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1. Innovation in formal education

2. Fostering innovation through non-formal and informal learning and youth work

Innovation in formal education

North Macedonia’s strategic approach to innovation has evolved significantly. The Smart Specialisation Strategy 2024–2027, adopted in December 2023, has succeeded the earlier Innovation Strategy (2012–2020) and the Competitiveness Strategy. It serves as the new national framework for research, innovation, and skills development, emphasizing sectors like smart agriculture, ICT, Industry 4.0, and sustainable materials, with energy and tourism as horizontal priorities. A detailed action plan for 2024–2025 accompanies the strategy. 

A key strategic objective of the strategy, Strategic Goal 1: Creating Foundations for Scientific Excellence (Стратешка цел 1: Креирање основи за научна извонредност), specifically targets the development of human capital in research and innovation. This goal aims to equip researchers—particularly young researchers—with new knowledge and skills through bottom-up and excellence-driven research within doctoral programs, industrial doctorates, postdoctoral positions, and research roles. It also emphasizes providing international and cross-sectoral exposure in areas where North Macedonia demonstrates competitive advantages, thereby supporting the next generation of innovators and fostering a vibrant research ecosystem.

Beyond these strategic frameworks, concrete changes in education signal tangible progress. The Bureau for Development of the Education (under the Ministry of Education and Science) has introduced a compulsory curriculum in Gymnasium secondary schools entitled Innovation and Entrepreneurship, with distinct subjects for each year—Innovation and Entrepreneurship I, II, and III. Among all proposed project activities for Gymnasium, this one is the only compulsory subject for students in their first three years, while all other offerings remain optional. Moreover, to foster creativity from an early age, the subject Innovation (Иновации) has been mandated as compulsory for students in the ninth grade of elementary education.

Having recognized the importance of stronger cooperation between academia and industry, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technologies (FEEIT) established the Centre for Technology Transfer and Innovations – INNOFEIT. Designed to bridge academic knowledge with practical expertise, INNOFEIT functions as a hub for interaction among faculty, students, and industrial partners, supporting technology transfer, collaborative innovation, and the generation of new ideas that contribute to both economic growth and societal progress.

Complementing these efforts, North Macedonia’s National ICT Strategy 2023–2027 prioritizes digital skills development among citizens, digitalization of government services, and fostering digital innovations across sectors. 

At the European level, the country has been fully associated with Horizon Europe since January 2021, enabling researchers and innovators to access EU funding and collaborative projects. Despite this progress, the country’s innovation performance remains modest—classified as an “Emerging Innovator” at about 46% of the EU average—though it continues to show steady improvement.

Fostering innovation through non-formal and informal learning and youth work

North Macedonia’s performance in innovation has been steadily improving. According to the Global Innovation Index (GII), the country climbed from 66th in 2022 to 54th in 2023, one of the most notable leaps in the Western Balkans, and reached 58th in the 2024 edition. While its innovation index score declined slightly to 29.9 in 2024 (from 33 in 2023)—just below the global average of 31.6—this remains consistent with long-term trends and underscores both the gains and the work still ahead.

The Fund for Innovation and Technological Development (FITD) continues to be central in driving innovation. As of 2025, it has co-financed over 686 projects totaling €86 million, with more than half supporting startups—many founded by young entrepreneurs. It backs accelerators including X Factor, Seavus Accelerator, and Business-Technological Accelerator UKIM, manages innovative programs like the National Startup Council, and partners with Amazon Web Services to help startups access cloud infrastructure funding from USD 10,000 to 100,000 .

Recent expansion in grant programming further strengthens FITD’s reach. Through the “Drive Growth Through Innovation Grants” initiative, FITD issued multiple grant types: startup and spin-off R&D grants (covering up to 85% of costs, maximum €30,000), commercialisation grants, technological extension grants (up to €500,000 for scaling innovation), and funds to establish accelerators with coverage up to 75% of budgets (€500,000 max). These grants are delivered in partnership with the World Bank, domestic finance institutions, and government support.

Beyond FITD, youth-focused innovation initiatives like UPSHIFT and the “Challenge for Young Researchers” continue to grow. Through national competitions and school-based programs, over 728 students and 109 school projects have received support, and UPSHIFT awarded its 32 most promising social innovation ideas, empowering youth across climate, community, and entrepreneurship domains.

NGOs are also playing a vital role in nurturing innovation among youth. Junior Achievement Macedonia (JAM), active since 2017, supports entrepreneurial education through programs that foster work readiness, financial literacy, and innovation. JAM’s Innovation Camp immerses students in real-world problem-solving in high-growth sectors like green industries, ICT, tourism, and creative industries—providing mentorship and hands-on experience. 

LEAD (Leadership for Education, Activation & Development) is a civic organization dedicated to fostering youth empowerment and leadership. Since its inception, LEAD has trained over 500 youth and 200 educators, working with 70 schools and 10 business partners across North Macedonia. Their programs focus on personal development, employability skills, and institutional strengthening through educational programming and experiential learning.