In February 2011 the Office for Roma Inclusion has initiated a project ‘Improvement of the Roma Employment in Vojvodina’. Project is worth 237.749 EUR and is co-financed by the European Union. Partner on the project is Vojvodina Provincial Secretary for Labour, Employment and Gender Equality.

Main goal of the project is to improve social and economic development and include the Roma into Vojvodina’s social commmunities through providing them with job opportunities, supporting and motivating members of Roma communities to take active part in production and service sectors. This project will be implemented in twenty municipalities across Vojvodina: Novi Kneževac, Kikinda, Sombor, Apatin, Kula, Bečej, Žitiste, Odžaci, Srbobran, Žabalj, Zrenjanin, Novi Sad, Beočin, Inđija, Ruma, Pećinci, Pančevo, Kovin, Bela Crkva and Senta. Through the employment programme the Roma entrepreneurs will receive the necessary office equipment, developed logo of their company, stamp, website, computer and multifunctional device. Beside logistics support, technical assistance is also provided through bookkeeping and mentoring services during first six months of the companny’s work.

Director of the Office for Roma Inclusion, Mr Dusko Jovanovic, has signed sixteen subventions of 3.200.000 RSD for the newly opened companies. Another ten companies are expected to open at the beginning of 2012 as the application process will soon be announced. Technical support and assistance will also be available during business plan preparation process.

During February a special course will also be organised for 150 future employees of different sectors on the teritorry of Vojvodina.

In this way, accredited agencies are delegated state affairs and implementation of development projects and activities financed from the budget and other resources in accordance with the Law. In addition, accredited agency represents the interest of the region in its relations with the National Agency for Regional Development, works with local government in preparing and implementing local development plans, facilitates international, cross-border and inter-municipal cooperation within its jurisdiction and coordinates information system relevant to the region.
First accreditation is received for the period of two years after which the agency needs to be re-accredited.

RRA Zlatibor Užice is the second development agency in the region of Šumadija and Western Serbia to be accredited, after Regional Agency for Spatial and Economic Development of Raska and Morava districts of Kraljevo.

Accreditation of regional development agencies is carried out to establish legal and institutional framework for planning, organizing, coordinating and implementing development activities and to ensure the quality and sustainability of institutions dealing with regional development in accordance with the Law on Regional Development.

As the only accredited Regional Development Agency in the area of Backa, Development Agency Backa shall enable through its actions, to all interested local governments, small and medium enterprises, entrepreneurs and educational institutions, participation in the programs conducted by the National Agency for Regional Development, which are important for social and economic development of Backa.

The importance of this project and the study was presented by Vladimir Dodić, Director of the Regional Centre for Small and Medium Enterprises, Ljiljana Stanković, Professor of Economics, University of Nis and Igor Novakovic, Mayor of Palilula. Main objective of the project, according to Vladimir Dodic, project manager, is to support balanced regional development in Serbia through encouragement and support for innovation activities of SMEs in the Nis Region.

‘Situation in the economy is quite heavy and has a lot of problems’, pointed out Dodic and explained ‘Our team of experts and university professors visited about 300 companies and after processing the questionnaire we have done a study that would provide us with an insight into the current state of our economy. The project lasts for two years and we plan to work on innovation so that the final result is transformation of our regional centre into an Innovation Centre. Project is worth about 154 000 euro. According to prof. Dr. Ljiljana Stanković, who presented this research, some 300 companies in this region are ready for innovation.

“Innovation is an important factor in the competitiveness of both global and domestic market. Country’s ability to sustain economic growth and competitiveness lies in the activation of innovation and learning processes. Therefore, innovations are a challenge for any business, especially for those that are exposed to international competition, said Igor Novakovic, President of Palilula Municipality, at the presentation of the Study.
Compared to European countries, potential for innovation in the private sector in Serbia is in a worse position in terms of market access, funding and investment in research and development of new products. In order to create climate that will stimulate innovation processes, in Serbia there is a national innovation system which has been operating as a complex system composed of a number of relevant institutions and sectors involved such as the government, financial sector, education system, labor market, technological organizations and research institutions. Their activities are designed to be aimed at achieving specific goals through effective use of public instruments.
Palilula Municipality has shown great interest in this study and so as a part of the presentation the Agreement of Cooperation was signed between Municipality of Palilula and the Regional Centre thus regulating the implementation of two projects: ‘Increasing competitiveness of the economy by stimulating the Region of Nis’ innovative activities of SMEs’ and ‘How to do business with the EU’, which are both a part of cross-border cooperation between the City of Nis and Municipality of Pernik, Bulgaria.

