Why Joining a Chamber of Commerce is Key for Entrepreneurs in Serbia and the Balkans
Attending the Serbia-Switzerland Innovation Forum: A Remarkable Experience
On December 11th, I had the privilege of attending the Serbia-Switzerland Innovation Forum: Pioneering Tomorrow – Collaborative Innovation for a Sustainable Future. Held at the prestigious Palace of Serbia, this event brought together leaders, innovators, diplomats, and entrepreneurs from Serbia and Switzerland to explore the power of collaboration in fostering sustainable growth and innovation. Organized by the Swiss-Serbian Chamber of Commerce and the Swiss Embassy, the forum was an inspiring showcase of partnerships that are shaping the future of these two nations.
How It All Began
I first learned about this forum while attending the UK Western Balkans Commercial Conference in November. During the event, I had the pleasure of meeting the President of the Swiss-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, who shared insights about the thriving relationship between Serbia and Switzerland and invited me to this summit. As someone who has attended numerous Chamber of Commerce events during my time in Bangkok and Singapore, I know how transformative these gatherings can be for entrepreneurs and foreign investors. They offer not only opportunities to network but also invaluable insights into the local business ecosystem.
Highlights of the Forum
The Serbia-Switzerland Innovation Forum was a day filled with engaging speeches, dynamic panel discussions, and meaningful networking opportunities. The event opened with welcoming remarks from distinguished speakers, including H.E. Jelena Begović, Serbia’s Minister of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation; Ambassador Anne Lugon-Moulin, Switzerland’s representative in Belgrade; and Ambassador Jacques Ducrest, Head of International Relations at the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research, and Innovation. Their speeches emphasized the strong partnership between Serbia and Switzerland and the shared commitment to driving sustainable progress.
One of the key moments of the day was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the BIO4 Campus and Novartis, a major corporate sponsor of the event. This agreement symbolizes a new chapter of collaboration in biotech and healthcare innovation, reinforcing the importance of partnerships in advancing science and technology.
Insightful Panel Discussions
The forum featured three insightful panel discussions, each highlighting critical areas of collaboration and growth:
Accelerating Startup Ecosystem Development Through Partnership This panel explored the potential for Serbia’s growing startup ecosystem to thrive through partnerships with Swiss companies. Panelists included Brigitte Bruhin from SECO, Gordana Danilović Grković of the Science & Technology Park Belgrade, and Teodora Pećanac, Co-Founder of Startap Smartsy. Their discussions emphasized the importance of mentorship, funding, and international collaboration for startups to scale globally. These insights underscored the value of connecting emerging businesses with experienced international partners who can provide resources and guidance.
From Research to Market: The Role of IP and Technology Transfer Moderated by Danijela Zlatić Šutić of Serbia’s Intellectual Property Office, this panel delved into how intellectual property and technology transfer play a crucial role in commercializing research. Experts like Olga Allemann from the Swiss Federal Institute for Intellectual Property and Vladimir Crnojević from the BioSens Institute shared their insights on bridging the gap between research and market applications. The session highlighted the importance of protecting innovative ideas while ensuring they are accessible to industries that can bring them to life.
From Pre-Seed to Global Scale: Investment Landscapes That Foster Collaboration This panel, featuring Dr. Daniel Böhi of Alphorn Venture Partners and Nevena Janković Borozan of Raising Starts, discussed the investment opportunities and challenges in scaling businesses from pre-seed to global markets. It highlighted the importance of strategic investments and international partnerships in building robust ecosystems. The dialogue also explored how Serbian startups can attract foreign investment by leveraging local innovation and global networks.
The Value of Chambers of Commerce
As I reflected on the day, I was reminded of the immense value of Chambers of Commerce. When I lived in Southeast Asia, particularly in Bangkok and Singapore, I regularly attended Chamber events. These gatherings were instrumental in helping me understand the local business landscapes, connect with influential individuals, and promote my business effectively. The same holds true here in Serbia and the Balkans.
For foreign investors and entrepreneurs, joining a Chamber of Commerce is not just about attending events; it’s about becoming part of a community that provides insider knowledge, support, and access to key networks. Chambers like the Swiss-Serbian, American, British, Canadian, Austrian, and others are pivotal in bridging the gap between local and international businesses. They serve as a gateway for understanding the unique opportunities and challenges of operating in the region.
Chamber events are also platforms for meaningful connections. At this forum, I met representatives from Novartis, Serbian startups, and various Swiss companies deeply invested in the region. These interactions reinforced the importance of having a presence within such networks to gain insights and explore potential collaborations.
Looking Ahead
The Serbia-Switzerland Innovation Forum was more than just an event; it was a testament to the power of collaboration and the potential for innovation to drive sustainable development. From the inspiring speeches to the thought-provoking panel discussions and the vibrant networking sessions, the forum left me energized and optimistic about the future of business in Serbia and the Balkans.
I’m excited to attend more Chamber of Commerce events in 2025 and continue exploring the opportunities that these platforms provide. As an entrepreneur and content creator, these experiences not only enrich my understanding of the business ecosystem but also enable me to share the incredible potential of Serbia as an international hub for innovation and investment.
To all my fellow entrepreneurs and investors considering Serbia or the Balkans, I encourage you to get involved with your local Chamber of Commerce. It’s a step that can propel your business to new heights, connect you with invaluable resources, and open doors to a world of possibilities. Joining a Chamber is not just about business; it’s about building relationships that can last a lifetime.
Stay tuned for more insights from this remarkable forum in my upcoming posts and blog updates!
