Serbia signs Memorandum of Understanding with Swiss company Novartis

Minister of Science, Technological Development and Innovation Jelena Begovic opened today the first Innovation Forum Serbia-Switzerland, at which a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Serbia and the Swiss company Novartis, the Government of Serbia announced.

Begovic said that the signing of the document showed the readiness of both sides to cooperate and raise the level of cooperation between science institutes and faculties.

– In addition to that, there is a strong desire to work together on the development of technologies for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of some of the most frequent diseases – she pointed out and reminded that Novartis had invested around a quarter of its total income in researching and developing these technologies.

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 was 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 had had exceptional cooperation up till that point, adding that Switzerland was committed to intensifying relations, especially in the field of start-ups and innovation.

Begovic pointed out that experts from Serbia and Switzerland would exchange 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.

According to her, we are facing a great opportunity to contribute, through joint initiatives, to global progress, whereby the two countries have a lot to learn from each other.

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 could improve not only the two economies, but also the broader progress of society.

Ministarstvo nauke, tehnološkog razvoja i inovacija Republike Srbije

Ambasada Švajcarske Beograd

Novartis Pharma Services INC Beograd

Ministry of Science Technological Development and Innovation

Embassy of Switzerland in Serbia

Novartis

Anne Lugon Moulin

Jelena Begović

Jacques Ducrest

Innovation Forum Serbia Switzerland