Project objectives

- Creating new employment opportunities and reducing depopulation of the rural areas of Serbia. An increase of a minimum 300 new jobs for local women is expected. Depopulation of the rural regions participating in the project are expected to be slowed down or stopped.

- To improve quality standards in production, packaging and marketing of authentic traditional Serbian handicrafts.

- Sales/total turnover of traditional handicrafts through the network will increase by at least 20%. Customer satisfaction is expected to be increased, too.

- Exploiting networking opportunities and supporting cooperation among members of Ethno network, institutional stakeholders and members of supply chain, particularly with the tourism sector.

Project financing:

This project is financed by the European Union through RSEDP2 programme.

Project partners:

- NALED – National alliance for local economic development

- Tourist organization of Belgrade

- Faculty of applied arts, Belgrade

- Municipalities of Golubac, Kladovo, Negotin, Veliko Gradiste, Zajecar

Impacts of the project:

- Setting up Ethno Network as a professional regional organization supporting local initiatives and producers.

- Ethno Network used as a resource pool for joint promotion, lobbying, and exchange of experience, providing commercial and business development opportunities for producers, purchasers and supporting institutions.

- Cultural heritage and creativity of local producers harnessed as a competitive advantage into development of commercial products with at least three new products developed and commercialized.

- Innovative marketing models and tools for promotion of handicrafts prepared and implemented through the network.

- Established professional training and coaching centre helping producers achieve excellence and high quality standards

- Setting up web site with the web shop.

Awards to the authors of the best miniatures

In the Gallery of the National Bank of Serbia in Belgrade, exhibition of handicrafts entitled “100 women – 100 miniatures”, was held from December 29, 2011, to January 20, 2012. The idea of Ethno Network is to establish traditional exhibition held for the second time –this year within the project “Employment in rural areas”. The main goal is strengthening associations of producers of handicrafts in the partners municipalities of Eastern Serbia, encouraging their creativity and supporting (self)employment of women from rural, less developed areas.

During the official award ceremony, held on January 18, Sofija Arsic, experts’ coordinator of Ethno Network, emphasised the importance of participation of women from all over Serbia in such event. The Experts jury, consisting of Ethno Network designers and experts from the Faculty of Applied Arts, brought the decision on the best four miniatures, while the Honorary jury was deciding on the best young author. Awarded authors received the prizes – 1,000 euros each, as an incentive for further work and improvement.

The award of Experts jury for the best miniature created in technique of embroidery was granted to Zorica Jovanovic from Boljevac, for fillet-lace making to Gordana Vidanovic from Bela Palanka, and in the category of weaving to Evica Djuric from Veliko Gradiste. The award in the category of felting wool was granted to Ljiljana Misetic from Odzaci. The best young author, according to the Honorary jury, was Danijela Aradjanski from Kikinda.

What has so far been the biggest challenge in your work? 

Cooperation with municipalities and other development institutions and organizations both at local and national level has set a framework for collaboration and coordination of joint activities in the development of the region and its distinctiveness even beyond the national borders. This process is still ongoing and represents a challenge for all the employees of the Development Agency in terms of establishing new and improving existing functional links with the established administrative apparatus that is slowly but surely introduced into strategic planning process in a broader, more regional context.

What has so far been achieved and what are now the next important goals?

By the Agency’s success I first mean the completion of all necessary documents, socio-economic analysis, strategy, development plans necessary to further harmonize the needs of all members of the regional development of Raska and Morava districts.  Strengthening capacities of the employees in cooperation with all the interested parties is also a prerequisite for better understanding of the regional development process. Future priority refers to the implementation of the Regional Development Plan and harmonization of objectives and priorities with the National Plan of Regional Development. Also one of the goals is to strengthen cooperation with entrepreneurs as the drivers of the economic development and to improve the competitiveness of the region. Establishing cooperation with relevant international institutions is also in order to exchange and apply good practices respecting the diversity of the territory.

There are eight member institutions within the Assembly of your agency. Is it sometimes difficult to coordinate such a large number of stakeholders and how do you handle potential situations of disagreement? How to achieve the right balance and compromise among the partner institutions?

RRA is open for cooperation with all institutions, organizations, individuals and all those who contribute to socio-economic development of Raska and Morava districts. The biggest challenge is to unite all good initiatives in one functional and efficient way and to support them equally. Our so far experience shows that our founders and members were willing to undertake joint actions that will lead to more intensive promotion of existing resources, to make visible and make this territory more visible and attractive for future investments. Before us is a constant ongoing dialogue and coordination of needs as well as creation of new and strengthening of existing functional relationships, both at local and national level and beyond, with respect for international recognition.

