As ventureLAB participates in the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit in Serbia, we are inspired by Serbia’s leadership and commitment to advancing responsible AI. With our Chief AI Advisor, Garry Chan contributing to the conversation on collaborative innovation, this summit marks what we hope will be the start of a long and impactful partnership with Serbia’s rapidly expanding AI ecosystem.
Serbia has taken a purposeful and forward-thinking approach to fostering its AI landscape, positioning itself as a global leader in AI governance. In 2023, Serbia introduced the Ethical Guidelines for the Development, Application, and Use of Responsible AI, which aim to prevent and mitigate risks associated with AI technologies while safeguarding individual rights and decision-making. This focus on responsibility and ethics mirrors ventureLAB’s own values, where we emphasize ethical AI development and commercialization as foundational principles for innovation.
Over the next three years, Serbia’s pivotal role in GPAI as a co-chair and host of the 2024 GPAI conference underscores its growing influence in shaping the global AI agenda. Serbia will not only provide leadership in advancing responsible AI but also serve as a hub for international collaboration and policy development. This leadership is supported by Serbia’s Strategy for the Development of Artificial Intelligence, which lays the groundwork for fostering innovation and attracting global talent. The establishment of the Institution for Artificial Intelligence Research and Development further solidifies this foundation, creating a center for cutting-edge research and development activities.
The Serbian AI ecosystem is thriving, fueled by targeted government support, incentives, and a clear vision for innovation. Companies engaged in AI research and development in Serbia benefit from salary tax exemptions and corporate tax incentives, making it an attractive destination for investment and entrepreneurship. Additionally, grants and start-up support programs encourage AI-driven solutions across industries, strengthening the country’s reputation as a global AI innovation hub. As a testament to this growth, the World Bank’s EUR 25 million investment through the Serbia Accelerating Innovation and Growth Entrepreneurship (SAIGE) Project has further bolstered Serbia’s capacity for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
At ventureLAB, we see immense potential in collaborating with Serbia to further responsible AI development and commercialization. Serbia’s approach to fostering innovation aligns with our mission to support companies that embed ethical practices in their AI solutions and address real-world challenges. By bridging our ecosystems, we can leverage our combined strengths to create scalable, impactful solutions that prioritize societal benefits and drive economic growth. This collaboration offers an opportunity to develop AI technologies that not only transform industries but also uphold the highest standards of ethical and responsible use.
The GPAI Summit has highlighted the opportunities that lie ahead for global partnerships in AI. Serbia’s proactive initiatives, ethical focus, and commitment to fostering an inclusive AI ecosystem set a powerful example for the global AI community. These values resonate deeply with ventureLAB’s philosophy, where innovation thrives through collaboration, responsibility, and a shared vision for impact.
We look forward to building bridges between Canada and Serbia, fostering meaningful connections between our innovators, and contributing to the global conversation on responsible AI. By working together, we can amplify the potential of AI to address complex societal challenges while ensuring that its development aligns with human values. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to expand our efforts and strengthen this exciting partnership!
