Pupin Forum 2024 in Belgrade, Serbia: Advancing US-Serbia Partnerships in a Changing World
The inaugural Pupin Forum, held on May 31, 2024, in Belgrade, focused on revitalizing historically positive relations between Serbia and the United States. The event emphasized renewing trust, cooperation, and partnership between the two nations, recalling their past alliances and shared achievements. It aimed to foster deeper, more meaningful connections by exploring new avenues for exchange and collaboration, particularly in entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology. The Forum highlighted Serbia's potential as a key partner to the US in the Balkans, emphasizing political and economic stability, technological progress, sustainable energy, and e-mobility. It set the stage for a new era of collaboration and mutual growth in a changing geopolitical landscape.
Panels
Setting the Stage: Navigating Geopolitical Landscapes
At the first panel of the Pupin Forum, participants gained valuable insights into the geopolitical landscape of Serbia and the Western Balkans, as well as the challenges Serbia faces in the geopolitical arena. The U.S. defense perspective on these issues was presented, while contrasting viewpoints on China and the Western Balkans region were also shared.
Moderated by Marko Dašić (Faculty of Political Sciences) and featuring:
Brigadier General Chris A. McKinney, Deputy Director for Partnership and Security Cooperation, EUCOM, Department of Defense, United States
Dejan Jović, Professor of International Relations at Faculty of Political Sciences, University of Zagreb
Andrew J. Nathan, Professor of Political Science at Columbia University, United States
Navigating Serbian Foreign Policy: A One-on-One Discussion with the Serbian Foreign Minister
This conversation provided an in-depth examination of the current state and future prospects of US-Serbia relations, highlighting Serbia's pivotal role in the Western Balkans and its impact on regional stability. It addressed key elements of Serbian foreign policy amidst global geopolitical challenges and outlined the new Foreign Minister's strategic plans and vision for Serbia's diplomatic efforts.
Moderated by Vuk Velebit (Pupin Initiative) and featuring:
Marko Djurić, Minister of Foreign Affair, Republic of Serbia
Biotech - The Next Frontier for Serbia and a New Opportunity for a US-Serbia Partnership?
Biotechnology and precision medicine form the second pillar of tech-driven global economic growth. The United States, with its unique ecosystem of scientific entrepreneurs, venture capital, and academia, is the undisputed leader in the field. Meanwhile, Serbia, after remarkable success in the IT sector, is poised to engage with the transformative Bio4 campus. Lessons learned in creating biotech hubs and the secret to harnessing the ideas and energy of cutting-edge life sciences research were discussed.
Moderated by Aleksandra Vidaković (Roche) and featuring:
Samuel Sia, Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Vice Provost for the Fourth Purpose and Strategic Impact, Columbia University
Jelena Begović, Minister of Innovation, Technology and Science, Republic of Serbia
Ivan Trifunović, Pharma & Biotech Exec, Co-Founder, Dren Bio
Energy Security, Supply Chains and E-mobility: Sustainable Solutions for Energy Needs
Energy security is a critical political, strategic, and economic concern amidst evolving global geopolitics impacting supply chains. We are witnessing enormous changes unseen before, with the world reorganizing and seeking more efficient and reliable solutions in all areas. This process is further complicated by revolutionary advancements in the field of e-mobility.
Moderated by Ryan Ottman (Strategic investment advisor & Lawyer) and featuring:
Nemanja Mikać, CEO at ElevenEs
Filip Mitrović, E-mobility consultant
Miloš Colić, Director at New Energy Solutions
Digital Neighbors: Leveraging Technological Advancements for Mutual Growth
Our greatest assets are our people, their knowledge, expertise, and the innovative environment we're fortunate to inhabit. Expanding this channel of collaboration is crucial, offering both Serbia and America significant opportunities for technological advancement and competitiveness. Where are the opportunities, where are the challenges, what awaits us, and how can we be even better?
Moderated by Vladimir Milošević (Pupin Initiative, San Francisco) and featuring:
Mina Konaković Luković, Professor of Computer Science and Principal Investigator at Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, MIT
Dragan Tomić, Vice President of Engineering, Databricks
Alex Wheldon, Co-Founder, President & Chief Product Officer, Rho Business Banking
Tihomir Bajić, Founder of Serbian Entrepreneurs and Co-Founder of Fifth Quarter Ventures