Model of development through Regional Development Agencies like yours is what is already used in Europe for several years as one of the most successful approach to the balanced economic and social development. What do you see as the biggest advantage of such a decentralized system of development and what is the agency’s role within it?

The objectives of regional development require respect for the principles of understanding, partnership, trust and equal opportunity for all as a key for identifying local needs and their articulation with broader social and economic interests. In the center of all happenings is a man, his potentials, needs and opportunities as a subject of each planned process and improvement. The role of the agency is to coordinate this process; direct, coordinate and implement it. For successful implementation of the goals it takes commitment, openness and understanding. The key also lies in the willingness of local stakeholders to work together. Very important is the respect of every individual or organization’s effort to ensure continuity of their participation in development processes, to propose, establish and improve their work, organization and environment in which they operate and work by initiating inter-agency cooperation and dialogue.

Does your agency, and in what manner, cooperate with other agencies in Serbia and the region?

Regional development agencies’ formation process in Serbia has been going on for a decade and one certainly cannot ignore the overall resources that have been invested in this process. Cooperation between agencies is critical for improving the planning system and its effectiveness, and everything else for what development agencies advocate. The degree of cooperation that currently exists is also improved through including newly established agencies in ongoing activities. Although each of the agencies primarily represents the interests of its territory and the region there are also inter-regional and international partnerships established in order to implement the broader socio-economic development interests, with inter-regional aspect seen much wider that national borders. All this goes to show how complex these processes are and how close their stakeholders are connected.

Do you possibly have any role models in your working environment or have you defined your goals and strategy by yourselves?  
Individual development of each agency depends largely on the environment and its specific features. Main task of the agency is to present its region’s specific potentials in most efficient way while coordinating their further development in cooperation with other regions, both national and international. This greatly enriches their mutual cooperation and emphasizes innovation and creativity in development of projects and activities. Although some of these activities are identical and specified by national documents, such as the service implemented through the National Agency for Regional Development onto the sector of small and medium enterprises, at the same time other needs and requirements are tackled in cooperation with local and regional development factors. One of most successful examples of cooperation at the regional level is a program for Improvement of wood processing competitiveness at the level of Raska and Morava districts which we are doing in partnership with the Secondary Forestry School of Kraljevo, Kraljevo Chamber of Commerce as well as municipalities, cities and businessmen of Raska and Morava districts.

What is your cooperation with RSEDP2 and what does it consist of?

Established technical support by RSEDP II program is effective and useful in the process of understanding needs, building and strengthening sector capacities and institutional cooperation at all levels. Specifically, a set of provided consulting services for improving knowledge and understanding of the development processes employed in the agencies and key stakeholders support development initiatives at local, regional and national level to effectively implement regional development policies established in the EU are important components of the program. Connection and cooperation with other international programs and initiatives is the added value of the project, which emphasizes the development based on a realistic basis to open dialogue and cooperation. Consultancy support has enabled the Agency to systematically collect and process large amounts of data and guidelines for the development and improvement of organizational structure in the implementation of planned activities. This kind of concentrated and clearly directed support will certainly be of importance in the coming period.

Who are your agency’s partners and how are you connected with them?

Positioning of the RDA as a key institution for implementation of programme and regional development projects involves formation of broad partnerships with local government units, scientific research institutions, chambers of commerce, NGOs, donor programs, potential investors, businessmen, government institutions and other development agencies. All together they represent partners in implementing the vision of Raska and Morava district as technologically-innovative region open to new business ideas, activities and partnerships based on human capital and institutional efficiency, easily accessible, attractive destination for new investment in the economy, industry, agriculture and tourism, acting in accordance with the principles of sustainable development, improving the quality of life and inclusion of all citizens.

What is your personal challenge and goal, and what would you highlight as your biggest success so far?

Establishing sustainability of regional development agencies is a key challenge for all actors of regional development in Serbia. It is a challenge that they face in their everyday work. However, a sense of belonging to a time that brings about positive changes in thinking, creativity and cooperation, to me has special value and thus the responsibility for all future activities undertaken in the field of development initiatives. The fact that businessmen, individuals and organizations we work with recognize our professionalism, dedication and enthusiasm speaks volumes about the creation of an open and effective institution that has the support of its founders, partners and associates. From this I can conclude that only joint efforts can properly rescale potential for regional development of and thus contribute to the quality of life.

Do you have any messages to your colleagues from other agencies?

Beside the best of luck on a personal and business level I would invite all our colleagues for an even stronger partnership, based on openness and trust.

