The Minister of Science, Technological Development and Innovation of Serbia, Jelena Begović, inaugurated the first Innovation Forum Serbia – Switzerland, where experts from both countries are coming together to exchange knowledge and ideas aimed at advancing global innovation and fostering startup ecosystems.
Minister Begović emphasized Switzerland’s global leadership in startup development and highlighted the impressive growth of Serbia’s own startup ecosystem, which is experiencing an annual increase of 20 to 30 percent. She stressed that Serbia and Switzerland have a tremendous opportunity to contribute to global progress through joint initiatives, with both nations able to learn from one another.
She proposed boosting bilateral cooperation in key areas such as artificial intelligence, sustainable technology, and the education of young talent. Begović noted that collaboration in these fields could not only strengthen the economies of both countries but also contribute to broader societal progress.
A significant moment of the forum was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Serbia and the Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis. Minister Begović explained that the agreement demonstrates both parties’ commitment to deepening collaboration between scientific institutes and universities. It also reflects a shared interest in developing technologies for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of common diseases. She pointed out that Novartis invests about a quarter of its total revenue in research and development in this area.
Jacques Ducrest, Head of International Relations at the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research, and Innovation, praised Serbia’s efforts in innovation, particularly in the startup sector, and commended the country’s success in fostering cooperation between government, academia, and the private sector.
Swiss Ambassador to Serbia, Anne Lugon Mullen, highlighted the exceptional cooperation between Serbia and Switzerland, noting that Switzerland is committed to further intensifying relations, particularly in the fields of startups and innovation.
Earlier in the day, Minister Begović met with a delegation from the Swiss Embassy in Serbia, which included Ambassador Anne Lugon Mullen, Jacques Ducrest, and Nora Kumbul, Scientific Advisor for Bilateral Relations at the Swiss State Secretariat. During the meeting, Minister Begović stressed the value of Switzerland’s experience in innovation and technology for Serbia’s ongoing development in these areas.
She also informed the delegation about Serbia’s ongoing investments in science and technology, noting that the country currently has four scientific and technological parks, with plans to open a fifth park in Kruševac and a planned one in Kragujevac.
In conclusion, Minister Begović emphasized the importance of knowledge and skills exchange between Serbia and Switzerland, underlining that fostering the mobility of local experts between the two countries will be a key focus moving forward.
