INNOVATIONS FOR A ZERO-EMISSIONS FUTURE: GREEN PROJECTS AND AMBITIOUS PLANS FOR THE REGION

The Western Balkans holds significant potential for a transition to a green economy through innovative approaches and cross-sector collaboration, as highlighted in the panel “Solutions for Net Zero Future: INNOVATIONS!” where experts showcased groundbreaking sustainability projects.

Smiljana Krivokuća, Director of BIO4 Campus, emphasized that Serbia has the opportunity to become a regional hub for biotechnology innovations meeting all sustainability standards.

– We have globally recognized ICT talent, and we plan to build on this. Our goal is to harness the convergence of biology and technology to establish a major European biotechnology innovation center here in Serbia. We have the necessary government support, and biotechnology is a highly regulated field – Krivokuća highlighted, adding that the concept of Bio4 Campus is based on co-creation—bringing together diverse teams across fields to create an innovation-supporting ecosystem.

In Serbia, edible electronics are also under development, pioneered by Professor Dr. Goran Stojanović from the Faculty of Technical Sciences in Novi Sad.

– My team is one of only six globally with expertise in food-based electronics. Our idea is to replace traditional electronic components with ones made from food. For example, we dry potato peels and process them into powder for electronic components, turning waste into value – Stojanović explained.

Maša Njegovan, Senior Expert and Corporate Sustainability Lead at Climate Lens Advisors, highlighted the need to retrain the workforce in green technologies.

– The EU needs an additional 2.5 million green workers by 2030, and our task is to enable workers from fossil fuel sectors to transition to new green jobs – Njegovan emphasized.

Majlinda Bufi, Mayor of Roskovec, underscored the importance of green innovations for local governments.

– After two years of work with experts, we became the first municipality in Albania to adopt an energy efficiency and carbon reduction plan. This document commits us to use alternative energy sources, reduce electricity use, and enhance energy efficiency for our needs – Bufi explained.

Scroll to Top