From the south of Serbia to the most innovative markets in Europe: How Serbian startups can reach Scandinavia
While every fourth Dane and every fifth Swede follows technological innovations, only 4% of citizens in Serbia feel this way. These Eurobarometer data vividly show how big the gap is - but also how much opportunity there is for domestic startups that have the ambition to play on the global stage. At the Pop up export hub, as part of the Advanced Technologies Forum in Niš, it was precisely this that was discussed - how innovators from Serbia can step into the demanding but extremely stimulating markets of the Nordic countries. Through concrete advice and examples, the participants opened up the space for the first serious partnerships and exit to the north of Europe.
- Countries like Finland, Sweden and Denmark are known for high digital literacy, trust in new technologies and systemic support for innovators. Not only through accelerator and mentoring programs, but also through investments - between 10% and 20% of all state expenditures for research and development activities go to projects in which private companies also participate - said Dušan Vasiljević, Director of Competitiveness and Investments at NALED.
Success in Scandinavia is no accident – it requires serious preparation, understanding of a different business culture and a high degree of transparency. The innovations taking place in this part of Europe are not only "smart", but must solve concrete challenges and be based on sustainable models that look at the long term, it was said at the event.
- The key is to know the country where you want to do business, have a mentor, use organizational support and focus on one region. When the product is ready for the regional framework, it can move on to the global market - pointed out Anni Anttonen, CEO of operations of startup campus Maria 01 from Helsinki.
She stated that they put a special emphasis on preserving the mental health of the startup team, and that psychologists work with them to help the founders avoid burnout and maintain a balance between free time and work.
Although they do not currently offer their own support programs, the focus is on cooperation with relevant initiatives in Finland, such as 90 Day Finn, Business Helsinki Accelerator and Health Incubator Helsinki. Also, the guest announced that the first Maria 01 accelerator for startups with high growth potential is being prepared.
Cloud City from Niš has business experience in these markets, and its founder Marko Šćepanović concluded that persistence is important when making a breakthrough, and networking through hubs such as Maria01, because they enable contacts and partnerships. He also emphasized the importance of going to fairs like Slush, to which the StarTech team in cooperation with NTP Niš will send startups and provide them with adequate preparation.
The Pop-up Export Hub in Niš was organized as part of the StarTech project, which is implemented by NALED and Philip Morris International, with the support of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, with the aim of accelerating the digital transformation of the domestic economy and strengthening Serbia's innovation potential.