Dear friends, colleagues, partners,

Beginning of a new year is always time to set up new targets, wish for next results and decide on new resolutions and commitments. At the same time it is a moment when we look back at the last year’s achievements, comparing our goals with their outcomes and looking into the future with even greater aspirations.

 Looking back at the last year I cannot help but reach the conclusion that we managed together to take new steps towards regional economic development despite all the difficulties and circumstances, we completed two and started another two training programmes for Regional Development Agencies (Financial Management, CBA, Environment Impact Assessment and Communication Skills), we organised numerous meeting sessions and workshops with local municipalities and their partnership projects witnessing official partnership signing between municipalities of Loznica and Pecinci and we enjoyed all the activities of the grant scheme projects and their success stories. Leaving it for the numbers to speak we are looking into a year of over 200 meetings organized, more than 400 document pages produced and as much as 4.000km of field work covered. All this was possible precisely thanks to all of you and your tremendous support.

In 2012 we want these planted seeds growing their fruits this spring. This year we shall continue to provide support and invest in regional development together with all of you as we truly believe that only through partnership and joint efforts from all sides we can reach this goal.

For all these reasons I would hereby wish us all the same – vision and creativity for new ideas and projects, energy and devotion to see them come true and health to support us all on this mission.

With our warmest wishes for your success this year!

Your,

RSEDP2 Team

The importance of this project and the study was presented by Vladimir Dodić, Director of the Regional Centre for Small and Medium Enterprises, Ljiljana Stanković, Professor of Economics, University of Nis and Igor Novakovic, Mayor of Palilula. Main objective of the project, according to Vladimir Dodic, project manager, is to support balanced regional development in Serbia through encouragement and support for innovation activities of SMEs in the Nis Region.

‘Situation in the economy is quite heavy and has a lot of problems’, pointed out Dodic and explained ‘Our team of experts and university professors visited about 300 companies and after processing the questionnaire we have done a study that would provide us with an insight into the current state of our economy. The project lasts for two years and we plan to work on innovation so that the final result is transformation of our regional centre into an Innovation Centre. Project is worth about 154 000 euro. According to prof. Dr. Ljiljana Stanković, who presented this research, some 300 companies in this region are ready for innovation.

“Innovation is an important factor in the competitiveness of both global and domestic market. Country’s ability to sustain economic growth and competitiveness lies in the activation of innovation and learning processes. Therefore, innovations are a challenge for any business, especially for those that are exposed to international competition, said Igor Novakovic, President of Palilula Municipality, at the presentation of the Study.
Compared to European countries, potential for innovation in the private sector in Serbia is in a worse position in terms of market access, funding and investment in research and development of new products. In order to create climate that will stimulate innovation processes, in Serbia there is a national innovation system which has been operating as a complex system composed of a number of relevant institutions and sectors involved such as the government, financial sector, education system, labor market, technological organizations and research institutions. Their activities are designed to be aimed at achieving specific goals through effective use of public instruments.
Palilula Municipality has shown great interest in this study and so as a part of the presentation the Agreement of Cooperation was signed between Municipality of Palilula and the Regional Centre thus regulating the implementation of two projects: ‘Increasing competitiveness of the economy by stimulating the Region of Nis’ innovative activities of SMEs’ and ‘How to do business with the EU’, which are both a part of cross-border cooperation between the City of Nis and Municipality of Pernik, Bulgaria.

RRA Zlatibor Užice is the second development agency in the region of Šumadija and Western Serbia to be accredited, after Regional Agency for Spatial and Economic Development of Raska and Morava districts of Kraljevo.
Accreditation of regional development agencies is carried out to establish legal and institutional framework for planning, organizing, coordinating and implementing development activities and to ensure the quality and sustainability of institutions dealing with regional development in accordance with the Law on Regional Development.
In this way, accredited agencies are delegated state affairs and implementation of development projects and activities financed from the budget and other resources in accordance with the Law. In addition, accredited agency represents the interest of the region in its relations with the National Agency for Regional Development, works with local government in preparing and implementing local development plans, facilitates international, cross-border and inter-municipal cooperation within its jurisdiction and coordinates information system relevant to the region.
First accreditation is received for the period of two years after which the agency needs to be re-accredited.

By gaining accreditation, Regional Development Agency Backa becomes the subject of regional development, and that will enable it to implement the measures and programs of importance for the balanced regional development on the territory of Backa, inhabited by over one million people and to actively contribute to socio-economic development of Backa and local governments located in its territory.

