The UK–Serbia Science and Innovation Fellowship Programme is a flagship initiative implemented by the British Council and funded by the British Embassy in Serbia. It is aimed at enhancing governance, transparency, and collaboration within Serbia’s science and innovation ecosystem. Drawing on successful models from the United Kingdom, the Programme fosters connections among key national and local stakeholders – including government institutions, universities, science and technology parks, civil society organisations, the media, and the private sector — to promote a more inclusive, accountable, and innovation-driven environment.
Through a week-long study visit to the United Kingdom and a subsequent four-week mentorship scheme, twenty emerging and established leaders from Serbia’s science and innovation sectors will gain direct exposure to the UK’s best practices in innovation governance, policy development, and cross-sector collaboration. Participants will examine how effective partnerships, open data policies, and ethical approaches to innovation can stimulate economic growth and strengthen institutional trust. In close collaboration with UK mentors and partner institutions, Fellows will co-develop proposals tailored to Serbia’s specific needs, with the aim to improve research commercialisation, academia–industry cooperation, collaboration among universities, science and technology parks (STPs), local governments, and national innovation bodies, as well as the representation of women in innovation leadership.
The Programme places strong emphasis on diversity, regional inclusion, and women’s leadership, ensuring equitable participation from across Serbia. It also seeks to establish a sustainable alumni network to facilitate ongoing cooperation, peer learning, and knowledge exchange beyond the Fellowship’s duration.
By equipping participants with practical skills, international networks, and a shared vision for systemic reform, the Fellowship strengthens institutional capacities and enhances Serbia’s standing within the global innovation landscape. Over time, it aspires to become a prestigious and enduring platform for science and innovation leadership, fostering sustainable growth in Serbia and the wider Western Balkans region.