As part of the Interreg Europe interregional cooperation programme, the workshop entitled “Strengthening the Capacity of Innovation Intermediaries in Serbia in the Field of Interregional Cooperation” was held in Belgrade on 24 September 2026. The workshop was organised by the Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform and the Ministry of European Integration of the Republic of Serbia.
The workshop focused on strengthening the role and capacity of innovation intermediaries in Serbia, as well as on their more active involvement in European initiatives, networks and interregional cooperation programmes. The workshop was opened by the Minister of European Integration, Nemanja Starović, who highlighted the significance of Serbia’s participation in the Interreg Europe programme for the European integration process, strengthening of territorial cohesion and sustainable regional development.
“It is important for Serbia to make the best possible use of this opportunity – not only through participation in projects, but above all through acquiring new knowledge, improving public policies and building the capacities of our institutions and organisations. It is precisely in this that we see the long-term value of European territorial cooperation,” Minister Starović said.
The Minister recalled that, since joining the Interreg Europe programme in 2024, Serbia has achieved significant results. To date, 42 projects involving Serbian partners have been approved, with the contracting of more than four million Euro from European Union funds. Of this number, 17 projects involving Serbian partners were approved under the call intended for newly associated candidate countries in 2024, while a further 25 projects were approved under the third call in 2025.
At the Ložionica Creative Industries Centre, participants had the opportunity to exchange experiences and learn about practical approaches to establishing connections with European partners, accessing European initiatives, and involving local stakeholders in the development of innovation ecosystems.
In addition to representatives of the Ministry of European Integration, participants were addressed by representatives of the Interreg Europe programme and the Policy Learning Platform, as well as European experts and representatives of institutions and organisations from Serbia and other European regions.
A special part of the programme was dedicated to the role of innovation intermediaries in the development of regional innovation ecosystems, access to European interregional initiatives, as well as methods for involving and coordinating local stakeholders through thematic working groups.
The workshop provided an opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences, establish new contacts, and develop future partnerships between organisations from Serbia and European regions.
