Stimulation of patent protection and registration, as well as increased promotion of innovations, especially those resulting from cooperation between researchers and the economy is the goal of the PATENT.MK project, presented at the Ministry of Education and Science on Saturday.

 The Minister of Education and Science, Pance Kralev and the Minister of Economy, Valon Saraqini at today's press conference stated that the system of registering innovative achievements should enable coordination of the business community and researchers, but also stimulate innovative operations.

"This will result in an increase of competitiveness in economy and its development, job openings and increased valorization of efforts and knowledge of researchers", said the ministers.

PATENT.MK includes content and tools that will serve as an innovative base, as well as public discussions and data collection. It will promote achievements in the academic-research field from universities and scientific institutions. The system will enable the entry of required information related to registered patents in the State Office for Industrial Property or any other foreign institution for registration of national and international patents.

"A software has been developed, providing detailed information about the way in which an innovation can be protected in the Republic of Macedonia, as well as discussion among individuals involved in the field", said Minister Kralev.

Minister Saraqini stressed that the key challenge for all is commitment towards stimulating more innovations, which would motivate Macedonia's economic growth.

"The project should contribute a boost in the offer of academic knowledge from universities and the innovation demand of the business sector, comprised of large companies, but also SMEs, which cannot afford significant funds for research", said Saraqini.

He urged innovators and investors to use the portal PATENT.MK for the common benefit, where companies have access to ideas and solutions towards making their products more competitive and innovative, while academics and researchers valorize their efforts and knowledge.