BIO4 Campus took part in a study visit to the Netherlands as part of the Partners for International Business – Sustainable Communities in Serbia program, focused on innovation ecosystem development, regional transformation, and European cooperation.

The visit included engagements in Eindhoven, Groningen, and Laren, offering insight into how advanced innovation regions integrate research, industry, and policy to create sustainable, high-impact ecosystems.

Models of innovation-led regional development

The delegation explored Brainport Eindhoven and High Tech Campus Eindhoven — two of Europe's most mature innovation hubs — as well as regional initiatives in Groningen centered on energy transition, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology. These sites demonstrated different approaches to structuring collaboration between universities, private sector partners, and public institutions, while maintaining long-term financial sustainability and attracting international talent.

Discussions covered campus development strategies, spatial planning, governance models, and how innovation ecosystems evolve from infrastructure projects into self-sustaining networks that generate economic and social impact.

Applying lessons to BIO4's trajectory

During meetings and site visits, BIO4 Campus presented its concept and development plans, while learning from Dutch experiences in ecosystem networking, public-private alignment, and the practical challenges of scaling innovation infrastructure. These insights provide valuable reference points as BIO4 continues to build its own model — one adapted to Serbia's scientific strengths, policy environment, and regional positioning within Southeast Europe.

The study visit reinforced the importance of learning from established ecosystems while developing a strategy that reflects local context, institutional capacities, and long-term goals for Serbia's biotech and life sciences sector.