Minister of Digital Transformation Stefan Andonovski participated in the event "Measuring Innovation for Sustainable and Smart Growth", organized by the Centre for Research and Policy Making (CRPM) and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, where the focus was on the presentation of the Competitiveness and Innovation Index for the Western Balkans.
During the panel discussion dedicated to innovation policies and digital transformation, Andonovski emphasized that the Government is making a concrete step from regulation to direct implementation of measures that encourage innovative development.
He pointed out that last year the Law on Innovation, Scientific and Technological Development and Entrepreneurship was adopted, thereby laying the foundations for a systematic support of innovations, while this year the focus is on direct investments and practical implementation.
The Minister emphasized that the Government is investing in two European digital innovation hubs that operate on the principle "test before invest" and are connected to universities and chambers of commerce.
Through INOFET IDEH, led by FET, 1 million euros are being invested, with an additional 1 million euros being invested in DIGIT-MAC, led by FINKI. According to Andonovski, these centres play a significant role in the digital transformation of companies, institutions, and the development of the domestic innovation ecosystem.
He also referred to the construction of the "Vezilka" artificial intelligence center, for which an investment of 2 million euros have been provided, and which will be made available to both the public and private sectors.
"As a government, we are moving from regulation to implementation. If last year we defined rules for innovation and adopted the Law on Innovation, Scientific and Technological Development and Entrepreneurship, this year we are already investing directly in innovation. We are doing this through INOFEIT EDIH and DIGIT-MAK, as well as through the artificial intelligence centre 'Vezilka'. We are continuing with the digitalization of services for companies and the private sector, in order to create a more dynamic, efficient and modern administration that will bring results and success," said Minister Andonovski.
