Ministers of science from several countries in Southeastern Europe met in Sarajevo for the round table on science, technology, and innovation. The meeting was organized by the Ministry of civil affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United Nations Educational and Scientific Organization (UNESCO). Among the attendees were ministers of science and education from BiH, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Macedonia, as well as representatives from ministries in Bulgaria, Romania, Albania, and Moldova.
The round table was aimed at strengthening regional cooperation in the field of science and technology. The ministers recognized that science transcends political borders and that it can enhance cooperation and act as a catalyst for stability in the region. They acknowledged the relevance of the EU Framework Programs and other EU funding schemes and agreed that Southeast European countries should speak in one voice to the European Union when it comes to the issues they commonly agree on.
Some of the recommendations and conclusions from the meeting include:
• SEE countries will continue to draw attention towards increasing budgets for science, technology, and innovation.
• Facilitate partnerships between public and private sectors in the fields of science, technology, and innovation.
• Create better strategies and increase investments in international science, technology, innovative projects, and research capacities in SEE.
• Facilitate partnerships between the public and private sectors in the fields of science, technology, and innovation.
UNESCO expressly stated that SEE countries are of great importance and interest to the whole international community because of they are the proof that, despite their differences, they share many similarities that can help build a base for a solid partnership.
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