Montenegrin Delegation’s Study Visit to Amsterdam: Exploring Innovation and Technology
In September 2024, the Montenegrin delegation embarked on a study visit to Amsterdam, Netherlands, a city renowned for its vibrant innovation landscape and technological advancements. From September 10th to 14th, the delegation participated in an intensive program of sessions, presentations, and networking opportunities that provided an in-depth understanding of Amsterdam’s thriving tech ecosystem. Amsterdam: A Hub of Innovation and Collaboration Often hailed as one of Europe’s leading tech centers, Amsterdam fosters a dynamic environment where technology, entrepreneurship, and collaboration converge. The first full day of the visit kicked off with an introduction to Amsterdam Science Park, a hub for groundbreaking research and innovative startups. We were welcomed by Danielle Pakes, Senior Community & Event Manager, who provided an insightful presentation on the park’s mission to support tech entrepreneurship. This session set the stage for the day’s focus on fintech and educational technology innovations. Startup Presentations: Fintech and EduTech Innovations As part of our tour, we attended presentations from two exciting startups. The day was filled with startup presentations from Zeta Alpha (Fintech) and Anywyse (EduTech), showcasing their cutting-edge innovations. These presentations gave the delegation a unique insight into Amsterdam’s role in driving forward cutting-edge technologies that are poised to transform industries. A tour of the park, including a visit to the Quantum Demo Lab and Lab42, followed. Exploring AI and Deep Tech Ventures In the afternoon, we met Vladimir Nedović, co-owner of Azimut Zero, and Marko Ćalasan, Director of Compliance at iLegends, both leaders in AI and deep tech ventures. They shared their expertise on how AI and deep technologies are shaping the future, particularly within the financial sector. This session was highly engaging, offering a deeper understanding of how artificial intelligence can be leveraged to develop sustainable solutions across various sectors. TECHSPO / A Gathering of Digital Innovators On the second day of our visit, the delegation participated in the DigiMarCon sessions, held at Johan Cruijff Boulevard in Amsterdam. DigiMarCon, a prestigious digital marketing conference, provided a platform for innovators, marketers, and tech leaders to discuss the latest trends and advancements in digital technologies. The sessions were followed by a networking luncheon, where we had the opportunity to engage with professionals from around the globe, exchanging ideas on the future of digital transformation. The Future of Technology: A Glimpse into Amsterdam’s Startup Scene The delegation’s exploration of Amsterdam’s tech landscape continued on September 13th with a visit to The Next Web (TNW), one of the leading media platforms for tech innovation. This session shed light on how emerging technologies such as blockchain and AI are revolutionizing the business landscape. Following the stated, the delegation attended a presentation by Stripe, a prominent fintech startup, where the discussion revolved around the latest innovations in financial technology, accompanied by a 15-minute Q&A session. Conclusion The Montenegrin delegation’s study visit to Amsterdam offered a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. From the innovations showcased at the Amsterdam Science Park to the global perspectives shared at DigiMarCon, each experience contributed to a broader understanding of how technological advancements are shaping the future. Amsterdam’s example of fostering innovation through collaboration, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology offers a valuable model for Montenegro as we continue to develop our own tech ecosystem.