Pathways to Bioeconomy and Bioconvergence Perspectives from Serbia and Israel 2025

1.2 BIO4 Campus: a future hub of Serbia’s bioeconomy Steve Jobs once predicted that the greatest innovations of the 21st century would emerge where biology meets technology.38 According to McKinsey & Company, this biological revolution could generate $2-4 trillion in economic impact annually over the next two decades.39 Serbia is embracing this vision through the development of the BIO4 Campus – a multidisciplinary centre for biomedicine, bioinformatics, biotechnology and biodiversity. Backed by strong foundations in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), life sciences, global partnerships, high biodiversity and a vibrant innovation system, Serbia is investing in a future where science fuels economic growth.40 Located on a 20 ha site in Belgrade, the BIO4 Campus will bring together seven faculties of the University of Belgrade and nine scientific institutes. It will prompt an expansion of the Science and Technology Park and help to establish R&D centres for global and local biotechnology companies. The campus is designed as a collaborative space for academia, industry and start-ups, equipped with advanced labs and business infrastructure, a modern vivarium and a central gathering space called the “Minglarium”. Additional facilities will include a congress centre, an interactive science museum and leisure spaces.41 Construction is set to begin in the third quarter (Q3) of 2025, with completion anticipated by the middle of 2027. However, BIO4 is already active, with ongoing biomedical and AI projects, international interest from top biotechnology companies and involvement from Serbia’s scientific diaspora. BIO4 Campus will be the first project of its kind in Southeast Europe and a recognizable name on the global R&D map. It will enable evidence-based healthcare, establish national genetic bio-banks and drive advances in synthetic biology. BIO4 is more than a research centre – it is a catalyst for economic growth, scientific development and improved quality of life.42 We believe that the BIO4 Campus is the frontrunner of the future economic growth of Serbia, and we get to see its huge impact even now, at the very beginning. As a powerful platform for collaboration, it is accelerating the development of the national biotech ecosystem and integrating Serbia into the European and global landscape of science and innovation. Smiljana Krivokuća, Director, BIO4 Campus Pathways to Bioeconomy and Bioconvergence 14