Regional Development Agency Backa was established on April 28th 2010 in Novi Sad, in accordance with the Law on Regional Development. The founders of the Development Agency are thirteen local authorities in the territory of Backa: Bac, Backa Palanka, Backi Petrovac, Beocin, Becej, Srbobran, Sremski Karlovci, Odzaci, Kula, Vrbas, Titel, Zabalj and Sombor, and five business entities Slovan Progres – Selenca, Recycling Center Braca Ilic – Backa Palanka, I2R Ltd. Novi Sad, the European Movement in Serbia – Novi Sad, Centre for Organic Production – Selenca.

The future role and importance of the Regional Development Agency Backa, in addition to its founders, was recognized by the Delegation of the European Union in Serbia, which financially supported the development of institutional capacities and functioning of the Agency until 2014.

As the only accredited Regional Development Agency in the area of Backa, Development Agency Backa shall enable through its actions, to all interested local governments, small and medium enterprises, entrepreneurs and educational institutions, participation in the programs conducted by the National Agency for Regional Development, which are important for social and economic development of Backa.

Besides the Regional Development Agency of Srem, the initiator of this event, the founding meeting also attended the representatives of the municipality of Ruma, Commercial district of Srem and Chamber of Commerce.
It was pointed out that these associations in other areas were shown as a service to entrepreneurs and through which they have easier access to domestic and foreign funds.
Emica Vuckovic, the President of the entrepreneurs’ association, said that the association is a normative for  further development and we need to use all the benefits it brings, because only in this way they can more easily achieve common goals, to influence in a larger extent on the events, and above all, to help each other. “The time is hard and we have to fight, but I hope that all entrepreneurs who are with us today will get their chance. The goal is not only to unite but to point out that entrepreneurs should not sit at home and wait for the job, but to initiate something and to provide information and be helpful to all interested” said Mrs Vuckovic.

Sofija Arsic, experts’ coordinator of Ethno Network and author of the idea of miniatures exhibition, thanked to all the partners for their support and emphasised the importance of participation of women from all over Serbia in such event. She said that the goal of the project should not be awards, but enabling women to earn for themselves and their families by producing handicrafts. She also invited young authors to participate in the project and demonstrate their skills. Andrew Headey, Head of Operations III of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia, highlighted that the European Union, through the RSEDP2 programme, invested 226,000 euros to support the project of employing women in rural areas.

 - In the next two years, during the project, we expect creating of 300 new working places for women, at least three new products and the new center for professional training, to assist women with improving production and selling their products – said Mr. Headey.

 The Experts jury, consisting of Ethno Network designers and experts from the Faculty of Applied Arts, brought the decision on the best four miniatures, while the Honorary jury was deciding on the best young author. Awarded authors received the prizes – 1,000 euros each, as an incentive for further work and improvement.

 The award of Experts jury for the best miniature created in technique of embroidery was granted to Zorica Jovanovic from Boljevac, for fillet-lace making to Gordana Vidanovic from Bela Palanka, and in the category of weaving to Evica Djuric from Veliko Gradiste. The award in the category of felting wool was granted to Ljiljana Misetic from Odzaci. The best young author, according to the Honorary jury, was Danijela Aradjanski from Kikinda. Awards were delivered by Ana Zegarac, Assistant director of the National Agency for Regional Development, while Slobodan Bata Spasojevic, fashion designer and a member of the Honorary jury, congratulated to the most successful young author.

 The idea of Ethno Network is to establish traditional exhibition, that is held for the second time this year, and the main goal is strengthening associations of producers of handicrafts in the partners municipalities of Eastern Serbia, encouraging their creativity and supporting (self)employment of women from rural, less developed areas.

In February 2011 the Office for Roma Inclusion has initiated a project ‘Improvement of the Roma Employment in Vojvodina’. Project is worth 237.749 EUR and is co-financed by the European Union. Partner on the project is Vojvodina Provincial Secretary for Labour, Employment and Gender Equality.

Main goal of the project is to improve social and economic development and include the Roma into Vojvodina’s social commmunities through providing them with job opportunities, supporting and motivating members of Roma communities to take active part in production and service sectors. This project will be implemented in twenty municipalities across Vojvodina: Novi Kneževac, Kikinda, Sombor, Apatin, Kula, Bečej, Žitiste, Odžaci, Srbobran, Žabalj, Zrenjanin, Novi Sad, Beočin, Inđija, Ruma, Pećinci, Pančevo, Kovin, Bela Crkva and Senta. Through the employment programme the Roma entrepreneurs will receive the necessary office equipment, developed logo of their company, stamp, website, computer and multifunctional device. Beside logistics support, technical assistance is also provided through bookkeeping and mentoring services during first six months of the companny’s work.

