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Festim Halili, Director General of the Fund for Innovation and Technological Development (FITD) in North Macedonia, shares an inspiring perspective on how FITD is spearheading innovation and technological development in the region. His insights come from the “Best Practice Highlights: Lessons and Success Stories” block of the first Plenary Session of the POLICY ANSWERS conference on “Policy Dialogue on Aligning Priorities in the Western Balkans.”
FITD’s Mission: Accelerating Innovation and Technological Development
The mission of FITD is clear and impactful. It’s all about facilitating access to finance for innovation and technological development, with several key objectives in mind:
- Boosting innovation and technological development in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Fostering collaboration between academia and industry
- Promoting the advantages of innovation and technological development
FITD: A Leading Force for Innovation and Technological Development
FITD has firmly established itself as the leading national institution for supporting innovation and technological development, primarily in micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. Its focus is on catalyzing accelerated technological development through knowledge transfer, research for development, and innovations that drive economic growth, job creation, and overall development while enhancing the competitive abilities of companies.
Diverse Range of Activities
FITD engages in a variety of activities designed to achieve its mission, including:
- Providing financial instruments tailored for SMEs
- Offering technical assistance to SMEs to bolster their innovation capabilities
- Creating thematic challenges to address specific industry needs
- Distributing innovation vouchers to stimulate innovative endeavors
- Implementing measures to encourage STEM education and foster creativity among students and young individuals
- Supporting the development of innovation infrastructure
- Promoting the benefits of innovation and technological development through various outreach activities
Pioneering Innovation for a Brighter Future
FITD is not merely a funding institution; it is a catalyst for transformation. By empowering SMEs, encouraging academia-industry partnerships, and promoting innovation, FITD is lighting the path toward a brighter future. The organization’s tireless efforts are a testament to its commitment to fostering economic growth, job creation, and an environment where businesses can thrive.
Festim Halili’s insights into FITD emphasize the vital role it plays in elevating North Macedonia’s innovation and technological development landscape. As an advocate for change and progress, FITD is paving the way for a more prosperous and innovative future.