On December 11, 2024, Minister of Science, Technological Development and Innovation Jelena Begović opened the first Innovation Forum Serbia-Switzerland, at which a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Serbia and the Swiss company Novartis relating to cooperation with research and development institutions within BIO4 Campus.
Begović pointed out that experts from Serbia and Switzerland exchanged know-how and ideas at this gathering, with the aim of contributing to global progress in the field of innovation and start-ups.
Switzerland has set global standards when it comes to start-up development, she said, noting that Serbian start-up systems are also experiencing exponential growth of 20% to 30% per year.
The Minister proposed intensifying bilateral cooperation in the areas of artificial intelligence, sustainable technology and education of young talents, adding that the exchange of knowledge and investment in joint projects can improve not only the two economies, but also the broader progress of society.
Speaking about the Memorandum of Understanding between Serbia and Novartis, Begović said that the document reflects both sides’ strong commitment to fostering cooperation and improving synergy between industry, scientific institutes, university faculties and organisations.
Head of the International Relations Division at the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation Jacques Ducrest pointed out the importance of Serbia’s investment in innovation and the development of start-ups, noting that the country is very successful in developing cooperation and dialogue between the government, science and the private sector.
Swiss Ambassador to Serbia Anne Lugon-Moulin stated that the two countries have had exceptional cooperation so far, adding that Switzerland is committed to intensifying relations, especially in the field of start-ups and innovation.
Mrs. Govedarica, President of the Swiss-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, emphasized SSCC’s commitment to the further enhancement of the Swiss-Serbian economic relations, especially by raising awareness about the importance of innovation for economic growth, development and sustainable future.
Switzerland has been named the most innovative country in the world for the 14th consecutive year. On 26 September 2024, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) presented the Global Innovation Index (GII) in Geneva. The GII is the most renowned annual ranking of the innovative strength of individual countries. Switzerland has ranked first out of a current total of 133 countries since 2010.
Speaking about the AI and the ICT sector, Mrs. Govedarica noted that Switzerland was Serbia’s 4th partner in trade in services. The Swiss-Serbian Chamber of Commerce gathers many Swiss ICT companies operating for years now on the Serbian market, such as Sky Express, Holycode, InterVenture, Codetribe, Merkle, Pulsec, Consulteer and other. She also emphasized that the BIO4 Campus, supported by Swiss companies Roche and Novartis, will bring together scientists, the private sector, and the academic community – all talented people connected around biotechnology, biomedicine, bioinformatics and biodiversity.
