The Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to Serbia, H.E. Dr Slobodan Šešum, together with a delegation from the Embassy, visited the Faculty of Technical Sciences and the Science and Technology Park in Novi Sad to discuss opportunities for strengthening cooperation in technological innovation, knowledge-based industry and the development of the regional innovation ecosystem in the Western Balkans.
A key focus of the visit was the Smart Manufacturing Innovation Centre (SMIC), established in Novi Sad in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), with strong support from the Republic of Slovenia. The Centre supports companies in Serbia and the wider region in adopting Industry 4.0 principles, advanced manufacturing solutions and digital transformation.
The discussions highlighted the evolution of SMIC from an initiative bringing together experts from the Faculty of Technical Sciences and Slovenia into a regional platform connecting companies, research institutions and experts across the Western Balkans.
Today, SMIC brings together a network of more than 130 partners and works with over 200 small and medium-sized enterprises across the region. Through training and capacity-building programmes, engineering and advisory services, access to technologies, and research and development, the Centre helps businesses advance their digital and technological capabilities.
The visit underscored the importance of stronger links between academia, industry and international partners in building a resilient and sustainable innovation ecosystem in Serbia and across the Western Balkans.
