Horizons of Innovation - EU Research Collaboration Forum

Keynote Speaker: Prof. dr Dejan VUKOBRATOVIĆ, Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad

A leading voice in wireless communications and EU project leader, takes us inside Europe’s research ecosystem – its opportunities, its blind spots, and what it really means to be part of a scientific community that stretches across borders.

Within the INNOVATION MINDSET ZONE, this inspirational talk will challenge how we see research, push us to think beyond academia, and spark ideas on turning European collaboration into global impact.

dr Vladimir TODOROVIĆ, Science and Technology Park Novi Sad

He’s been shaping innovation ecosystems from Novi Sad to Singapore. Founder of the International Relations Office at the Faculty of Technical Sciences and a European Commission scholar with experience across Germany, Thailand, Croatia, and Scotland.
As the driving force behind iDEAlab and the Development Center of the Science and Technology Park Novi Sad, he continues to connect science, talent, and opportunity.

In the INNOVATION MINDSET ZONE, he will lead the discussion From Science to Startups: What Academia Didn’t Teach Us.

Prof. dr Kruna RATKOVIĆ, University of Donja Gorica; Co-owner of MODRONE doo

What happens when research steps out of the lab and takes flight?
Prof. dr Kruna Ratković — professor at the University of Donja Gorica and co-founder of MoDrone d.o.o. — transforms scientific ideas into real-world solutions, showing that innovation begins where curiosity meets courage.

In the INNOVATION MINDSET ZONE, she opens up about the journey behind this transition — the trials, the lessons, and the defining moments that shaped her path from science to startups.

dr Bojan ĆUDIĆ, Coordinator of the Digital Innovation Hub ONEX and the Enterprise Europe Network in Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina

With nearly two decades of experience in EU projects and SME development, he bridges research, innovation, and entrepreneurship — helping businesses and researchers turn ideas into collaboration, growth, and tangible impact.

In the session NEXTGEN IDEAS: YOUNG RESEARCHERS TAKE THE STAGE, he introduces an engaging format where young researchers explore, co-create, and pitch their ideas — turning curiosity into collaboration.

Prof. dr Ernest VLAČIĆ, Faculty of Economics, Finance and Administration (FEFA), Belgrade

With a career built at the crossroads of academia, business, and policy, he brings deep insight into how innovation systems truly work — beyond theory, frameworks, and buzzwords.

An expert in innovation management, Industry 4.0/5.0, ESG, and knowledge transfer, he’s been shaping national strategies, mentoring startups, and evaluating EU projects for years.

In the session EU PROJECT REALITY CHECK, he leads an unfiltered discussion on what evaluators really see — and what separates success from rejection.

dr Jovana KOJIĆ, BioSense Institute, Novi Sad

With a passion for connecting research and community, she brings curiosity and creativity into every conversation.

In the session POSTER & COFFEE, she guides a relaxed yet vibrant exchange where projects, ideas, and people meet over a cup of inspiration.

Blending science and spontaneity, this format turns networking into genuine collaboration — the kind that keeps the Pulse of Horizons alive.

Steffen BLECHER, REGUPOL Germany

Bringing an industry perspective shaped by decades of innovation, he bridges research, technology, and real-world application.

At the panel FROM SCIENCE TO STARTUPS: WHAT ACADEMIA DIDN’T TEACH US, he shares how long-term trust and collaboration between researchers and companies turn academic ideas into sustainable business success.

His story with REGUPOL and INODIS proves that when vision meets patience, innovation endures.

Prof. dr Snezana BILIĆ, International Balkan University Skopje

With extensive experience across EU programmes and evaluation panels, she brings clarity and perspective to the complex world of project funding.

In the session EU PROJECT REALITY CHECK, she shares what truly defines a fundable proposal — and how to bridge the gap between great ideas and successful evaluations.

Her approach combines strategy, empathy, and precision — offering insights that keep the Pulse of Horizons grounded in real impact.

dr Vesna RAŠKOVIĆ DEPALOV, Start-up and Scale-up Advisor at Enterprise Europe Network Serbia

Bringing together business acumen and a passion for innovation, she connects research-based ventures with markets ready for transformation.

In the session INNO-PITCH: RESEARCH SPARKS, she guides bold start-ups and spin-offs as they showcase how science turns into opportunity.

Her moderation blends insight, structure, and energy — turning every pitch into a spark that fuels the Pulse of Horizons.

Aleksandar BIJELIĆ, Serbian Venture Network

Combining strategic foresight with real-world innovation, he bridges business, technology, and investment.

In the panel FROM SCIENCE TO STARTUPS: WHAT ACADEMIA DIDN’T TEACH US, he shares insights from turning ideas into scalable ventures and building ecosystems where science meets entrepreneurship.

His perspective comes from years of driving digital transformation and mentoring founders.