Donor: EU – IPA II Annual Action Programme for Montenegro for 2020
Project Value: €138,695.02
Donor Contribution: €124,825.52
Implementation Period: 01/02/2023 – 31/07/2024

Project Overview
The Regional Development Agency for Bjelasica, Komovi and Prokletije is implementing the project “Innovation and Research for Off-Grid Settlements.” The project is realized within the IPA II Action Programme for 2020, aiming to enhance cooperation between the academic and business sectors in line with the strategic priorities of Montenegro’s Smart Specialization Strategy (2019-2024), through the grant scheme “Scientific Potential in the Service of Innovation.”

Objectives
The general objective is to strengthen the link between science and industry based on the Smart Specialization Strategy. The goal is to mobilize and work with young researchers to develop concrete solutions for rural tourism in katuns, as sustainable tourism development, energy, and a sustainable environment are identified as priorities. The specific objective is to provide scientific solutions for off-grid rural tourism households in katuns, ensuring they have the necessary capacities for tourism without impacting traditional architecture or the surrounding environment. Integrating these solutions with an analysis of various off-grid options will provide a research hub for young researchers in sustainability and renewable energy, improving the science-industry connection. Focusing on providing technical and commercial experience for young researchers will create opportunities to connect with SMEs in design, contracting, and development through on-site testing and pilot case research.

Project Results

Result 1: Capacity of young researchers built through research into innovative solutions for off-grid katun settlements. The team will select young researchers specializing in energy efficiency, renewable energy, wastewater treatment, solar energy, heat pumps, sustainable architecture, civil engineering, cultural heritage, environmental protection, and planning to address the specific problems of katun households.

• Fieldwork & Analysis: Activities include analyzing obstacles in katuns, followed by desk research to identify existing international solutions.

• Integrated Solutions: Researchers will target complete off-grid solutions focusing on bathrooms, toilets (including compost toilets), and innovative accommodation that maintains traditional characteristics.

• Design & Development: Under expert mentorship, researchers will develop conceptual designs and detailed construction projects, including Bills of Quantities and specifications. Solutions must be affordable and utilize materials available on the domestic market.

Result 2: Research applied and tested to create models serving as a basis for learning for the academic community and micro-enterprises. To ensure maximum impact and practical testing, the team will select rural households open to testing the designed approaches.

• Selection Criteria: Selection is based on family interest, readiness to register for rural tourism, and location (5 pilot cases spread across different territories to maximize peer-to-peer learning).

• Piloting & Refinement: Young researchers will oversee the testing and fine-tuning of the designed approaches.

• Case Studies: Comprehensive studies will be developed around the 5 pilot examples, used to disseminate information among katun communities, policymakers, and academia.