May 4, 2019 - Montenegro has a chance of being chosen for the location of the International Institute for Sustainable Technologies in Southeast Europe. However, we need the support of the entire system if we want to demonstrate our advantages and readiness to be the country where the Institute is going to be built, said Minister of Science, Sanja Damjanović.
The country where the Institute for Hadron cancer therapy with the use of heavy ions is supposed to be chosen by next year. One of the key requirements will be openness and accessibility of the Institute.
“The location should also be attractive for researchers and doctors since 50% of the time will be dedicated to research in this center. At least one-third of the employees will be from Western Europe. Our country has very attractive conditions especially when it comes to nature, but also our multi-ethnic harmony and good relations with neighbors. All that makes us great candidate”, says Mrs Damjanović.
One of the important elements for Montenegro’s competitiveness is certainly the construction of the highway.
Whether the project will be carried out depends on the political commitment and support of the region.
“The Management Board of the Institute has prepared the Draft Memorandum of Understanding and suggested that prime ministers from the region sign it”, said Mrs Damjanović.
Prime Minister, Duško Marković, has addressed the letter to the prime ministers from the region and invited them to sign the memorandum during the next Summit of the Berlin process at the beginning of July. Never before has our region had an initiative at such a high level.
As Minister Damjanović said, the importance of the Institute has been recognized by the European Commission.
“Former Director of the Division for Technological Development within CERN, Dr Horst Veninger, accepted in November invitation to be the coordinator of the phase of studio design. Three working groups have been formed and they all have clearly defined tasks”, said the Minister.
Design study requires €3 million. The money will be provided through Horizont 2020 program.
“It won’t be easy; only ten projects are going to be financed. We’re working on the preparation of an exquisite application for this contest”, said Minister of Science.
The had their first meetings in CERN during Easter holidays in order to create the network of the renowned institutions in Europe that will help this Institute to be launched among 10 best projects in Horizont 2020 program.
There won’t be any difficulties from the technological aspect, considering the support of CERN and GSI Fair Institute.
“We must not miss this chance. The Institute will enable the most contemporary way of cancer treatment, it will stimulate a high level of digitalization, enhance complementary technologies, use of renewable energy resources, and most importantly, it will make people who had left our region come back”, said Mrs Damjanović.
This regional project must be unique.
“That’s why an intense work of a professional team is required. The team would produce more advanced technological solution based on superconductive magnets and a faster system that would enable treatment of all types of cancer”, said Minister Damjanović.
One of the national activities important for the establishment of the Institute is the current review of the map of research infrastructure, so that the regional project could be joined to the ESFRI Roadmap.
Ministry of Science has started the implementation of the recommendations of the European expert team regarding the establishment of the innovation eco-system in our country. Ministry of Public Administration is managing the working group for tackling the issues of electronic payments from abroad.
“One of the most important projects in the area of innovation and research is the formation of Scientific and Technological Park. Tender for the adaptation program nears completion”, pointed out Mrs Damjanović.
Smart specialization strategy should be adopted soon. Minister Damjanović explains that this document will be a guideline for bridging the boundaries between traditional sectors, using modern technologies. She firmly believes that we have all the necessary potentials to increase export and attract wise people.
Text by CdM on 2, 2019, read more here.
