20 October 2025, ReSPA Premises

ReSPA and the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise and further strengthen cooperation in the field of digital transformation and innovation in governance.

The signing marks a new milestone in joint efforts to build a modern, innovative, and digitally empowered public sector across the Western Balkans. Both institutions share a vision of public administration that serves citizens efficiently, transparently, and securely, while embracing new technologies and innovation-driven solutions.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to build smarter, more resilient, and more innovative public administrations across the region. Together, we can transform good ideas into tangible tools that make public services more efficient and accessible,” said Director Handjiska-Trendafilova.

The Memorandum sets a framework for joint action in several strategic areas, including:

• Digital innovation and transformation of public services;
• Capacity building and knowledge sharing;
• Applied research in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and user-centred service design;
• Strengthening links between public institutions, innovation ecosystems, and start-ups.

For ReSPA, this partnership aligns with its 2026 Programme of Work, which places strong emphasis on innovation, digital trust, and the use of AI in governance. The cooperation aims to foster pilot initiatives with start-ups and research institutions, enhance cyber resilience and interoperability in public administration, and promote a culture of experimentation and innovation in government.

The collaboration is built on mutual trust, openness, and complementarity between ReSPA’s regional expertise and network of public administrations, and STP Montenegro’s dynamic innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

As next steps, ReSPA and STP Montenegro will appoint focal points and jointly identify initial activities under the MoU. Potential priorities include: developing a Public Sector Innovation Lab concept; organising a joint hackathon or innovation challenge focused on improving public service delivery, and hosting a conference on AI and innovation in governance in 2026.

Both institutions will also explore EU and donor funding opportunities to scale up their cooperation and ensure lasting impact.

This partnership stands as a model for how public institutions and innovation ecosystems can work together to deliver greater value to citizens, strengthening digital transformation and governance reform throughout the Western Balkans.