The Ministry of Economic Development and Tourism, as the leading partner in the SMART ADRIA Blue Growth (Italy-Albania-Montenegro) cross-border cooperation project, has organized yesterday, on 26th May 2022, an event “Perspectives of regional cooperation in the area of innovation, s3 and Blue Growth”

On the occasion, Ivana Janković Mijanović, the Head of the Department for European integrations, programming and the implementation of EU funds in the Ministry of Economic Development and Tourism, has introduced the participants to the project, the achieved results, as well as the planned activities. As she pointed out, the key importance of the project is reflected in the further implementation of structural reforms that will contribute to further improvement of the overall business environment, stimulating entrepreneurship, grouping and business operations based on the principles of the Blue Growth. Also, she made reminded that the Public call for membership in the NGO "Association of Blue Growth Cluster in Montenegro" is ongoing, and once again invited all interested stakeholders to join the future cluster that supports them for further development and improvement of business through mutual activities.

Regarding that, representatives of the fishermen's associations, as well as the representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management have given a clear insight into the limitations regarding the development of the blue economy, and what is needed to improve infrastructure, fleet and support collaborative models of cooperation between fishermen, ministries and scientific-research institutions.

Representatives of the Innovation Fund also took part in the event, presenting the support program through the Call for Innovation Vouchers, as well as future activities of the Fund in the context of the Blue Growth.

Partners from Italy have presented to the participants the concept of Blue Growth in terms of potential and incentives for green and blue jobs, and examples of good practice.
Besides mentioned representatives, in the event took part fishermen, representatives of the Institute of Marine Biology and representatives of Technopolis too.
The event was organized as part of a study visit within the project, at the Blue Kotor Bay Hotel in Kotor.