Introduction:
In today's rapidly evolving global landscape, fostering innovation and ensuring its integration into the socio-economic fabric is a priority for nations worldwide. Countries need new, more resilient, and forward-thinking approaches to guarantee they can safely navigate a digital world that is increasingly Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA). North Macedonia is no exception to this endeavour, and the government is committed to supporting the recovery of its economy through initiatives aligned with the EU Green Deal and its post-COVID recovery growth strategy, especially the Smart Specialisation Strategy.
To support the innovation journey of North Macedonia, BDT is pleased to introduce a transformative and interactive workshop designed to empower key stakeholders across the public sector and other relevant sectors and institutions.
Objective:
The primary aim of this workshop is to enhance the capacity of key stakeholders in North Macedonia to effectively navigate the dynamic landscape of innovation and prepare for a prosperous, sustainable and desirable future.
Innovation is a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and social progress. In a rapidly changing world, North Macedonia recognizes the imperative of nurturing a robust innovation ecosystem. By offering this workshop, BDT aims to stay true to its commitment to the Government of North Macedonia, especially the Ministry of Information Society and Administration, and aims to:
- Strengthen North Macedonia's position as an emerging innovation hub
- Foster collaboration among stakeholders for more effective innovation efforts
- Empower participants and build their capabilities to drive innovation through strategic foresight.
With this in mind, the workshop will focus on three key areas:
- Innovation Ecosystem Mapping: Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the innovation ecosystem in North Macedonia. Through interactive sessions and practical activities, they will learn how to identify key actors, assess the ecosystem's strengths and weaknesses, and pinpoint opportunities for growth.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Maturity Assessment: This segment will enable participants to identify and categorize stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem. Moreover, they will assess the maturity of each stakeholder group and collaboratively define their roles and responsibilities in fostering innovation.
- Strategic Foresight: The workshop will equip participants with the tools and techniques needed to envision the desired future of innovation in North Macedonia. Through strategic foresight exercises, they will explore various scenarios, anticipate challenges, and propose strategic actions to shape the innovation landscape.
Approach:
ITU, drawing upon its extensive experience and expertise in fostering innovation ecosystems globally, is committed to spearheading the content and delivery of this workshop. For the purpose of this engagement, ITU experts will bring their tools, methodologies, and insights that will be instrumental in guiding North Macedonia's stakeholders towards innovation-driven growth. Leveraging its comprehensive playbook, developed through years of deployment, ITU will equip participants with the necessary skills to map their innovation ecosystems, engage with diverse stakeholders effectively, and envision future scenarios strategically.
ITU's facilitation approach is designed to ensure active engagement, encouraging dynamic discussions, peer learning, and knowledge sharing among participants. By harnessing ITU's global knowledge network, we aim to empower North Macedonia's public sector and stakeholders with the essential capabilities to navigate their innovation landscape, fostering a resilient and prosperous future aligned with their national and global goals.
Participants
The workshop will be open to all stakeholders who are passionate about advancing innovation in North Macedonia. BDT would like to encourage the participation of key stakeholders across the public sector, private sector, financial institutions, academia, entrepreneurs and support networks.
