Capital Innovation Point Serbia – A Step Toward a Stronger Innovation and Investment Environment

Capital Innovation Point Serbia (CIPS), as a European Digital Innovation Hub in Serbia, represents a central platform for strengthening the innovation ecosystem by connecting startups, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, investors, corporations, the public sector, and experts through knowledge exchange and concrete forms of support for innovation development.

CIPS is designed as a platform that goes beyond traditional support and training programs. As part of the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) network, the project aims to accelerate digital transformation and strengthen the digital capacities of organizations from both the private and public sectors through practical knowledge exchange, expert support, and connections with innovation ecosystems in Serbia and across Europe. The project focuses on applicable solutions and knowledge – from improving internal processes and service quality to developing technological and organizational capacities.

CIPS operates as a national network coordinated by the Science and Technology Park Belgrade, in partnership with NALED, the Science and Technology Park Novi Sad, Data Cloud Technology (DCT) Kragujevac, and the Faculty of Technical Sciences of the University of Novi Sad. Associated partners involved in the project include the Faculty of Electrical Engineering in Belgrade and the Institute of Physics. The project is implemented within the Digital Europe Programme and is co-financed by the European Union.

As one of the partners within this network, Data Cloud Technology (DCT) in Kragujevac actively participates in the implementation of the CIPS project.

DCT is an official entity within Serbia’s innovation system and, through its partnership in the CIPS project, actively contributes to strengthening the country’s innovation capacities. As one of the leaders in the data center industry, DCT participates in the project by providing its own infrastructure capacities and expert support, with the aim of facilitating knowledge transfer and supporting the development of the domestic economy through innovations in digital transformation.

CIPS is primarily intended for startups, as well as micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, and public institutions seeking to enhance their digital capacities through tailored programs, access to advanced technologies, and expert knowledge. Special emphasis is placed on connecting the real needs of the economy and the public sector with existing knowledge, financial instruments, and regulatory frameworks, alongside the development and application of advanced digital technologies – ranging from artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to automation, robotics, and high-performance computing – across various sectors, including BioTech, MedTech, AgriTech, Green Tech, transport, and services.

CIPS users can engage in various forms of support, including mentoring and advisory services, the enhancement of business and investment capacities, and connections with potential partners and investors. A significant part of the project is dedicated to peer-to-peer knowledge and experience exchange, bringing together experts from industry, the technology community, and institutions to share practical, real-life examples. This approach enables existing practical knowledge to be transferred and utilized more effectively, with a focus on real challenges faced by innovative companies and institutions at different stages of development. The experiences of Alliance members can serve as examples and inspiration for other organizations and may be shared via the designated LINK.

In addition, CIPS enables national and international networking, connections with partners from Serbia, the region, and the European Union, as well as the development of joint initiatives and research and development projects. The consortium also provides support for testing and developing technological products, strengthening technical knowledge and skills, and facilitating easier access to information on funding sources, thereby further enhancing users’ competitiveness.

For Alliance members, CIPS represents an opportunity to actively participate in the development of the innovation ecosystem – whether through knowledge and experience exchange, mentoring, collaboration with startups and SMEs, or direct involvement in the project itself, in line with the needs and interests of their organizations. Alliance members are invited to familiarize themselves with the available documents within the CIPS project and, in accordance with their interests and capacities, consider ways to contribute to or participate in the implementation of this initiative by applying via the LINK.

Through CIPS, a space is being established for structured dialogue between the business sector, innovative companies, and the investment community, with a clear ambition to translate innovations more rapidly into sustainable business models, contributing to the strengthening of the domestic innovation landscape and the further development of an environment that encourages cooperation, investment, and knowledge exchange.

This text was prepared for the purposes of the Alliance for eGovernment members’ newsletter.