At the panel “From scientific research to innovative solutions”, held as part of the 68th International fair of technics and technical achievements, the Cleaner Production Centre of Serbia”, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy of the University of Belgrade, actively participated through a presentation by Dr Bojan Radak.
The panel brought together representatives of the academic community and institutions with the aim of opening a discussion on a key challenge of the domestic ecosystem, how to more effectively transform scientific research into concrete, market-ready solutions.
In his address, Dr Radak highlighted the historical perspective of scientific research development in Serbia, noting that the Vinča Institute once maintained a balance between research activities and their application in industry. According to him, this model represents an important reference point for current efforts to strengthen the connection between science and industry.
Special focus was placed on contemporary initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between scientific research and the market. In this context, Dr Radak presented the activities of the Cleaner Production Centre of Serbia, including the implementation of the GreenUp Accelerator, which supports the development of sustainable innovations and “green” startups.
It was emphasized that the program is currently underway, with its second cohort of startups going through an intensive development process, from idea validation and business model improvement to market readiness and investor engagement. The program provides workshops and mentorship support necessary for developing innovations with real market potential.
“The biggest challenge is not in creating knowledge, but in its application. This process needs to be systematically supported in order for research to achieve its full social and economic impact,” Radak emphasized.
The discussion addressed key barriers in the technology transfer process, as well as the roles of various stakeholders from universities and research institutes to startups and institutional support.
The conclusion of the panel was that Serbia has strong scientific potential, but that it is necessary to further develop mechanisms that enable a more efficient transition from idea to market.
The participation of the Cleaner Production Centre of Serbia in this panel confirms its active role in the development of the innovation ecosystem and in supporting sustainable solutions that contribute to the green transition.