Director of the Office for Roma Inclusion, Mr Dusko Jovanovic, has signed sixteen subventions of 3.200.000 RSD for the newly opened companies. Another ten companies are expected to open at the beginning of 2012 as the application process will soon be announced. Technical support and assistance will also be available during business plan preparation process.

During February a special course will also be organised for 150 future employees of different sectors on the teritorry of Vojvodina.

The caravan is a part of a larger activity programme of the Cheese Cluster – a project funded by the European Union through RSEDP2 with 350.000 euro.

Dairy factories, members of the Cluster SOUTH, will present a wide range of their products to the citizens of Pirot, Tijabari and Guševice, as a start.

Association “South Cheese Cluster” together with the Municipality of Pirot and the Department for Agriculture and Rural Development announced the details of the tour at the press conference.

Vesna Lazarevic, Associate of Pirot for Agriculture, said the goal is to “connect producers and processors together to perform market products to protect and preserve their quality.”

“It is very important to leverage the quality as well as joint market, and the EU for such products,” she said

The caravan started in Pirot town – the “cradle of cheese.” Lazarevic added that the visitors of the caravan will have the opportunity to get to know the products and their quality, variety and processes. Production of cheese in the South-East Serbia has a long tradition and cheese from Pirot was exported in large quantities the USA market until the World War II.

In addition to presenting products and manufacturers, the purpose of the cheese caravan is to promote indigenous type of cheese from the south of Serbia, to establish a brand product, which is also the motto of this event.

]]> http://www.rsedp2serbia.eu/news/events/cheese-caravan-began-its-visit-to-ten-towns-across-serbia/feed/ 0 http://www.rsedp2serbia.eu/news/events/third-anniversary-of-business-innovation-centre-kragujevac/ http://www.rsedp2serbia.eu/news/events/third-anniversary-of-business-innovation-centre-kragujevac/#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:36:42 +0000 brankko http://www.rsedp2serbia.eu/?p=919 Continue reading →]]> Business Innovation Centre Ltd (BIC), was founded by City of Kragujevac, Regional Chamber of Commerce Kragujevac, Regional Agency for Economic Development of Šumadija and Pomoravlje, Association of Private Entrepreneurs “Šumadija” and General Association of Entrepreneurs “Sloga” and is today a symbol of support to young entrepreneurs through preparation, establishment, incubation period of legal subjects, projects, education and collaboration with other relevant institutions. The ceremony was hosted by Mr. Dragan Rankovic, Director of Business Innovation Centre Ltd, Mr. Zoran Kuzmanovic, President of BIC Assembly and Mr. Vojislav Veljkovic, Project Assistant of BIC’s “Virtual Incubator program for SME project, funded by the European Union. BIC was marked by activities designed to support the development of young companies such as writing business plans, business consulting in the pre-incubation period and the use of office space and other BIC resources (free parking space, reception desk services, conference and presentations rooms, consulting services, etc.), networking of tenants with individuals and companies, marketing and promotion of tenants, during the period of companies incubation. BIC has been actively involved in applying on national and international calls for project proposals and in activities of the Network of business incubators of Serbia. As the main results, the incubation of 22 companies with 90 employees, out of which 6 companies successfully completed the incubation are emphasized. Numerous national and international projects were also implemented.

One in particular and of great significance to Business Innovation Centre is “Virtual Incubator Program for SMEs”, which was officially opened on this occasion by the hosts and Mr. Hugh Brooks, representative of RSEDP2. This project is a virtual office and there are very few of the kind still in Serbia. It will serve as an IT training centre for education of SME representatives and students. “Virtual Incubator Program for SMEs”, is a part of Business Innovation Centre Kragujevac and is financed by the European Union through Regional Socio-Economic Development Programme 2 (RSEDP2) with over 140.000 euro.

Activities for next period will include participation on fairs, thematic workshops, presentations and other events organized in order to promote BIC tenants. Significant collaboration with the Faculties of Engineering, Law and Economics from Kragujevac has also been established in the field of project implementation and informing and education of students about entrepreneurship. Taking into account that the Business Innovation Centre Ltd Kragujevac, definitely, became a recognized institution in the City of Kragujevac and in the Business Incubator Network of Serbia, the future plans are:

• Further support to young entrepreneurs,
• Intensifying cooperation with the University of Kragujevac
• Development of a network of consultants
• Development of new services to tenants and third parties via virtual incubation

On Wednesday, November 30th, in Belgrade Art Hotel, Serbia Film Commission hosted the Film Friendly Conference – the kick off activity under the project Serbia as a Film Friendly Environment, implemented through the EU funded project of RSEDP2 and its Grant Scheme.

