Skopje, 18 October 2022 (MIA) – All Western Balkan economies have almost identical priorities and goals defined by the national strategies for smart specialisation, and the EU enables them to access the same financial instruments for their realization, said Minister of Education and Science Jeton Shaqiri on Tuesday, at a panel discussion dedicated to the support of the creation and implementation of smart specialisation in the countries of the region and Turkiye. The conference, held in Skopje, is a part of a two-day event focused on the implementation of the Western Balkans agenda on innovation, research, education, culture, youth and sport, organized by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre and the Government. “Only united and through cooperation can we use these funds and achieve the determined goals in the best possible way, and thereby stimulate progress in the region,” said Shaqiri. He emphasized that the social and economic transformation of North Macedonia is largely based on the Smart Specialisation Strategy created on the basis of the determined national priorities and strengths. “The implementation of this document awaits us and I hope that it will be a successful process which will give the desired effect,” said Shaqiri, expressing his gratitude to the European Commission for the opportunities given to North Macedonia in the field of science development, research and innovation. The Minister emphasized that it is precisely events like this that contribute to a more successful realization of smart specialisation in each of the countries of the region. “Science and innovation systems are complex ecosystems which require various elements in order to function optimally. Only stable ecosystems can ensure that science and innovation fulfill their roles as key drivers in stimulating the country’s smart and sustainable growth,” said the Minister, adding that in the previous years the Ministry of Education and Science has demonstrated a high level of commitment to advancing innovation and research. He said that a significant sum of the national budget has been allocated for research and innovation. “The budget has doubled this year compared to the last year, and most of the funds are used to finance scientific and research projects and the development of the country's science and research infrastructure,” said the Minister. He added that an even larger sum has been requested from the Ministry of Finance for 2023, but also emphasized the significance of the support from the IPA funds and EU programmes, such as Horizon Europe, as well as the support provided by the Fund for Innovation and Technology Development. Shaqiri also pointed out that in 2021 the Ministry constituted the National Council for Higher Education and Scientific and Research Activity, while at the same time beginning the drafting of a new Law on Innovation Activity set to include all the amendments of the EU legislation and to secure greater opportunities for science and research workers. The Minister said that the drafting of the Smart Specialisation Strategy for North Macedonia, as a strategic document which determines the most fitting areas which the country should invest in, is coming to an end after more than 3 years of intensive work, and will be followed by its implementation. The conference was addressed by several other government representatives from North Macedonia, representatives from the other Western Balkan countries and Turkiye, as well as representatives of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. ad/ik/