” and “Science for Society”, Montenegro confirmed its commitment to intensify discussions and activities regarding concrete next steps with project participants and potential project partners.
In the coming period, SEEIIST is waiting for the resolution of essential issues, such as the legal aspects of the establishment of the Institute and the location, and the realization of a sustainable financial model, which will require the full commitment of the project participants, but also an analysis of the support that can be achieved through the EU and from other project partners.
“In the general context of the further development of the project, the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation of Montenegro will remain committed to providing support for the development of its scientific segment, through activities that are implemented in cooperation with the IAEA, CEI, but also under the auspices of the EU Framework Program for Research and Innovation and others of the EU program for science, and strive to encourage the effective continuation of the project through bilateral and multilateral scientific and technological cooperation,” said the Minister of Education, Science and Innovation, prof. Dr. Anđela Jakšić-Stojanović.
The minister especially emphasized the value of the project in the context of focusing on young researchers, their access to large, modern research infrastructure and research, which would significantly contribute to reducing the outflow of talent, which is one of the problems identified, not only in Montenegro, but also in the entire Region.
Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević pointed out the significance of the implementation of this project for the process of European integration, bearing in mind its impact and multiple importance for regional development, expansion and integration, scientific diplomacy, innovation agenda, green and sustainable development.
“SEEIIST is recognized as a key pan-European research infrastructure project in the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans. It has also been identified as one of the six EU-Western Balkans flagship projects in the Innovative Agenda for the Western Balkans and represents a potential flagship project within the New Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, which aspires to deepen regional economic integration,” Minister Gorčević said.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Filip Ivanović reminded that Montenegro was the first country that officially supported SEEIIST in March 2017, stressing that we are still strongly committed to cooperation on this project, with the belief that all partner countries will invest their resources and energy in its development.
“SEEIIST represents an example of scientific diplomacy and equal cooperation of the countries of Southeast Europe and has a double mission, to develop research and innovation capacities, as well as to strengthen the building of trust and develop ties between our countries. Through this project, we can unlock the scientific potential of the region for the benefit of current and future generations, and each of the countries will fully profit from the investment in the Institute’s development,” said Minister Ivanovic.
The participants confirmed that the SEEIIST project can be considered a great example of scientific diplomacy and that this ambitious initiative can significantly influence not only the health sector but also the broader social and economic transformation of both Montenegro and the entire region of Southeast Europe.
