The first building of the Innovation District in Kragujevac, one of Serbia’s largest innovation infrastructure projects, has entered its final stage. An application for an occupancy permit is expected to be submitted by September 4, with approval anticipated by the middle of the month. Global technology giants have already expressed interest in space within the new complex, while pre-contracts have been signed with Oracle, Honeywell and Palo Alto.
During a recent tour of the construction site, Kragujevac Mayor Nikola Dašić and Mihailo Jovanović, director of the Serbian Government’s Office for Information Technologies and eGovernment, announced that construction of the entire complex would continue at an accelerated pace.
The first building, worth slightly more than €20 million, was designed by young, award-winning Serbian architects. One of its most striking features will be a kinetic facade, which is currently being installed. 
From an Automotive City to a Center for New Technologies
For Kragujevac, however, this project means much more than the construction of another business complex.
Mayor Nikola Dašić says the project is of fundamental importance to the continued transformation of a city that for decades was known primarily for its automotive industry.
– Kragujevac today is no longer just the former city of automobiles. We are developing a broad range of industries and growing into an information and technology center for Serbia and the Balkans. With the State Data Center, the Innovation District and the Science and Technology Park, we are creating a complete ecosystem – Dašić said.
A planned faculty for artificial intelligence, information security and computing is also expected to hold an important place within that system, and its establishment has received the support of the president of the Republic.
The idea is to give young people in Kragujevac an opportunity to study in the most advanced fields while immediately applying the knowledge they acquire in practice by working with major Serbian and global companies.
– We want young people to develop here both academically and practically, to work with the largest companies that will be based in the Innovation District, and to be able to build their careers at the level of the world’s leading technology centers – Dašić said.
Three Global IT Giants Have Already Reserved Space
The interest shown by major companies also demonstrates the potential of the new complex.
Mihailo Jovanović said pre-contracts have already been signed with three major IT companies — Oracle, Honeywell and Palo Alto — which will use space in the Innovation District.
– Right next to the State Data Center, we will have companies that use its services. This is the largest innovation infrastructure construction site in Serbia and a unique complex that will bring together numerous activities related to innovation, digitalization and artificial intelligence in one location – Jovanović said.
The complex will also house a Security Operations Center, which will provide services to Serbia’s entire public administration, as well as public companies and businesses that require a high level of information security.
Second Building Expected by Early Next Year
The opening of the first building will not mark the completion of the Innovation District.
Foundations and a large parking garage have already been built beneath the five planned buildings, allowing new structures to be developed in line with the needs of future tenants.
Construction of the second building has already advanced significantly, with completion planned for the first quarter of next year.
Another important step is expected in September, when the cornerstone is scheduled to be laid for an additional building that is intended to become a kind of “heart of the Innovation District.”
A preserved building that once housed the Center for Small Grains will also become a special part of the complex. It will be integrated into the new development, preserving part of Kragujevac’s industrial heritage and connecting it with the architecture and technologies of the future.
Kragujevac Is Building a New Identity
The Innovation District is envisioned as a space that will not be reserved exclusively for IT companies. It is expected to bring together innovators, startups, scientists, students and residents and connect them with the State Data Center and future science, technology and educational facilities.
That concentration of infrastructure, knowledge and major technology companies is intended to serve as the foundation for Kragujevac’s ambition to become one of the region’s most important technology centers while retaining its traditional industrial identity.
As Jovanović said, the goal is for the Innovation District to further strengthen Kragujevac’s position as Serbia’s “Silicon Valley.”
Source and Photo: Secretariat for Communications – Kragujevac
