Located in the Western Balkans, North Macedonia is positioning itself as an emerging centre for research, innovation, and international collaboration. As a candidate for EU membership, the country has aligned its science, technology and innovation (STI) policies with European frameworks and is fully associated with Horizon Europe, Erasmus+ and LIFE. This integration offers seamless access to Europe’s leading funding schemes while strengthening the country’s role in the European Research Area.
This featured article provides an in-depth look at North Macedonia’s evolving research ecosystem and the opportunities it offers for international collaboration. Key highlights include:
- Expanding research capacity: Six public universities, nine scientific institutes, 11 private universities and more than two dozen research institutions anchor the national R&I system. Nearly half of the 1,993 full-time researchers hold a doctorate, with higher education leading in R&D output.
- Innovation momentum: The Fund for Innovation and Technological Development (FITD) has supported over 1,100 projects with close to EUR 138 million, fuelling startups, SMEs and academia–industry partnerships.
- Strategic priorities: The Smart Specialisation Strategy 2024–2027 identifies growth areas in ICT, smart agriculture, Industry 4.0, sustainable materials, energy and tourism.
- International participation: North Macedonia has already secured 58 Horizon Europe projects by late 2024, with a success rate of 13.3%. Collaborations extend to COST, EUREKA, NATO Science for Peace, IAEA, UNESCO, CERN and other major programmes.
- Infrastructure and mobility: Investments in research infrastructure, scholarships, and mobility schemes are growing, with stronger links to leading universities worldwide.
Beyond science and innovation, North Macedonia is also known for its rich cultural heritage and quality of life. The article highlights UNESCO-listed Lake Ohrid, Ottoman-era bazaars, Byzantine monasteries, and diverse landscapes ranging from mountain trails to Mediterranean-influenced valleys. Combined with competitive living costs and a welcoming, English-speaking environment, these factors make the country an attractive destination for researchers and their families.
Read more in this feature article and find out how North Macedonia - though small in size - is ambitious in vision and creates conditions where international researchers, innovators and institutions can engage, collaborate and grow.