Balázs Hanko discussed four topics with the Minister responsible for Innovation, Jelena Begovic. Among them is that “Hungary and Serbia will establish a joint innovation fund, where, in cooperation with our universities and research centers, we will create research in the field of healthy living, green transformation and digitalization.” In addition, they agreed to strengthen relations between universities, and the University of Szeged, the University of Debrecen, and Semmelweis University participate in this programme. The Head of the Ministry noted that Hungary, through its universities, is happy to participate in the construction of the BIO4 campus in Belgrade, “because it is consistent with the Hungarian Science Park model”, the idea that small and medium-sized universities, institutions and large industrial companies research and innovate jointly, that is, they benefit. Practically from the research being conducted. “The fourth is that through mobility programmes, through the Hungarian Pannonian programme, we are strengthening cooperation between young teachers, young researchers and universities,” the Prime Minister stressed.
The Head of the Hungarian Ministry agreed with Culture Minister Nikola Selakovic to launch a joint Hungarian-Serbian cultural season next fall. The cultural traditions of the two countries will be showcased in Hungary in the fall, and in Serbia in the spring of 2026. Meanwhile, Balázs Hanko noted that in addition to focusing on folk traditions and popular culture, gastronomy also plays an important role. In addition, the two ministers also agreed that “archaeological and ethnographic research focusing on the Middle Ages should be strengthened between the two countries,” and it was also discussed that the Hungarian Castle Program could provide good examples of the similar Serbian programme.
Speaking to MTI, the Minister said that he participated in the Biotechnology and Artificial Intelligence conference of the Future of Biotechnology Forum, which was organized for the third time in Belgrade. According to Balázs Hanko, “There is clearly a future for those innovations and research that provide real answers to real challenges through university collaboration, and that is biotechnology.” During his presentation, he reviewed the progress that has been made in the field of innovation in Hungary in recent years, and also spoke about the importance of highlighting the ethical use of artificial intelligence during research.
