The training on the implementation of circular economy principles in Montenegro, organized by the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro, has been successfully completed. The training consisted of two parts: the first held 18-20 November, and the second 10-13 December 2024, at the NTP building in Podgorica. This educational program gathered researchers from public and private universities, decision-makers, and representatives from the business and public sectors, including company representatives, NGOs, and government institutions. The training was carried out as part of the project “R&I POLICY making, implementation ANd Support in the WEsteRn BalkanS” (POLICY ANSWERS), funded by the European Union through the Horizon Europe program for research and innovation.
The goal of the training was to provide participants with a thorough understanding of the key principles of circular economy through a series of lectures, practical sessions, and consultations, and to support the development of concrete solutions that will contribute to the transition to a circular economy in Montenegro. Participants had the opportunity to learn about strategic frameworks for implementing circular economy practices, the role of technology, education, market and regulatory measures, and the application of circular practices in the production and use of products. Special attention was given to the development of financial models and best practices from the EU, as well as recognizing the challenges and opportunities that the transition to a circular economy presents.
The training enabled participants to develop concrete solutions for their organizations and projects through practical tasks, individual and group work, such as circular business plans, assessing readiness for circular transition, creating strategies, designing circular products using life cycle analysis (LCA), as well as creating action plans, financial mechanisms, and regulatory measures. Through these activities, participants gained a solid foundation for further professional work in the field of circular economy.
The training was led by Hamdija Mujezin, an expert in energy and circular economy, who, through his extensive experience and work with international organizations, shared valuable knowledge and insights for the successful implementation of circular principles.
Although the in-person part of the training has concluded, the final online consultations with each participant individually remain. Through these consultations, participants will complete the tasks they have been working on, focused on improving their business or projects in the field of circular economy. The completion of these consultations will mark the formal conclusion of the training. As concrete results of the training, we expect finalized action plans, business models, circular economy strategies, project proposals, or other documents developed according to the participants’ needs.
We believe that these concrete results and solutions will significantly contribute to Montenegro’s further transition to a circular economy, providing long-term support for sustainable development at the enterprise level and within the broader community.