Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization: Advancing Responsible and Sustainable Technology for All

The panel featured distinguished speakers, including the Minister of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation, Dr. Jelena Begović; the Canadian Ambassador to Serbia, Michelle Cameron; the French Ambassador to Serbia, Pierre Cochard; the British Ambassador to Serbia, Edward Ferguson; the UNDP Resident Representative in Serbia, Jakub Beris; and Neda Teslić, Vice President of the Telecommunications and Digital Economy Committee at A1. The discussion was moderated by Prof. Dr. Vladimir Crnojević, Director of the BioSense Institute. The panelists shared their insights and visions regarding the role of artificial intelligence and digitalization in fostering a sustainable future.

“Technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace, and we are simultaneously facing global challenges that impact economic growth on both global and local levels,” highlighted Minister Dr. Begović. She reminded attendees that, at Serbia’s initiative, the United Nations adopted a resolution declaring the Decade of Science for Sustainable Development. “Many of the Sustainable Development Goals already seem out of reach, and I believe the only way forward is to involve more scientists globally, as well as individuals with the intellectual capacity to help us confront these challenges. Governments alone cannot achieve this,” the Minister emphasized.

Discussing the unpredictability of AI's trajectory, she noted, “It is difficult to foresee where the development of this technology will lead. Even those involved in its creation are divided on whether artificial intelligence will match human intelligence. In some aspects, it has already surpassed us—for instance, in translation and big data management,” said Begović. She stressed that AI should be viewed as a powerful tool with immense potential to assist in addressing critical issues, especially in areas such as climate change, medicine, and agriculture.

“Artificial intelligence will bring about profound changes. Some jobs will disappear, while new ones will emerge. Governments need to be proactive, responding swiftly and preparing the next generation and society as a whole for these transformations. Digitalization is reshaping the world, including Serbia. It has also significantly contributed to the growth of our exports,” added the Minister, highlighting how digitalization has simplified processes and reduced time for citizens.

Dr. Begović also emphasized the transformative potential of biotechnology, particularly in conjunction with artificial intelligence. “AI is becoming increasingly vital for biotechnology, biomedicine, agritech, and other fields of modern science. This intersection of digital and biosciences is exactly what the BIO4 Campus aims to address. The future is arriving quickly, bringing with it exciting, albeit sometimes daunting, changes. It is essential to recognize the impact of AI and biotechnology across sectors, from biomedicine and environmental protection to agriculture and energy,” she said.

“We may not have a large domestic market, but Serbia serves as a critical connective tissue for other markets. Our country has incredible talent, which is why we envision the BIO4 Campus as a hub of creativity—bringing together seven faculties, nine institutes, the private sector, and a thriving startup ecosystem to collaborate in biopharma and biotech fields. This initiative aims to foster innovation at the intersection of these critical technologies, providing an opportunity to further strengthen our economy,” Dr. Begović explained.

“For me, as a scientist, this journey is incredibly exciting. I am confident we will witness revolutionary changes within the next five to ten years because we have the talent, knowledge, and a strong foundation in STEM education,” the Minister concluded.