Pupin Forum 2025 in Belgrade, Serbia: Strategic Realignments: Innovation, Power, and the Rise of Agile Nations
The world is undergoing a period of profound transformation—marked by technological disruption, shifting trade dynamics, and accelerating geopolitical fragmentation. In this new environment, it is not just global powers that are shaping outcomes, but also agile nations that move quickly, innovate strategically, and position themselves with foresight.
Serbia and the broader Balkan region stand at a crossroads of global competition and opportunity. As the international system is redefined, Serbia has the potential to emerge as a connector—linking East and West, capital and innovation, diplomacy and business.
The 2025 Pupin Forum will explore how agile economies like Serbia can take advantage of strategic realignments through deeper transatlantic partnerships, growing tech ecosystems, energy diversification, and scientific leadership. The Forum will also examine how US-Serbia cooperation can evolve in a new political era, and how the Balkans can strengthen its role in global value chains, AI development, and emerging regional diplomacy.
With top voices from US policy, business, academia, and innovation—including keynote speaker George Friedman—the Pupin Forum will frame Serbia not as a bystander, but as a serious and strategic player in tomorrow’s world.
Panels
Opening Strategic Outlook
A strategic briefing to frame the Forum’s core theme: the future of influence in a shifting global system.
George Friedman, Founder and Chairman, Geopolitical Futures
Panel Discussion I: The Balkans and the World – Strategic Outlook in an Unstable Era
How can the Balkans assert strategic relevance in an era of global fragmentation and shifting alliances?
Moderated by Misha Savic (Bloomberg) and featuring:
Philip Reeker, Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State
Milan Krstić, Professor, University of Belgrade
Kaush Arha, President of the Free & Open Indo-Pacific Forum
Panel Discussion II: U.S.-Serbia Business Perspectives – Investment, Trust & Opportunity
What drives the U.S. capital toward Serbia? What’s missing for full-scale investment confidence?
Moderated by Tihomir Bajić (X&, Managing Partner) and featuring:
Francisco Gonzalez, Executive Director, Economic Club of Miami
Marija Živanović Smith, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, IEX
David Schoch, Co-founder and Member of the Board of the Serbian Private Equity Association
Panel Discussion III: Serbia’s Scientific and Entrepreneurial Diaspora – Biotech, AI and Global Leadership
Highlighting world-class Serbian contributions in science and entrepreneurship, and how Serbia can better connect with its leading minds abroad.
Moderated by Dr. Jelena Begović and featuring:
Gordana Vunjak-Novaković, Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University
Nenad Tomasević, Co-Founder and CEO, Dren Bio
Mina Konaković Luković, Assistant Professor and Principal Investigator at Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, MIT
Keynote Conversation: George Friedman in conversation with Vuk Velebit
Closing insights on Serbia’s role in a rapidly evolving geopolitical and economic order.
