BIO4 Campus Earns Global Attention at Harvard: Minister Begović on Serbia’s Innovation Path

10/02/2024

Photo: Zoran Petrović / NITRA

The Minister of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, Jelena Begović, participated in the panel “What is the Future of Science and Innovation in Europe,” as part of the 10th Conference on Europe at Harvard University.

Begović stated that the discussion focused on Europe’s position as a continent on the global map of innovation, startup ecosystems, science, and technological development, and how Europe compares to the United States in these areas.

"We used the opportunity to showcase that Serbia has recognized biotechnology and the integration of biotechnology with information technology as a key avenue for the future development of our economy, science, and innovation ecosystem," she explained.

The Minister noted that the BIO4 Campus project was presented to the attendees, who responded very positively.

According to her, panel participants from France and the United Kingdom were somewhat surprised by Serbia’s initiatives and recognized this effort as an excellent model for engaging in global trends and the global race for technological development.

Begović expressed confidence that through the BIO4 Campus and the transformation of Serbia’s scientific and educational systems, the country will set trends for the region and possibly for the broader global community.

Her fellow panelists included Joe Johnson, former Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research, and Innovation of the United Kingdom, and Olivier Bogillot, Head of General Medicine at Sanofi.

The panel took place in the John F. Kennedy Forum, known for fostering dialogues on politics, public service, and other relevant issues.