At this year’s Kopaonik Business Forum, SEE UP had the honor of organizing and moderating a dedicated panel on innovation, led by Dušan Obradović, General Manager of SEE UP Accelerator. The discussion brought together key voices from the regional startup and investment ecosystem to address the current state and future direction of innovation in Serbia.

The panel explored a wide range of topics, including the relationship between local and international ecosystems, the role of mentors and accelerators, and the importance of collaboration across sectors. In a dynamic and engaging atmosphere, panelists shared their personal experiences and perspectives—offering both actionable insights and inspiration for the audience.

As the conversation deepened, the focus shifted to a thought-provoking question:

“What would you change in Serbia’s innovation ecosystem?”

Here’s what our panelists had to say:

Maja Anđelković – “Stronger connections between scientists and entrepreneurs.”

Marko Carević – “Take off the tight shoes — think more ambitiously.”

Lav Odorović – “Aim as high as possible. Even if you miss, it won’t look bad.”

Ivan Trifunović – “We need to cut excessive regulation and follow examples of countries where the state actively supports entrepreneurs.”

Goran Pitić – “It’s essential to connect innovation with global markets and simultaneously reform education.”

Different perspectives, one shared goal - a stronger, more connected innovation ecosystem in Serbia.

We thank all the panelists and attendees for contributing to such a rich and meaningful discussion. SEE UP remains committed to building bridges between innovation, entrepreneurship, and real-world impact.