General Context & Policy Framework

In 2025, the development of entrepreneurship competence stands as a key priority within Montenegro’s education and youth policies. The Education Reform Strategy 2025 - 2035, developed by the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation in cooperation with UNICEF and the Delegation of the European Union, positions entrepreneurship education as a central component of system-wide educational transformation. Entrepreneurship is being systematically integrated across all levels of educationprimary, -  secondary, higher, and adult learning with the goal of equipping young people with the skills, mindset, and confidence to engage in innovative and opportunity-driven activities.

This strategic approach emphasizes the role of entrepreneurship as one of the eight key competences for lifelong learning, promoting creativity, problem-solving, initiative, and risk-taking. The development of entrepreneurial thinking is no longer limited to business-related courses, but is encouraged across disciplines, fostering critical thinking and self-efficacy from an early age.

The strategy also places entrepreneurship at the heart of a renewed model for career guidance and counselling. Young people are encouraged to explore entrepreneurship not only as a skillset but also as a viable career path. Through enhanced guidance services, schools and local counselling centres now provide students with access to workshops, simulations, business idea competitions, and direct interaction with entrepreneurs.

Higher education institutions such as the University of Montenegro, the University of Donja Gorica (UDG), and the Mediterranean University actively support student entrepreneurship through incubators, innovation hubs, interdisciplinary projects, and startup accelerators. These efforts are closely linked to the broader innovation ecosystem, including the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro (NTP), Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre Tehnopolis, and the Montenegro Innovation Fund, which provide infrastructure, mentorship, training, and networking opportunities for young entrepreneurs.

There is a growing number of structured opportunities to acquire entrepreneurial skills. Schools are implementing pilot programmes with entrepreneurship modules, particularly in vocational education and training (VET), where learning-through-work and project-based learning approaches are promoted. Initiatives like “Prilike” enable secondary school students to participate in internships with real businesses, offering them early exposure to entrepreneurship in practice. University-based incubators also allow students to develop their own business ideas with professional support.

Montenegro also actively benefits from participation in international programmes such as Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, CEEPUS, Interreg, and various IPA-funded cross-border cooperation projects. These programmes provide students, young researchers, and aspiring entrepreneurs with opportunities for mobility, training, collaboration, and innovation exchange in European and regional contexts. They also foster a culture of international partnership, interdisciplinary learning, and practical entrepreneurship education.

Furthermore, local governments and municipal networks promote entrepreneurship by organizing events such as Youth Entrepreneur Days, Investor Pitch Nights, and innovation fairs, which increase the visibility of young talent and connect them with local business communities and potential investors.

This comprehensive, coordinated approach—connecting education, innovation, and labour market relevance—ensures that young people in Montenegro in 2025 have access to diverse tools and pathways for developing entrepreneurship competence. It creates a supportive environment in which they can become drivers of innovation, self-employment, and inclusive economic growth.

Entrepreneurship in Educational Systems

Entrepreneurship is being systematically integrated across all education levels - primary, secondary, higher, and adult learning. Special emphasis is placed on project-based learning, work-based learning, and the early development of an entrepreneurial mindset, especially in vocational education and training (VET). Pilot modules in schools promote teamwork, creative problem-solving, and the practical application of knowledge.

Support Structures & Institutional Ecosystem

Higher education institutions such as the University of Montenegro, the University of Donja Gorica (UDG), and the Mediterranean University support student entrepreneurship through incubators, innovation hubs, and interdisciplinary initiatives. These efforts are reinforced by the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro (NTP), the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre Tehnopolis, and the Innovation Fund, which provide mentoring, training, infrastructure, and networking for young entrepreneurs.

Access to Learning & Skill-Building Opportunities

Young people have access to a growing number of structured opportunities for developing entrepreneurial skills. Initiatives such as the “Prilike” programme allow secondary school students to engage in internships with businesses. University incubators support students in developing their own business ideas with professional guidance.

Mobility & International Collaboration

Montenegro actively participates in international programmes such as Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, Interreg, CEEPUS, and IPA-funded cross-border cooperation projects. These programmes provide youth with mobility, innovation partnerships, interdisciplinary learning, and exposure to practical entrepreneurship education across European and regional contexts.

Funding & Financial Instruments

Through the Innovation Fund, young teams and startups receive early-stage development support of up to €30,000 per project, along with mentoring and training. In addition, various calls from ministries, local authorities, and international donors offer grants and technical support to help youth bring business ideas to market.

Quality Assurance & Evaluation

Education institutions and innovation ecosystem partners monitor the effectiveness of entrepreneurship programmes through indicators such as employability, startup sustainability, and participant feedback. Mentorship oversight, programme evaluations, and market impact analysis ensure quality implementation of entrepreneurship learning.

Current Debates & Reforms

Ongoing reforms focus on expanding access to entrepreneurship education in rural areas, promoting women’s and social entrepreneurship, and fostering digital entrepreneurship. New models are also being developed to better align education with labour market needs and support stronger local community engagement.