NATO and North Macedonia engage in practical scientific cooperation

NATO experts and researchers from across North Macedonia convened in Skopje on 28 March 2024 to explore opportunities for scientific cooperation as part of the Alliance's SPS Programme. The Information Day, which was organised in cooperation with North Macedonia's Ministry of Defence, aimed to highlight the achievements of SPS projects in which the country has participated, and to facilitate the launch of new research and development activities.

Around 70 scientists participated in the Information Day, which was held at the Parliament's Club of Members. The event featured SPS-hosted sessions about evaluation criteria and thematic areas of interest, strategies for implementing results-oriented research and development activities, and developing successful project proposals. Scientists also shared experiences related to their involvement in SPS projects, especially in the field of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, drones and novel materials. Discussions surrounding their accomplishments and expertise led to the forming of new multidisciplinary ideas aligned with the Alliance's areas of interest, which may be pursued in the upcoming SPS Call for Proposals in April 2024.

North Macedonia's Minister of Defence, Slavjanka Petrovska, delivered opening remarks, encouraging the North Macedonian academic community to continue to strengthen its research capacities for scientific results aimed at societal progress and well-being, in collaboration with NATO Allies and partners. "Our Alliance is much more than a political-military partnership of countries who share common values. It is a family of democratic states that base the development, security and prosperity of their citizens on the foundations of science and scientific results," said Defence Minister Petrovska.

"SPS collaboration is in line with the priorities of NATO and North Macedonia, adapting to the evolving security environment, and increasingly emphasising the utilisation of technologies to address emerging challenges," added Dr Claudio Palestini, Head of the NATO SPS Programme.

Through its activities, the NATO SPS Programme provides opportunities for academics, experts and officials in North Macedonia, as well as other NATO member and partner countries, to develop proposals for innovative scientific projects. Participation in these activities helps to build and expand international scientific networks and to exchange knowledge on security-related topics.