LocationsUNDP supports building country’s digital innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem
February 21, 2024
The preliminary feasibility study for the Sarajevo Innovation and Technology Park was presented at GreenTech Park Trebević, gathering all the key stakeholders including the representatives of ministries, public sector institutions, academia, industry, international finance institutions and organizations.
The Sarajevo Canton and the Municipality of Centar Sarajevo have launched an initiative to establish the Sarajevo Innovation and Technology Park in the Šip Business Zone. UNDP in BiH initiated the Preliminary Feasibility Study which focused on assessing the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of establishing the Park by improving the existing innovation ecosystem through strengthened cooperation between the academic community, private and public sectors.
Narine Sahakyan, Resident Representative a.i. of UNDP in BiH
“As UNDP, we take a whole-of-society approach that brings together different actors from the public sector, the private sector and civil society to support the design and development of digital ecosystems that are inclusive, transparent and safe. We hope that the future Innovation and Technology Park in Sarajevo will be more than just a physical location, but rather a catalyst for collaboration to create new opportunities, jobs and solutions to pressing challenges.”Narine Sahakyan, Resident Representative a.i. of UNDP in BiH
The Study suggested three different models on Park development. During the presentation, all three were discussed and examples of good practice from Berlin, Dublin, Helsinki, Osijek, Rijeka and Turin were presented. Depending on the chosen model, the construction of the Park would take between three and five years and would cost between 26 and 136 million BAM.
The gathering marks a significant step towards fostering innovation and entrepreneurship not only in Sarajevo but also beyond its borders. UNDP in BiH has several key initiatives aimed at promoting digital innovation and entrepreneurship, including support to the Science and Technology Park in Banja Luka and projects such as Economic Governance for Growth (EGG) which is financed by the Kingdom of Norway and implemented by UNDP in BiH. The EGG project has an integrated approach to improving economic governance and fostering the growth of market-oriented skills for a knowledge-based economy.
The event also served as a platform for the exchange of experiences from neighbouring countries. Velibor Bošković, the director of the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro, shared their case of the development journey.
UNDP in BiH continues to support establishment of inclusive innovation ecosystem that supports startups and small and medium-sized enterprises across various sectors and bridges the gap between research and market, enabling talented innovators and entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life.
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