This workshop was primarily aimed at representatives of local authorities, municipalities, public and state and public companies as well as film production companies with the goal to make Serbia a film friendly environment

Special guest of the Serbian Film Commission was Mr Martin Cuff, Executive Director of Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) who, together with Ms Ana Ilic – Executive Director of the Serbian Film Association, illustrated models of cooperation with public institutions and film companies as well as successful examples of film friendly municipalities and countries. Presentation also included examples of employment opportunities in such film friendly areas whereby various industry sectors could be highly engaged, such as tourism, textile industry, construction and wood processing companies, restaurants, transportation providers, etc.).

‘Providing opportunity for film, series and TV advertisements to be produced in Serbia would not just create additional jobs but would additionally boost local economies, stimulate smaller local entrepreneurs but also create a wonderful platform for Serbia to promote its tourism and business capacities’, said Martin Cuff, Executive Director of Association of Film Commissioners International.

All the representatives have recognised Ethno Network as an organisation that can help them introduce quality standards both in production and in education on traditional techniques trainings. Benefits of the network have also been recognised through advantages in joint approach to institutions and potential donors as well as material procurement and promotion activities.

One of the major goals of the Ethno Network’s project ‘Employment in Rural Areas’ is promoting the organisation and expanding the numbers of top quality ethno crafts producers using traditional techniques of the old craftsmen. This project is funded by the European Union, through RSEDP2 Grant Scheme.

Opening this jubilee international fair, Serbian Deputy Prime Minister, Mrs. Verica Kalanovic, said that last year was difficult for economy worldwide as well as in Serbia, stressing that these times require courage for one to be an entrepreneur. She pointed out that the EU will be focused on the investment, support and development of small and medium enterprises in the period to come and added that it must be a policy for the future of both the government and Serbia as a whole. ‘In the future, small and medium enterprises must receive the incentives through legislation, supportive policies and through more efficient work of relevant institutions”, said Kalanovic.

State Secretary at the Ministry of Economy and Regional Development, Mrs. Dragijana Petrovic, said that the event where all the key participants of the economy are gathered in one place is extremely important, because you can feel the development and create solutions. Development of small and medium enterprises is one of the priorities of the Ministry of Economy and government, and this is reflected, as she pointed out, through a number of measures and programs implemented by the ministry in conjunction with agencies and funds. She said that without successful entrepreneur we cannot expect successful economy. Radonjic-Petrovic announced a new software program – a credit line to support women’s entrepreneurship. ”The year 2012 will be recognized by the EU as the year of women entrepreneurship. We have designed a program that will provide funding under specific conditions for women entrepreneurs, who are both owners and managers of these companies’, stated State Secretary.

“Business Base is an event that at its beginning, ten years ago, was a small incentive to work. Over the decade it developed into a manner that has become a place to create work where you are connecting, a step and a road to success” said the Director of the National Agency for Regional Development, Mr. Ivica Eždenci, adding that today Business Base brings business solutions in first hand. ”National Agency for Regional Development and entrepreneurs this year offered a wide range of support, from advice on how to start your own business, training for business start-up financing the development and strengthening the competitive position of enterprises and business connections with companies from 47 countries.  The three-day fair, under the motto “solution at first-hand,” is aimed at developing small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurship. In addition to domestic, the largest numbers of participants were from Germany, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Croatia and Slovenia.

Along with many exhibitors, among whom were also representatives of many Regional Development Agencies, RSEDP2 took part as the umbrella programme which provides support and assistance to the RDAs as well as municipal partnerships and 32 projects under the Grant Scheme. ‘We have worked with all the eleven Regional Development Agencies, six municipal partnerships and all the 32 projects and it is truly a pleasure seeing some of them today, present as individual and competent entities, promoting their ideas and skills. I am also very proud to see some of our Grant Scheme project here, such as Automotive Cluster of Serbia, Vojvodina Metal Cluster and Baby Boom as it only goes to show how successful these projects are. It is always rewarding to see them develop and expand and see their final beneficiaries – that is when you fully understand and see the impact of all the work and investments’, said Martin Flaherty, RSEDP2 Team Leader, visiting the stands at the Business Base Fair.

Socio-economic development takes considerable time and is an ongoing process and for sure when a country is undergoing fundamental socio-economic reform it takes some generations for new approaches to become a part of everyday practices. Having said this, I feel the need to point out that for us closely engaged in this subject in Serbia, certain achievements are already being seen, some of which we have highlighted in this newsletter. Personally, as someone who has worked on such projects in different countries for many years, it is that first sign of achievement which makes it all fulfilling and worthwhile. I am both proud and happy to be given the same opportunity now to work in Serbia and together with the European Union and the Ministry of Economy and Regional Development and all our close partners across Serbia, to be part of another successful process that will benefit future generations.

