On 22 September 2026, the Innovation Fund of Montenegro organised a stakeholder consultation and awareness-raising event entitled “Blue Technologies and Innovation for Sustainable Monitoring of Aquatic Ecosystems” at the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro in Podgorica, within the framework of the international ROBONETCBC project. The event brought together representatives of national and local authorities, academia, research institutions, businesses and other relevant organisations to exchange experiences and explore opportunities for applying innovative technologies to improve the monitoring and protection of marine and freshwater ecosystems.
The event was opened by Saša Ivanović, Head of the Sector for Strategic Planning and International Cooperation at the Innovation Fund of Montenegro. Prof. Dr Snežana Šćepanović, Head of the Department for Management and Support of EU Projects, presented the objectives of the ROBONETCBC project, its key achievements and upcoming activities. Particular attention was given to the development and application of robotics, sensor systems and digital solutions for more effective collection, processing and use of environmental monitoring data.
An important part of the event was dedicated to stakeholder consultations on the challenges of existing environmental monitoring systems and opportunities for their modernisation. Discussions highlighted the need for better integration of existing monitoring systems and institutions, improved data exchange and standardisation, and the application of sensors, automated monitoring stations, robotics and artificial intelligence in response to specific user needs.
Participants particularly emphasised the importance of developing integrated data collection and analysis systems to enable more reliable monitoring of changes in aquatic ecosystems and better-informed decision-making. Strengthening professional capacities, ensuring equipment maintenance, defining institutional responsibilities and fostering continuous cooperation between research institutions, public authorities and businesses were identified as essential conditions for the long-term uptake of innovative solutions.
The conclusions of the consultation will contribute to the further implementation of the ROBONETCBC Joint Action Plan, particularly the development and testing of innovative technological solutions for monitoring marine and freshwater ecosystems.
The ROBONETCBC project is implemented under the Interreg VI-A IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027, co-funded by the European Union. The project aims to improve the monitoring and prevention of pollution in aquatic ecosystems through the application of robotics and sensor technologies and by strengthening cross-border cooperation among research institutions, public authorities and businesses. The Innovation Fund of Montenegro is one of the project partners, and the project runs from October 2024 to March 2027.
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