North Macedonia sets sights on more Eureka initiatives

With a bold vision for the future, North Macedonia is rapidly transforming into a hub for innovation, championing the rise of cutting-edge small- and medium-sized enterprises, nurturing digital startups and laying the groundwork for smart, tech-driven infrastructure. This forward-thinking vision has gained momentum through the country’s partnership with Eureka, which has already provided greater visibility to North Macedonian innovations, giving it an edge in several areas of research, development and technology.

Since joining Eureka in 2008, North Macedonia has brought its innovation ambitions to life through a series of projects that demonstrate the true value of this partnership. The country’s approach to Eureka is both strategic and forward-looking, focusing on key areas such as sustainable food and beverage production, circular value chain, ICT, sustainable buildings and materials and electrical equipment and machine parts.

Eureka provides concrete opportunities for research and industrial organisations from North Macedonia to participate in international cooperative innovation activities. Our Eureka membership will further strengthen collaboration among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), large companies, research centres, universities, and public administration bodies in the development of market-oriented projects, which are essential for supporting the economic growth of North Macedonia.

The openness of Eureka, its bottom-up approach, and its principles of inclusion, interdisciplinarity, and support for young researchers and innovators represent a unique opportunity for the scientific community of North Macedonia to connect with contemporary scientific and innovation trends.

Julijana Balevska – Head of Unit for International Cooperation in Education and Science, International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Education and Science

Engagement of North Macedonia with Eureka programmes, backed by the Ministry of Education and Science, comes at a pivotal moment in the country’s innovation journey. Moving beyond its expired science, technology and innovation policy framework and embracing bold new priorities, the government’s Economic Reform Programme 2022-2024 sets out a clear roadmap to accelerate the knowledge economy, with targeted measures designed to spark growth and foster creativity.

The country’s Smart Specialisation Strategy 2023- 2027 serves as the cornerstone of science, technology and innovation policy of North Macedonia. The strategy spotlights smart agriculture, ICT, the electro-mechanical industry and smart buildings and sustainable materials, crucial sectors driving the country towards a digital and low-carbon future.

A promising sign for innovation landscape of North Macedonia is the way its Fund for Innovation and Technology and Development has incorporated elements from the previous innovation strategy into its work plan, ensuring continuity and momentum in the country’s science, technology and innovation vision. The impact is tangible: between 2016 and 2021, the Fund for Innovation and Technology and Development powered over 669 projects with nearly 50 million euro in funding across nine programmes, from grants for startups and spinoffs to support for commercialisation, acceleration and technology development. By the close of 2023, this forward-thinking approach had helped launch more than 1,170 projects, fuelling creativity and growth across the country’s innovation ecosystem.

To create a favourable environment for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, comprehensive legal and institutional reforms have been undertaken. In July 2025, a new Law on Innovation Activity, Scientific and Technological Development, and Entrepreneurship was adopted. Under the new Law, the Agency for Innovation, Scientific and Technological Development, and Entrepreneurship (INOVA) was established as a new independent public institution. INOVA operates as a separate legal entity under the supervision of the Ministry of Education and Science. The Agency was created through the merger of the Fund for Innovation and Technology Development and the Agency for Entrepreneurship Support.

Several projects supported by Eureka have played a crucial role in elevating international profile and fostering valuable international collaborations of the country. One initiative focused on advancing materials for cutting-edge pneumatic and hydraulic valves, driving innovation in industrial manufacturing. Another developed new approaches to improving medical devices, giving doctors new tools to treat a wide range of diseases and conditions.

The Ministry of Education and Science is taking action to foster a culture of collaboration across innovation landscape of North Macedonia. By bringing together small- and medium-sized enterprises, large enterprises, research institutions, universities and public administration, the country is paving the way for market-oriented projects that are vital to driving economic growth.

North Macedonia has appointed a new high-level representative to strengthen its Eureka partnerships. Looking ahead, the country will launch a dedicated national fund to support projects proposed under Eureka programmes, further strengthening its commitment to international collaboration and innovation leadership.