Skopje, 23 February 2026 (MIA) - Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said Monday's constitutive session of the Council for Innovation, Scientific and Technologiocal Development and Entrepreneurship marks a milestone for the country, reaffirming the Government's steadfast commitment to positioning Macedonia as a country of knowledge, science, research, innovation and a modern competitive economy.  

Mickoski stressed that the Government takes full responsibility in leading this transformation, adding that the Council is not just a formality, but an instrument of strategic change and a mechanism through which science, research and digitalization become drivers of economic growth.

"Today, the world is changing at a blistering pace. Digitalization, new technologies and research define the progress of nations. Our goal is clear - create conditions to transform knowledge into innovation, innovation into product, and the product into new jobs and a better standard of living for citizens," said the PM.

He pointed out that the very structure and composition of the Council, bringing together key ministries and departments, the academic community and experts from various fields, guarantee an integrated and strategic approach to decision-making.

He added that this body will ensure coordination between education, science, digital transformation and economic policies.

"Our goal is consistent, transparent and effective measures, with clear indicators and measurable results. At this first session, we are adopting the key document for the next four years - a four-year program to stimulate innovation, scientific and technological development and entrepreneurship. This program is not just an administrative act. It is a vision for development based on science, research and digitalization. It creates a framework for support - from the first idea through research development and piloting to full commercialization," Mickoski said. 

He noted that this policy creates a basis for opening new, high quality and well-paid jobs.

"In supporting startups, technology companies, research centers and innovative small and medium-sized enterprises, we are directly investing in a better economy - an economy that creates value, exports knowledge and builds long-term stability. In coordination with the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Digital Transformation and the Ministry of Economy and Labour as policymakers, the Agency for Innovation, Scientific and Technological Development and Entrepreneurship (INOVA) is the main implementor of the program. But success will not be the result of one institution - but of joint work. The Government, INOVA, universities, research institutes, the private sector and entrepreneurs must act as a single ecosystem," said Mickoski.

The added that the Council sends a clear message that the country chooses a knowledge-based economy.

"We choose investments in science and research. We choose digital transformation. We choose new jobs, higher productivity and a better standard for all citizens. It is time to turn ideas into concrete projects, research into solutions, and vision into real results," Mickoski told the Council's constitutive session. 

Photo: Government