The First Serbia-Switzerland Innovation Forum
The first Serbia-Switzerland Innovation Forum was organized by the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation, the Embassy of Switzerland in Belgrade, the Science Technology Park Belgrade, and the Center for the Promotion of Science. The forum's aim was to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the fields of science, technology, and innovation.
Minister Dr Jelena Begović, Dr Jelena Janković, Assistant Minister of Health of the Republic of Serbia, Jacques Ducrest, Head of International Relations of the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, and Ambassador of Switzerland to Serbia Anne Lugon-Moulin spoke at the forum's official opening.
At the opening ceremony, Minister Dr Begović said that she was pleased that the forum included various experts from Serbia and Switzerland, who met to exchange knowledge and ideas with the aim of global advancement in innovation and startups. "Switzerland has set global standards when it comes to the development of startups. Serbian startup systems are also experiencing exponential growth of 20 to 30 percent per year. I believe that we are facing a huge opportunity to contribute to global progress with joint initiatives," said the Minister and added that the two countries have a lot to learn from each other. "Looking forward I suggest intensifying our cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence, sustainable technologies and the education of young talents. Exchange of knowledge and investment in joint projects could improve not only our economies but also the wider progress of society," Minister Dr Begović concluded.
A Memorandum of Understanding was officially signed at the forum with the Swiss company "Novartis" regarding the development of cooperation with research and development institutions within the BIO4 Campus. Minister Dr Begović said that the Memorandum reflects "the strong commitment of both parties to fostering cooperation and improving synergy between industry, scientific institutes, university faculties and organizations". She also emphasized the importance of the "Novartis" company, which invested 11 billion in the research and development of these technologies, which is about a quarter of their total income. H.E. Jacques Ducrest congratulated the hosts for organizing the first Innovation Forum and expressed admiration for Serbia’s investment in innovations and the development of startups. "It is extremely important that the government, academia and the private sector cooperate and develop dialogue. Serbia is very successful in this," H.E. said. Anne Lugon-Moulin greeted the attendees and congratulated Minister Begović on the successful organization of the forum. "Serbia and Switzerland have had exceptional cooperation so far, and we will invest our efforts into making that cooperation even more intense in the future, especially in the field of startups and innovations."
The first Innovation Forum Serbia - Switzerland continues today and is held in the Palace of Serbia in Belgrade.
