LocationsIndustrial Symbiosis Receives its First Strategic and Practical Framework for Implementation in Montenegro
July 29, 2026
29 July 2026 - The Ministry of Economic Development and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) today presented the Handbook and Roadmap for the Development of Industrial Symbiosis in Montenegro at the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro. These are the first national publications to provide practical guidance and an institutional framework for the development of industrial symbiosis in Montenegro.
The event brought together representatives of national institutions, local governments, businesses, and academia to discuss opportunities for advancing industrial symbiosis as one of the key instruments for strengthening the circular economy and enhancing the competitiveness of Montenegro's economy.
The event was opened by Anđela Gajević, Director General of the Directorate for Enhancing Business Competitiveness at the Ministry of Economic Development, who emphasized the crucial role of industrial symbiosis in fostering sustainable economic development and strengthening the competitiveness of the domestic economy.
"Industrial symbiosis is no longer just an innovative concept—it has become one of the key instruments of the circular economy and sustainable resource management. At a time when we are facing the challenges of climate change, rising raw material costs, and the need for greater production efficiency, it is essential to develop models that simultaneously contribute to economic growth and environmental protection."
Anđela Gajević, Director General of the Directorate for Enhancing Business Competitiveness at the Ministry of Economic Development
Addressing the audience, Silke Hollander, Deputy Resident Representative at UNDP Montenegro, highlighted that industrial symbiosis is an important tool for strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the economy.
"Industrial symbiosis demonstrates that sustainability and competitiveness can go hand in hand. Today's presentation has laid the foundation, and the next step is putting these principles into practice through partnerships, pilot projects, and support for companies."
Silke Hollander, Deputy Resident Representative at UNDP Montenegro
During the event, participants were introduced to the key findings and recommendations of the Handbook and the Roadmap for the Development of Industrial Symbiosis in Montenegro.
The Handbook provides practical guidance for companies on identifying opportunities for industrial symbiosis, establishing cooperation with other businesses, and developing sustainable business solutions based on more efficient resource use. The Roadmap sets out the institutional framework for the development of industrial symbiosis, including the roles of key stakeholders, a facilitation model, pilot activities, financing mechanisms, and a system for monitoring results.
The presentation of these publications marks the beginning of the next phase of the project, which will focus on their practical implementation in cooperation with the business community and relevant institutions.
The Handbook and the Roadmap for the Development of Industrial Symbiosis in Montenegro.
In cooperation with the Ministry of Economic Development, UNDP, and the Environmental Protection Fund (Eco Fund), mechanisms for providing technical and financial support to companies interested in industrial symbiosis are planned. Through expert assistance, pilot projects, and appropriate financial instruments, the initiative aims to encourage the implementation of concrete projects that will contribute to more efficient resource use, waste reduction, and enhanced competitiveness of Montenegro's economy.
These activities are part of the project "Circular Transition and Responsible Business Conduct in Montenegro," implemented by the Ministry of Economic Development in partnership with UNDP and the International Labour Organization (ILO). The project is financed by the European Union through the Montenegro SDG Acceleration Fund and is being implemented during the 2025–2027 period.
