The programme is an immersion visit for European innovation ecosystem leaders to the world’s epicentre of tech innovation – Silicon Valley US. It is tailored for experienced European senior professionals at the management level.
The visit included:
- Sessions on learning about the Silicon Valley Ecosystem and Mindset.
- Exposing participants to the unique Silicon Valley ecosystem through site visits.
- Learning about key success factors and methods that created Silicon Valley as the capital of innovation.
Deep connections and roots of the innovation landscape in the traditional economy were explored, and how incentivized innovation transformed the Silicon Valley industries and society. Meetings with key organizations were part of the journey, where they shared their stories on how they built a successful, organic ecosystem by leveraging MNCs, start-ups, and talents.
Silicon Valley, renowned for its technological innovation and world-class universities like Stanford and UC Berkeley, has established itself as a hub for:
- Cutting-edge research.
- Transformative educational programs.
- Successful technology transfer initiatives.
The visit delved into innovation arising from its unique blend of academic excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and partnerships between universities, industry leaders, and talented individuals.
The participants used the opportunity to reflect on lessons and opportunities learned in Silicon Valley and how they can be applied to their home country’s unique ecosystem.
When it took place: 06–11 October 2024 – Silicon Valley & Bay Area.
Roadmap and Next Steps: Following her visit to Silicon Valley, Valentina stated that the roadmap for action focuses on strengthening collaboration between Silicon Valley and the Montenegrin startup ecosystem. Key initiatives include:
- Fostering cross-continental partnerships to promote idea exchange.
- Adopting a culture that embraces failure as a learning opportunity.
- Attracting venture capital through the Science and Technology Park.
- Establishing high-risk B2B pilots by connecting Montenegrin startups with Silicon Valley’s network of early adopters and investors.
- Replicating Silicon Valley’s dynamic and open ecosystem through policy and educational initiatives that nurture innovation and risk-taking.
Beneficiary: Valentina Radulović, CEO @Science Technology Park Montenegro