IPIP Residential Programme Visit to Cambridge from 2–4 March 2026

We are delighted to share an update on the progress of the IPIP programme, following the successful presentation of the draft Innovation Action Plan in Belgrade at the end of February. After six months of intensive work on developing the Innovation Action Plan for Serbia, the Serbian team arrived at Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge, for the residential programme held from 2 to 4 March, where they joined colleagues from the Silesia region of Poland for the next stage of the programme.

Over three intensive and highly engaging days, the team worked closely with mentors, advisors and faculty from Cambridge Judge Business School, alongside members of the IPIP Advisory Group. The programme also included engagement with leading institutions such as the Maxwell Centre, Innovate Cambridge, Cambridge Enterprise, Cambridge Pledge and Cambridge Wireless, with whom the British-Serbian Chamber of Commerce signed an MoU last September. Participants also visited the Cambridge Biomedical Campus and Cambridge Science Park, gaining first-hand insight into how innovation is translated into real-world impact within the Cambridge ecosystem. These sessions and visits provided invaluable feedback, fresh perspectives and practical guidance, helping to further refine and strengthen the Action Plan.

The residential also fostered a dynamic environment for international collaboration. Participants exchanged ideas with colleagues from the Silesia region, sharing best practices and insights on how to build effective, innovation-driven regional ecosystems.

Throughout the programme, four initiatives were developed across key themes shaping modern innovation systems:

entrepreneurial education

technology transfer and commercialisation

ecosystem orchestration

venture and scaling infrastructure

Each initiative was rigorously tested through peer discussion and expert mentoring, ensuring they are not only ambitious but also practical, actionable and aligned with long-term strategic goals.

We were particularly honoured that Professor Michael Barrett, Professor of Information Systems and Innovation Studies, Vice-Dean for Strategy and University Engagement at Cambridge Judge Business School, and Fellow of Hughes Hall, delivered a lecture to the IPIP teams on the final day of the visit.

It was also a great privilege that our Chair, Lord Ranger of Northwood, welcomed participants at the dinner and delivered an inspiring address to both teams, emphasising the importance of leadership, collaboration and long-term vision.

This initiative represents an important milestone for the British-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, as we celebrate 15 years of strengthening UK–Serbia relations. It is especially meaningful given that our former Chair (2012–2017), Sir Paul Judge benefactor of Cambridge Judge Business School was a strong supporter of Serbia and a champion of entrepreneurship and education. The BSCC is delighted to have had the opportunity to bring this programme to Serbia.

What’s next

The keynote delivered by Sir Laurie Bristow, President of Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge, set a thoughtful and forward-looking tone for the programme, creating space for meaningful reflection and deeper dialogue among participants.

His insights particularly on resilience, adaptability and decision-making under uncertainty strongly resonated with the teams and reinforced the importance of leadership in driving change within complex innovation ecosystems.

Building on the knowledge, insights and inspiration gained during the residential, the Serbian team now enters the next phase of the programme: a 90-day implementation period. This phase will focus on translating strategic priorities into concrete, measurable actions, strengthening cross-sector partnerships, and accelerating initiatives that support the growth of Serbia’s innovation and technology sectors.

With continued support from mentors and the wider IPIP network, the team will work to deliver tangible outcomes, laying the foundations for long-term impact and further strengthening Serbia’s position within the European innovation landscape.

We now look forward to reconvening with the IPIP teams in Cambridge in May for the programme’s graduation an opportunity to reflect on progress, celebrate achievements and, in true Cambridge tradition, enjoy punting on the River Cam.

IPIP Serbian Team: Zarko Miskovic, Vladimir Todorovic, Milena Kostadinovic, Antonije Jeremić, Marija Milic, Davor Sakač, Ivan Kadić, Marija Janjusevic, Ivana Bajović, Nikola Milivojevic, Nikola Stanojevic, Sonja Budiša Milenković, Andrija Savić, Jadranka Dervisević Kitarić.