Development of Research and Innovation

The Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation has adopted the Rulebook on Detailed Conditions for Acquiring the Status of a Beneficiary and the Manner of Exercising Control over the Use of Incentive Measures for the Development of Research and Innovation, published in the Official Gazette of Montenegro, no. 126/25 of 29 October 2025. This rulebook further elaborates the legal provisions related to encouraging innovation and scientific research activities, with the aim of strengthening economic competitiveness and advancing knowledge-based development.

The rulebook regulates in more detail the conditions that must be met to acquire the status of a beneficiary of incentive measures, as well as the manner of their allocation, use, and control. In this way, a clearer and more transparent framework is introduced for legal entities wishing to use state incentives in the field of research and innovation.

Who can acquire the status of a beneficiary of incentive measures for the development of research and innovation

The status of a beneficiary of incentive measures may be acquired by a legal entity that carries out innovation activities, provided that, in addition to the criteria prescribed by the basic law, it also meets the additional requirements defined by this rulebook. It is particularly emphasized that the legal entity:

• has not been established through the merger of other legal entities
• must be entered in the register of innovation activities

These conditions aim to direct incentive measures toward active and independent innovation entities that genuinely contribute to the development of new products, services, or processes.

Procedure for granting status and application to the public call

The status of a beneficiary of incentive measures is not granted automatically, but exclusively through a public call. The public call for acquiring this status is announced by the Ministry once a year, ensuring equal access for all interested entities.

Applications are submitted on a prescribed form published by the Ministry on its official website. After administrative verification, complete applications with accompanying documentation are forwarded to the competent commission, which assesses compliance with the conditions and submits a proposal for issuing a decision.

The decision granting the status specifies key elements, including the name of the entity, the innovation project or program, the type of state aid, and its amount.

Control over the use of incentive measures for the development of research and innovation

One of the most significant segments of the rulebook relates to the control over the use of allocated incentive funds. Control is focused on the earmarked use of funds and the achievement of objectives defined in the approved projects or programs.

In this regard, beneficiaries may be obliged to submit periodic implementation reports, including a detailed description of progress and measurable performance indicators. The Ministry and the commission retain the right to request additional evaluations, an independent financial audit, or a final project assessment. In the event of non-compliance with obligations, the possibility of revoking beneficiary status is also предусмотрена.

Termination of the previous rulebook and entry into force

On the day this rulebook enters into force, the previous Rulebook from 2021 ceases to apply, thereby introducing a unified and updated regulatory framework. The new rulebook enters into force on the eighth day following its publication in the Official Gazette of Montenegro.