The CTD Innovation Hub - A New Spot for Connecting Traditional and Innovative Industries

Today, the Innovation Hub of the Center for Digital Transformation (CDT), dedicated to connecting traditional and innovative industries, was officially opened at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia. Also, a Register of entities belonging to the National Innovation System - the e -Innovation platform was presented.

Innovation hubs play a vital role as collaborative spaces where creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship converge. They foster a culture of innovation, support startups, drive research, and facilitate networking among diverse talents, ultimately contributing to economic growth and technological advancements. These hubs often serve as catalysts for groundbreaking ideas and transformative solutions across various industries. 

Predrag Nikolić, Head of the Center for Digital Transformation (CDT) said that six years ago the goal of the CDT was to provide support for the digital transformation of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in Serbia. As he stated, during this period, more than 4,500 clients passed through the Center.

In the meantime, a new goal was imposed, which is to create a stronger channel of communication between the traditional economy and the scientific and technological companies. " The space of the Innovation Hub will serve startups and all technology companies that are looking for partnerships to develop their ideas," said Nikolić.

Implementation of technology and science into a business system is a crucial factor for companies' survival today, Nikolić notes.
"We will work on specific mergers and solutions, and the idea is to make the CDT hub attractive for different funds that will look for their next investment here," Nikolić pointed out.

Mihailo Jovanović, Minister of Information and Telecommunications, said that the Register of Entities belonging to the National Innovation System - the eInnovation platform is a key instrument for the identification and continuous monitoring of all actors of the innovation ecosystem, which provides the basis for quick and efficient coordination between relevant subjects. He pointed out that the eInnovation platform allowed all subjects of innovation activities to register in the register simply by applying online through the eInnovation Portal.
"As part of the national innovation strategy, this comprehensive database is the foundation for the successful realization of the digital transformation of Serbia," said Jovanović.

Dr. Jelena Begović, Minister of Science, Technological Development and Innovation pointed out that three platforms were created during this year, eScience, which will start on January 1, 2024, then the Open Research Infrastructure portal, as well as the eInnovation platform. The common goal of these platforms is to support the development of the startup ecosystem in Serbia. Begović pointed out that the application to the platform is simple and invited all participants with innovative activities, such as startups and "spinoffs", innovative companies, regional innovation centers, science and technology parks, as well as investors, to apply.
"Our goal is to gather and support everyone. For now, we have between 600 and 700 start-up companies in Serbia, and our wish is for that number to grow," said Begović.

Luka Radovanović from the startup "B2Bee", a company that deals with the automation of business processes in sales, emphasized the importance of the Registry, which, among other things, enables connection with other startups and their greater visibility.