BEAMING INTERVIEWS AT EDUCONS UNIVERSITY IN THE FUNCTION OF STRENGTHENING KNOWLEDGE VALORIZATION PRACTICES

During December 2025, University Educons successfully conducted a series of interviews with key institutional stakeholders within the BEAMING project, aimed at strengthening institutional capacities for knowledge valorisation and technology transfer. The interviews were carried out within WP8 – Knowledge Valorization and represent an important step in assessing existing practices, challenges, and development needs of the University in this area.

The interviews involved the following participants:
• Prof. Dr Andrea Andrejević Panić, Vice-Rector for Science and International Cooperation
• Prof. Dr Simonida Vukadinović, Head of the Center for Circular Economy
• Prof. Dr Jelena Ješić, Industry Cooperation Coordinator
• Assist. Prof. Dr Zoran Brljak, Coordinator of the Tech Transfer Hub
• Jovana Kisin, Project Incubator Hub Coordinator

The interviews were conducted by Danica Mulić, a member of the BEAMING project team.

The findings indicate significant progress made by University Educons in developing knowledge transfer mechanisms, including the strengthening of the Tech Transfer Hub, improved cooperation with industry and local communities, the development of digital tools and methodologies, and the establishment of new centers and specialised laboratories, such as the Microplastics Research Center. It was also highlighted that the University currently cooperates with a network of over 50 companies, supported by regular meetings of the Board of Directors, which actively contributes to strategic planning processes.

Key challenges identified include the need for further formalisation of internal procedures, strengthening researchers’ capacities in intellectual property protection and commercialisation, and improving systems for monitoring the impact of research results. Special emphasis was placed on the importance of trainings in IP management, industry communication, standardisation, and preparation of patent documentation.

The collected insights will be integrated into the upcoming BEAMING project activities and will contribute to further strengthening the institutional framework for knowledge transfer, reaffirming University Educons’ commitment to innovation, partnerships, and socially responsible research.