The National Innovation Framework event, aimed at boosting innovation and collaboration, was hosted by International Balkan University (IBU) in partnership with the Fund for Innovation and Technological Development (FITR) and InnoX Innovation Center.

Held on February 4th at InnoX, the event brought together more than 50 companies from Belgium, as well as members of the Macedonia-Türkiye Commerce Chamber (MATTO). With a focus on fostering partnerships and facilitating the exchange of innovative ideas, the event provided an ideal platform for networking among industry leaders, startups, and institutions, all united in their commitment to advancing technology and innovation.

The event featured a series of distinguished keynote speakers who addressed a variety of topics at the intersection of technology, policy, and innovation.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Viktorija Trajkov, Deputy Minister for European Affairs of North Macedonia, opened the session with her speech on the "Innovation Policy of the European Union," emphasizing the EU's commitment to supporting cutting-edge research and innovation in the region.

Patricia Ceysens, Founder of Wewatt BV and former Belgian Minister of Economy and Innovation, followed with a presentation on "Innovation Policies," drawing on her extensive experience in shaping Belgium's innovation landscape and advocating for the role of innovation in driving economic growth.

Nikola Dodov, Acting Director of the FITR, shared insights on the "National Innovation Index," providing an overview of the country’s innovation landscape and the importance of nurturing innovation ecosystems for sustainable development.

Prof. Aleksandra Martinovska-Stojceska, a Full Professor at University St. Cyril and Methodius-Skopje, discussed "Innovations in the Agriculture Sector and Smart Specialisation," exploring the crucial role of innovation in modernizing agriculture and achieving economic transformation through smart specialization.

Finally, Prof. Dr. Snezana Bilic, Vice-Rector of IBU, delved into the topic of "Innovation Scoring" and how North Macedonia could enhance its innovation performance, offering valuable insights on improving the country's innovation scoreboard.

The event highlighted the crucial role of innovation in fostering economic development, enhancing international collaboration, and addressing contemporary challenges in various sectors, from agriculture to technology. 

It also marked a significant step in building stronger ties between North Macedonia and international innovation hubs, offering attendees the opportunity to engage with thought leaders, government officials, and entrepreneurs from across Europe.