Mинистарство за научнотехнолошки развој и високо образовање

The Ministry of Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of the Republic of Serbia (Serbian: Ministarstvo nauke, tehnološkog razvoja i inovacija) is a cabinet-level ministry established in its current form in October 2022. It continues Serbia's long-standing tradition of dedicated science and education governance, with roots dating back to 1991. The ministry was reconstituted following several reorganizations and mergers, reflecting evolving national priorities in science and technology policy.

Mandate and Organizational Structure

The ministry's core mandate encompasses:

• Formulating and implementing national policy on scientific research, technological innovation, and higher education
• Managing public administration functions in research funding, accreditation, and innovation promotion
• Overseeing regulatory compliance for academic institutions, research organizations, and nuclear safety
• Fostering international cooperation and public-private partnerships in science and education

Leadership

The ministry has been led by independent experts: Jelena Begović (October 2022–April 2025) and since April 16, 2025, by hematologist and academic Béla Bálint. The leadership team oversees a structure including departments for higher education policy, scientific research development, technological innovation, and international cooperation.

Role in Higher Education

As the primary architect of Serbia's post-secondary education system, the ministry ensures alignment with the Bologna Process by:

• Regulating bachelor's, master's and doctoral studies across universities, faculties, academies, and colleges
• Drafting legislation for higher education quality, accessibility, inclusiveness, and digital transformation
• Supervising student standards and institutional performance
• Coordinating state-subsidized infrastructure projects including the BIO4 biotech campus and university tech parks in Novi Sad and Belgrade

Accreditation and Quality Assurance

The ministry oversees a comprehensive accreditation system through the legally independent Commission for Accreditation and Quality Assurance (CAQA), featuring:

• Regular review of all 123 faculties and 65 institutes (including 6 of national significance)
• Scheduled accreditation every five years (ten years for national institutes)
• Implementation of CAQA recommendations and quality standards
• Support programs for doctoral candidates and young researchers through fellowship schemes

Scientific Research and Innovation

The ministry drives Serbia's research ecosystem through:

• Multi-year strategies including "Power of Knowledge" (2021–25) and smart specialization (2020–27)
• The Science Fund (established 2019) supporting fundamental and applied research
• Participation in Horizon Europe, Eureka, and AI innovation programs
• Initiatives to engage diaspora researchers and combat brain drain

Technology Transfer and Innovation Ecosystem

The ministry actively develops Serbia's innovation capacity through:

• Science and technology parks in Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš, and Kruševac
• AMRES academic network infrastructure
• Tech entrepreneurship programs and industry partnerships
• Digital transformation initiatives across academic institutions

International Cooperation

The ministry manages Serbia's global scientific engagement including:

• EU pre-accession funding and international grants
• Participation in Horizon Europe and Eureka programs
• Membership in UNESCO science commissions
• Implementation of the International Decade of Science resolution

Regulatory and Safety Responsibilities

The ministry exercises oversight in specialized areas including:

• Nuclear research infrastructure and radioactive material safety
• ICT standards in higher education and science
• Drafting of relevant laws and technical regulations

Finance and Talent Development

Key financial instruments administered include:

• Monograph publication grants
• Doctoral student fellowships and researcher mobility support
• Targeted funding for AI and green technology research
• Programs to attract overseas Serbian researchers

Strategic Vision and Future Outlook

The ministry's current priorities focus on:

• Advancing scientific excellence and global integration
• Modernizing and digitalizing higher education systems
• Strengthening research-industry collaboration
• Developing capacities in AI, green-tech, nuclear safety, and STEM
• Investing in young talent and diaspora engagement

Conclusion

The Ministry of Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education serves as the cornerstone of Serbia's advancement in science, technology, and higher education. Through its comprehensive frameworks for quality assurance, strategic funding, international cooperation, and talent development, the ministry plays a pivotal role in positioning Serbia as a regional hub for research and innovation while aligning its academic systems with European standards and economic needs.

Organization Name

Mинистарство за научнотехнолошки развој и високо образовање
Ministry of Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of the Republic of Serbia
Ministarstvo nauke, tehnološkog razvoja i inovacija, Republike Srpske

Acronym

Year of Establishment

2022

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

1 Trg Republike Srpske
Banja Luka
78000 Republika Srpska Bosnia and Herzegovina

Phone

+387 (51) 338 731

Fax

+387 (51) 338 853

List of universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina recognized by Ministarstvo nauke, tehnološkog razvoja i inovacija, Republike Srpske, the Ministry of Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of the Republic of Serbia:

Apeiron Pan-European University, Banja Luka

1. Headquarters: Pere Krece 13 78000 Banja Luka

Banja Luka College

1. Headquarters: Miloša Obilića 30 78000 Banja Luka

College of Cosmetology and Aesthetics, Banja Luka

1. Headquarters: dr Mladena Stojanovića 29 78000 Banja Luka

College of Service Business East Sarajevo - Sokolac

1. Headquarters: Cara Lazara bb 71350 Sokolac – East Sarajevo

College of Tourism and Hotel Management in Trebinje

1. Headquarters: Stepe Stepanovića bb 89000 Trebinje

Doboj Business and Technical College

1. Headquarters: Ozrenskih Serbian Brigades 5A Doboj

High School of Economics and Informatics Prijedor

1. Headquarters: Mitropolita Petra Zimonjića Street bb Prijedor

Higher Medical School of Health Doboj

1. Headquarters: Vojvode Siđelića 45 74000 Doboj

Independent University of Banja Luka

1. Headquarters: Veljka Mlađenovića 12 E Banja Luka

Medical School Prijedor

1. Headquarters: Nikole Pašića 4A Prijedor

Slobomir P University

1. Headquarters: Slobomir Bijeljina

University of Applied and Legal Sciences "Prometej" Banja Luka

1. Headquarters: Knajza Miloša Street 10a 78 000 Banja Luka

University of Banja Luka

1. Headquarters: Boulevard of Duke Petra Bojovića 1A Banja Luka

University of Bijeljina, Bijeljina

1. Headquarters: Pavlovića put bb - Dvorovi 76300 Bijeljina

University of Business Engineering and Management Banja Luka

1. Headquarters: Despota Stefana Lazarevića bb Banja Luka

University of Business Studies Banja Luka

1. Headquarters: Jovana Dučića 23a 78000 Banja Luka

University of East Sarajevo

1. Headquarters: Vuka Karadžića No. 30, East New Sarajevo East Sarajevo

University of Sinergia, Bijeljina

1. Headquarters: Raje Banjičića bb Bijeljina

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

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X (Twitter)

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LinkedIn

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YouTube

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Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

Ministarstvo nauke, tehnološkog razvoja i inovacija, Republike Srpske's Wikipedia page

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