Sanja Damjanović, a scientist and former Minister of Science, emphasized that the establishment of the International Institute for Sustainable Technology in Southeast Europe (SEEIIST) could save at least five lives lost to cancer, particularly among children, pregnant women, and young individuals who currently lack access to essential treatment.

In an interview with the weekly monitor, she noted that the SEEIIST project not only aims to rescue lives but also to foster rapid economic and societal development, creating an environment beneficial for the youth.

"Its dual mission includes 50 percent treatment for patients using Hadron therapy and 50 percent dedicated to research," Damjanović explained. She initiated the SEEIIST project in 2017, which is intended to establish an International Institute with its Center located in Montenegro.

Damjanović stated that the project is fully developed and there are EU funds available to finance it, but Montenegro is currently waiting to finalize its details.

According to Montenegro’s reform agenda for 2024-2027, the government was expected to adopt the SEEIIST project by the end of last year.

The Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation informed Forbes Montenegro that SEEIIST is categorized among international agreements, "which outlines a legal framework for establishing this type of infrastructure, alongside the financial framework that necessitates collaboration from all partner countries, and funding sourced from international avenues."

"Any unilateral actions by one country within this partnership are not a viable method for moving forward with this infrastructure project, nor for advancing to its next phase," the Ministry stated.

Only four such centers exist in Europe, out of a total of 13 worldwide

Damjanović highlighted that cancer has become the second leading cause of mortality globally, with around 10 million lives lost each year, including half a million children.

"There are merely four such centers in Europe. For patients from Montenegro and the surrounding region, the costs of treatment are generally accessible, targeting tissue damage (such as with carbon ions) that accurately hits the tumor without harming surrounding healthy cells," she added.

This method is particularly effective for tumors located near sensitive organs, demonstrating significantly improved outcomes—up to 80%, and up to 100% among young patients—compared to conventional radiotherapy, which has an effectiveness of just 10-20%.

Damjanović states that SEEIIST is the sole major economic and technological project poised to enter the structural phase immediately, representing an investment of 250 million euros, with up to 200 million potentially sourced from EU funds, accounting for 80 percent of the project’s total value.

"Such a high level of participation from European funds is possible due to the project’s significance to Europe: most investments will be absorbed via European industry, which rarely surpasses 10-15 percent; SEEIIST stands out as a unique opportunity that Montenegro cannot afford to overlook," she stressed.

These projects should be overseen directly by the Prime Minister’s Cabinet

When asked why Montenegro has missed these opportunities thus far, she asserted that the reasons are not technical or financial but rather political. The fundamental issues stem from a lack of political leadership and coordination.

She noted that until 2021, Montenegro had a defined political framework and backing for strategic projects such as SEEIIST. However, there has since been a decline in political coherence and inadequate ongoing strategic leadership essential for such substantial projects.

"Despite a general will and declarative support, there should be systematic monitoring, promotion, and installation of this vital flagship project within the context of the EU Prime Minister’s agenda," Damjanović opined.

She warned that without a clear political focus and centralized accountability, SEEIIST, while technically ready, remains at risk of political neglect during a crucial period for development, not just for Montenegro, but for the entire region.

SEEIIST is more than a health project; it represents an entire industrial city

According to Damjanović, SEEIIST is not solely a health initiative; it embodies a complete industrial city.

"We frequently encounter the concept of smart cities, which cannot materialize without a robust technological infrastructure; its realization will involve about 600 companies contributing to the current economy. This initiative revitalizes regional cooperation and European integration, fundamentally aiming to save patients’ lives," Damjanović asserted.

For the youth, SEEIIST represents more than just grants or scholarships; it provides them with infrastructure, resources, and opportunities that enable them to remain in Montenegro, contributing through their knowledge, creativity, and labor.

"The established business plan projects salaries ranging from 4,000 to 7,000, turning Montenegrin land into a magnet for a high-tech international environment in sectors such as medicine, engineering, IT, biomedicine, physics, and artificial intelligence. This initiative proposes a return of young individuals from abroad with new conditions and challenges not previously available in Montenegrin scientific and industrial projects and promises enhanced competitiveness for Montenegrin teams; the collaboration of around 600 European companies in constructing the Center represents a level of international cooperation previously unseen," she explained.

As SEEIIST, she added, positions Montenegro as a leader in the region and a key player on the European scientific-technological landscape.

"This is a groundbreaking project that will not only influence the economy but also transform societal mentality," concluded Damjanović.