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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

World Bank’s support in process of transformation of scientific, innovation ecosystem

Belgrade, 31 January 2024

A delegation of the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation, led by Minister Jelena Begovic, met with a delegation of the World Bank, led by Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia Asad Alam.

During the meeting, Begovic presented the results of the Ministry's work achieved in just over a year of its existence and outlined plans for further work.

Asad Alam said he was inspired by the innovative ideas he heard, stating that the Ministry's team has experience in the field of biotechnology, especially when it comes to 3D printing, cardiovascular research and nanotechnology.

I was inspired by the importance of technology and innovation in your country. Your innovation funds are transparent, objective, independent and competitive. I think it's a system that works very well and the World Bank will promote Serbia as a model of successfully launching public policies, Alam said.

Begovic noted that Serbia is in the process of transforming the scientific and innovation ecosystem, which will require the continuation of the support that the World Bank actively provides.

She stated that the Ministry influenced the construction of new and expansion of the existing scientific and innovation infrastructure, the way in which science is financed, and changes to laws and regulations concerning scientific activities were initiated.

We aim to reach every innovator in Serbia, which is why there are regional innovation startup centers and four science and technology parks. We are building a new science and technology park in Krusevac, and we are expanding the existing ones because our goal is to create better conditions for the cooperation of innovators and scientists, the Minister pointed out.

According to her, the biggest investment in science in Serbia and the region is the BIO4 Campus, which will be a kind of scientific city in Belgrade, and €450 million will be invested in it.

This kind of project is a great opportunity for the scientific and economic development of the country and will include 9 institutes, 7 faculties, over 1,000 scientists and more than 4,000 students in one place, Begovic pointed out.