University of Banja Luka Embark on USE IPM Study Visit to Belgium

A team of researchers from the Faculty of Economics at the University of Banja Luka embarked on an insightful study visit to Belgium this week. This visit was part of the USE IPM project, which is supported through the Horizon WIDERA program. The delegation was led by Prof. Dr. Saša Petković, the project coordinator, and included notable scholars such as Dr. Milice Bogdanović, Assoc. Dr. Mirjane Milijević, and Assoc. Dr. Ljubiša Mićić.

During their stay in Brussels, the researchers visited the representative office of the Republic of Srpska. This visit was an opportunity for them to introduce themselves and to elucidate the numerous benefits and opportunities offered by the European Union through its various programs and projects.

Horizon Europe and the WIDERA Program

The study visit was a part of the broader Horizon Europe initiative, specifically the Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence (WIDERA) program. This program aims to enhance research and innovation (R&I) across the EU, particularly in Member States that have traditionally had lower participation in the Horizon Europe program.

WIDERA's mission is to bolster the research capabilities of these countries, aligning with the policy goals of the European Research Area (ERA). The program's objectives are multifaceted, focusing on:

• Promoting reforms and transformation processes: Encouraging structural changes within national R&I systems to foster a more conducive environment for research and innovation.

• Mobilizing national investments: Leveraging and increasing national funding towards research and innovation.

• Raising the level of excellence of R&I actors: Enhancing the quality and impact of research institutions and individual researchers.

• Increasing participation levels and success rates: Ensuring that a broader range of institutions and countries can successfully engage with Horizon Europe projects.

• Fostering the creation and upscaling of innovation ecosystems: Developing robust networks that support innovation from the grassroots level to large-scale enterprises.

• Promoting knowledge transfer and intersectoral mobility: Facilitating the movement of knowledge and personnel across different sectors and regions. Strategic Implications for the University of Banja Luka

For the University of Banja Luka, involvement in the USE IPM project under the WIDERA framework is a strategic move to enhance its research profile and integrate more deeply into the European research landscape. The visit to Brussels is expected to foster new collaborations, enhance the university's visibility, and open up further opportunities for its researchers and students.

Prof. Dr. Saša Petković and his team are optimistic about the future implications of their participation in the WIDERA program. They believe that the knowledge and connections gained during their visit will significantly benefit their institution and contribute to the overall progress of research and innovation within the Republic of Srpska and the broader Balkan region.

The study visit by the University of Banja Luka's research team to Belgium underscores the importance of international collaboration in advancing research and innovation. Through the Horizon WIDERA program, the university is well-positioned to enhance its R&I capabilities, contribute to the European Research Area, and ultimately drive progress within its community and beyond.