Round table, USK

A round table held on 27 November 2025 at the Faculty of Economics – Skopje gathered key representatives from universities, public institutions, regulatory bodies, accelerators, investor networks, civil society, and the startup community. The event, organized within the USE IPM project, served as a platform for aligning national perspectives on the country’s research and innovation (R&I) development and discussing the proposed strategic framework designed to modernize the ecosystem.

Participants emphasized that North Macedonia continues to face challenges typical of emerging innovators—limited R&D investment, outdated infrastructure, fragmented academia–industry collaboration, and underdeveloped technology transfer mechanisms. However, recent policy advances, including the Smart Specialisation Strategy and the establishment of INOVA, were recognized as important opportunities to reshape the system and introduce more coordinated governance and support instruments.

A central point in the discussion was the pivotal role of universities, particularly USK and its Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, in connecting research capacities with industry needs, international programs, and entrepreneurial initiatives. Stakeholders highlighted the need to improve laboratory infrastructure, support young researchers and innovators, streamline administrative processes, and create a stronger pipeline for commercialization—from idea validation to early-stage financing.

The dialogue underscored the importance of sustained cooperation among policymakers, universities, industry, and investors. Participants expressed strong willingness to remain engaged in refining and implementing the R&I Strategy, noting that coordinated action, transparency, and stable support mechanisms will be essential for long-term progress. The round table concluded with a shared understanding that the country is at a critical moment to transform its innovation landscape and strengthen its position within the European Research Area.