Regional Development Strategy of Montenegro for the period 2023–2027.

This Strategy focuses on achieving territorial cohesion by addressing the socio-economic disparities between the country’s three statistical regions. It identifies the Northern region as the primary focus for the intervention, noting significant challenges such as depopulation, high unemployment, and a historical lag in industrial investment compared to the more developed Central and Coastal areas.
The Strategy is organized around three primary pillars: strengthening institutional capacity, fostering sustainable economic growth, and upgrading physical infrastructure. It emphasizes the necessity of enhancing the administrative functionality of local self-government units to better manage development projects and attract international investments. Special attention is given to the modernization of agriculture in the North, the diversification of tourism products beyond the summer season on the coast, and the integration of small and medium-sized enterprises into broader value chains.
Infrastructure development is seen as a critical enabler within the Strategy, focusing on improving connectivity through major transport projects and digital networks. The completion of key highway sections and the rehabilitation of railway infrastructure are prioritized to link isolated northern communities with central economic hubs and maritime ports. Additionally, the Strategy mandates significant investments in communal infrastructure, including wastewater treatment plants and waste management systems, to align regional growth with modern environmental standards and public health requirements.
Environmental sustainability and innovation are embedded as cross-cutting themes throughout the planned interventions. The Strategy advocates for a "smart specialization" approach and it promotes scientific research with local industries collaboration to drive competitiveness in renewable energy and sustainable food production. It also addresses the need for climate resilience, ensuring that new developmental projects are equipped to handle environmental shifts.
To ensure accountability, the Strategy utilizes a revised development index to categorize municipalities and direct financial resources to the areas of greatest need. This analytical framework allows for the continuous monitoring of key performance indicators, such as regional GDP per capita and employment rates.