The Acting Director of the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia, Professor Nenad Filipović, PhD, participated in the China InnoTour 2025 program held from 14–20 September, dedicated to strengthening connections between China and European countries in the fields of science, technology, and innovation (STI). The China InnoTour 2025 – European Science and Technology Management Personnel Visit Programme was organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China (MOST). The aim of the program is to enhance cooperation between Europe and China through the networking of governmental science and innovation institutions, research organizations, universities, industry representatives, as well as embassies and consulates.
The seven-day program included visits to Beijing, Xi’an, and Hangzhou, where participants had the opportunity to visit leading universities recognized for excellence in research, national research institutions, and innovative startups. These visits aimed to promote multilateral cooperation, exchange of ideas, improved understanding of research policies, and strengthened dialogue in science, technology, and innovation.
In addition to Professor Nenad Filipović, who was the sole representative from Serbia, participants included European delegates from Norway, Austria, Sweden, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, France, Bulgaria, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland. The program gathered more than 20 representatives of government institutions focused on science and innovation, universities, research institutes, and private companies.
The intensive seven-day program included technical visits to science and technology parks, universities, and innovative companies in Beijing, Xi’an, and Hangzhou, such as Peking University; Zhongguancun Science City (the first high-tech industrial zone in China); Xi’an Jiaotong University and the iHarbour Campus; the International Innovation Center of Zhejiang University in Hangzhou; and the China-Europe Talent Exchange and Innovation Cooperation Center in Hangzhou. Participants also visited companies such as BYD Auto, a leading company in battery, motor, and electric vehicle technologies; Unitree Robotics, a robotics company; and Hangzhou Lingban Technology, the first company to develop mass production of AR glasses (augmented/virtual reality eyewear).
During the visits, multiple joint meetings, discussions, and workshops were organized, where Professor Filipović played a prominent role as a speaker. The sessions focused on the exchange of research policies, development of cooperation, and sharing of best practices in science, technology, and innovation, as well as discussions on successful innovation models and strengthening cooperation between China and European countries.
During these engagements, Professor Filipović presented the work and activities of the Science Fund, including its support programs in artificial intelligence, international cooperation initiatives, and the development of a bilateral cooperation program between the Science Fund and the National Natural Science Foundation of China. He also outlined how the Republic of Serbia is working to strengthen science and innovation, as well as to develop national strategies aimed at advancing scientific and technological development.