Over the next several months we will try and present to you as many RSEDP II activities as we possibly can, with a special focus on our eleven Regional Development Agencies, six municipal partnerships and thirty two Grant Scheme Projects, whose efforts are achieving success.

We kindly invite all of you to contribute to our newsletter by informing us on related events via the contacts given at the footnote.

We wish you all good luck and best wishes for the future!

Martin Flaherty
Team Leader of RSEDP2

“The Fruit drier managed by the Association is currently in trial mode and next year it will be fully engaged in new packaging and product placement in foreign markets, thanks to the project Garden of Serbia.”

Dragan Pavlović, “Zlatno brdo” Fruit and Wine Growers

 Project objectives:

•  Increase competitiveness and employment opportunities in the agriculture sector and related services in the Branicevski and Podunavski districts
• Help agricultural producers strengthen their cooperation within the region in order to improve access to regional and international markets.
  Project Partners:

• The Ministry of Economy and Regional Development of Serbia
• The districts of Branicevo and Podunavlje
• Cities of Pozarevac and Smederevo
• Municipalities of Zagubica, Petrovac na Mlavi, Veliko Gradiste, Velika Plana, Smederevska Palanka
• 150 agriculture producers from the region
• Improve the quality of existing agricultural products and make them more competitive on both the domestic as well as international markets.
• Help the producers to develop new products with increased added value so that they can extend their product portfolio and increase their market share.
• Develop solutions and business plans for packaging, promotion and product placement in order to improve marketing towards major agro-food producers.

Impacts of the project:

• Higher competitiveness and more jobs in the agriculture sector and related services in the region
• Business plans prepared for three associations: flower-growers association “Smederevski Đurđevak”, fruit-growers association “Požarevac” and newly founded association “Povrtari Tribroda”.
• Improved communication and information exchange between agricultural producers – eight associations of agriculture producers from Petrovac na Mlavi and Smederevska Palanka received computer equipment and were offered computer skills training.
• Better planning of protective measures against bad weather conditions provided by the agro-meteorological station installed in Smederevska Palanka in September 2010.

Garden of Serbia – Helping Serbia’s Agriculture Sector

Flower production is a relatively young activity in the agriculture of Braničevo-Podunavlje region and it is mainly centred in Veliko Gradište, Požarevac and Smederevo. The number of nursery gardens and new producers who find flower growing their main source of income is increasing. One of these entrepreneurs is the Živić family. They have been growing flowers since 2000. Under the umbrella of the Garden of Serbia project, Zoran and Jasna decided to join the regional efforts to boost this segment of agriculture. “The two of us have started flower production together and the family business will now be passed on to our daughters – a landscape architecture student and a student of horticulture course at the Agricultural High School”, explains the Živić family. The most significant types of plant grown in this region now are annuals (petunia, begonia,impatiens and others), perennials (armeria, aubrieta, delphinium, etc.) and ornamental grasses (carex, festuca, etc.). “We enjoy watching them grow throughout the year and waiting for the first blossoms to appear until the moment when we can proudly take them to the local markets and flower festivals. It fills our hearts to see our own flowers decorating balconies and yards, as well as city squares and parks in the region. We are grateful to the project of Garden of Serbia under which this beautiful segment of agriculture will receive a more prominent place in both our minds and our economy”, explain Zoran and Jasna from “Nursery Živić” in Mihajlovac.

In the Loznica City Administration, City of Loznica, and municipalities of Mali Zvornik, Ljubovija, Krupanj i Osecina signed the Memorandum of Understanding. MoU is related to the partnership cooperation in the development of the Project “Researching the Treasury of Podrinje” as part of the RSEDP2 Component 3 of Municipal Partnership support. The developing Project is related to the improvement of the tourism in the region through the integral tourist offer and increased level of its quality. It will contribute to the improvement of the tourist infrustructure, marketing and promotion, human resources development and innovations which will all result with increased number of tourists, revenues and economic effects of the tourism.

“The importance of building the partnerships is significant in terms of the access to funding and improvement of the tourist capacities of the region” – said Mr. Sasa Bogdanovic, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Krupanj at the Ceremony.

Furthermore, Coordinator of the Partnership, Ms. Ljiljana Nikolic emphasized that partners will mutually determine the problems and define goals and activities to promote the region to the domestic and foreign tourists. “We will establish the network of our tourist organizations, determine the projects and make the mutual offer. We will not act individually but will present our tourist potentials in the partnership” – said Ms. Nikolic during the MoU signing.