The key to improving the business environment lies in a combination of digital efficiency and regulatory stability
Our strategic vision is clear: digital transformation and infrastructure enhancement are crucial to Montenegro’s future economic development. By modernising the legislative framework, continuing education and creating a favourable environment for innovation, we can ensure long-term competitiveness and attract new investments. Our mission is to create a stable, efficient and stimulating business environment that will enable Montenegro to become a regional leader and attract global technology leaders,” says MFIC board member and One Montenegro CEO Branko Mitrović.
In your opinion, what is the most important element to advance a stimulating and intuitive business environment for investments and business operations in Montenegro?
— I believe the key to improving the business environment lies in combining digital efficiency and regulatory stability. According to data contained in the MFIC White Book, despite progress in telecommunications and ICT, especially regarding infrastructure and public opinion, we need to work on improving administrative procedures and the legislative framework.
We face a situation in which several key provisions of the new draft Law on Electronic Communications deviate from positive EU examples. To ensure innovation and provide advanced services on the electronic communications market, it is necessary to ensure the connectivity of operators with technically integrated solutions of operators based outside Montenegro, under commercial conditions. It is encouraging that digital transformation is one of the strategic priorities of the Montenegrin government, and our expectations are that Montenegro, in its EU pre-accession negotiations, will abandon past practices and open up to innovative and progressive approaches that will better serve the ICT sector and the economy as a whole. This would create conditions that meet the market’s modern needs, allowing it to grow and attract new investments. Introducing more flexible and modern regulatory solutions could contribute significantly to increasing Montenegro’s competitiveness globally.
What would be the most important MFIC recommendations regarding digital transformation?
— Digital transformation is at the core of our strategic approach. As the Montenegrin Foreign Investors Council, we believe there are four key pillars to build on: infrastructure, legislative framework, education, and innovation. We must first invest in advanced digital infrastructure that will secure fast and reliable internet for all citizens and companies, highlighted as a key area for improvement in the White Book.
With a strong commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, One Montenegro will continue leading the development of telecommunications services in the country
Second, modernising the legislative framework must support the accelerated digitalisation of business processes and facilitate client interaction. Third, the continuous education of employees on modern technologies will ensure that Montenegro has a workforce that’s ready for the digital future. Finally, creating an ecosystem that encourages innovation through support for start-ups and research projects is crucial to long-term competitiveness.
How could Montenegro further leverage its capacities in the IT sector and accelerate economic growth?
— Montenegro needs to focus on several key strategies. Investing in advanced IT infrastructure and modern telecommunications technology is crucial to enabling faster and more reliable internet connections. This will allow all industries to use digital tools more efficiently, thereby increasing their productivity.
Apart from infrastructure, promoting Montenegro as an attractive technological destination also plays an important role. By supporting start-ups through tax incentives, subsidies and easier access to capital, we can create a favourable environment for innovation and entrepreneurship. This encourages the development of new ideas that can bring economic progress.
t is also crucial to develop the education system with a focus on IT. Finally, creating a dynamic and sustainable IT ecosystem contributes to generating new jobs and accelerating economic growth. Digital transformation – through the improving of business processes and the developing of e-government and smart cities – enables greater efficiency and modernisation of the economy. With this approach, Montenegro has the potential to position itself as a leader in the digital economy, transforming into a significant player in the field of digital technologies and innovation, which will contribute to long-term economic prosperity and improving citizens’ quality of life.
One Montenegro is a company that has stood out for years with great successes recognised by both the community and professionals. You personally won this year’s prestigious Manager of the Year award, which is presented by the Association of Montenegrin Managers. What makes you particularly proud when it comes to the company’s achievements under your leadership?
— Awards are an important indicator of success and provide motivation for further work. However, I prefer to focus on concrete results that demonstrate our progress. I am proud that we have significantly increased the number of employees at One, reflecting our continuous growth and development. Our network remains the largest in Montenegro, with the largest number of base stations, ensuring the best coverage and service for users.
Focusing on implementing 5G technology has also been crucial to our advancement. We continue to invest heavily in infrastructure to improve the network and offer topnotch telecommunications services. These investments enable us to stay ahead of the competition in terms of technological development and to provide our users with the most advanced digital experience.
Additionally, the introduction of new technologies like e-SIM and VoLTE has set new market standards. I am particularly pleased with our success in expanding the sales network, opening new branches that allow users to easily and conveniently address all their telecommunications needs in one place.
What are your future plans regarding One’s goals?
— As an MFIC board member, I would like to highlight the impressive level of activity and investment in the entire telecommunications industry. Telecommunications have become one of the most developed economic sectors in Montenegro, with a level of development comparable to, and often exceeding, some EU countries. This level has been achieved thanks to significant investments and the trust of telecommunications operators in the potential of the Montenegrin market. These operators are responsible for this level of development, showing their key role in shaping the market.
In this context, One, with the support of Hungary’s 4iG group, strives to maintain and enhance its market leader position. Our goal is to continuously monitor global trends and keep pace with technological innovations to provide users with a top-notch experience. Our strategy includes focusing on developing the 5G network, increasing the number of base stations and continuing investments in infrastructure. At the same time, we are committed to ESG initiatives, where we will work on improving environmental practices and socially responsible projects, further strengthening our reputation and creating new business opportunities.