Last week marked an important milestone in German-Serbian economic cooperation – the 25th anniversary of the German-Serbian Chamber of Commerce (AHK Serbia). To commemorate the occasion, the First German-Serbian Technology and Innovation Forum, titled “Connecting Minds. Engineering Tomorrow,” was held.
The forum brought together representatives of leading German and Serbian companies, technology leaders, research institutions, and members of the innovation ecosystem, with the goal of further strengthening existing cooperation and shaping its future through technology, knowledge exchange, and joint projects.
During the panel discussion “AI in the Industry” participants explored the application of artificial intelligence and digital transformation, the development of smart cities, and the strengthening of innovation ecosystems. A common conclusion was that competitiveness increasingly depends on the ability to adapt quickly, integrate emerging technologies, and effectively connect knowledge, industry, and markets.
Valentina Janev, PhD, Senior Research Associate at the Mihajlo Pupin Institute, highlighted several examples of artificial intelligence applications in the Institute’s products and solutions that have contributed to its recognition across the region and beyond. These include achievements in the energy sector, as well as the Institute’s long-standing programme for the development of simulators and advanced analytical tools, dating back to 1976. Valentina Janev, PhD, also pointed to promising innovations in the field of healthcare currently being developed through the Institute’s research and innovation projects.
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape jobs across industries, the panel also addressed whether AI will primarily enhance existing roles or lead to the creation of entirely new professions. Valentina Janev, PhD, shared insights into how engineers and researchers are embracing tools powered by large language models, while emphasizing the importance of assessing the risks associated with excessive information sharing and ensuring the responsible use of AI technologies.
