The conference “Fostering innovation development in Bosnia and Herzegovina” to mark the end of the EU funded INOVO Project (“Institutional capacity development of the three innovation centres and research sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina) was held in Sarajevo on 19 March 2014.
The objective of the INOVO project was to improve the competitiveness and productivity of the scientific community as well as economic impact of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to be able to participate more actively in the European research area and be more involved in international scientific cooperation. The project worked since January 2013 on strengthening the innovation network of BiH through support to development of innovation centres in Banja Luka and Mostar. The project also assisted statistical offices in BiH to ensure that BiH is able to provide research and development statistics.
Natalia Dianiskova, Head of Operations Section for Social Development, Civil Society and Cross Border Cooperation at the EU Delegation to BiH said: “Today we mark the end of this successful project but the innovation processes in Bosnia and Herzegovina are continuing. Innovation is about the people, who in Bosnia and Herzegovina are successful in many fields, science and innovation included. The innovations are one of the key factors to better prosperity and economic growth of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
INOVO project succeeded in bringing together stakeholders of innovation process – public administrations, enterprises, universities, and intermediary organisations such as innovation centres and technology parks. These meetings and exchanges as well as started initiatives will provide a new impulsion for innovation and innovative economic development in the region and BiH.
“Fostering of innovation development in Bosnia and Herzegovina is just beginning. I am pleased that the INOVO project was able to assist in springing-up these processes and connecting the major stakeholders in this process: authorities; business, universities and intermediary organisations like the innovation centres in Bosnia and Herzegovina.” stated Kastytis Gečas, INOVO Team Leader.
The final Conference was attended by the representatives of the Ministries, Universities, development agencies, and other relevant actors in the area of innovation.
The EU is funding this project in the amount of 534,460 Euro from IPA 2010. The project was implemented by the Consortium led by European Consulting Group.
For more information visit www.inovo.ba
