The synergy effect created from the partnership between the Republic of Serbia and the European Union has given a crucial impact on financing innovation in Serbia and strengthening links between the research and private sectors, it was concluded at the event held in Science Technology Park today in the presence of representatives of Serbian Government, institutions and diplomatic corps.

During the event, the Innovation Fund of Serbia announced a new call for proposals for grants for innovation development of Serbian enterprises. The public call is worth EUR 9 million and is part of the joint investment of the Republic of Serbia and the European Union through the project titled “Increased innovation capacity and technological readiness of SMEs” with the total value of EUR 20 million. At the event, four companies presented their products financed through Innovation Fund: PirateArt, Zanus Technology, Digital Mind, and Suncokret from Hajdukovo.

As it stressed, since 2001 the EU has allocated more than EUR 250 million for projects aimed at improving and strengthening various sectors of the Serbian economy, while overall EUR 41 million are dedicated alone to funding innovation, science and technology.

The event was also attended by the ambassadors of the EU member states, to whom the STP Belgrade member companies presented their innovative products and services. Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia,  H.E. Emanuel Joffre also visited some of the companies that are developing in the first science and technology park in Serbia.