The Institute of Social Sciences and Arup have implemented a knowledge and experience exchange programme that, through presentations of the research and consulting capacities of both institutions, opened up opportunities for developing future cooperation between the academic and business sectors.
The programme was conceived as a two-way exchange and transfer of knowledge. Arup introduced its work, expertise and examples of good practice to researchers at the Institute of Social Sciences during a session held at the Institute, while the team of Institute had the opportunity to gain a closer insight into Arup’s work and activities during a reciprocal visit to the company’s office. This exchange fostered the sharing of knowledge, experience and professional perspectives between the academic and business sectors, while also laying the groundwork for future forms of cooperation.
Representing Arup, the lecture was delivered by Milica Popović, a member of the company’s Environment and Social team. She provided an overview of Arup’s work and areas of expertise. Founded in 1946, Arup is now present in 34 countries. The company has been operating in Serbia since 2007 and, over nearly two decades, has been involved in more than fifty projects in Serbia and across the region.
Particular attention was given to two projects in Serbia in which the Arup team was directly involved: Resettlement Action Plan for Phases I and II of Line 1 of the Belgrade Metro and Review of the Implementation of the Resettlement Action Plan for the Morava Corridor
The programme also featured a lecture by Ksenija Radovanović, a member of Arup’s Social team and a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Architecture, University of Belgrade. Her professional and research interests focus on the theory and practice of urban planning. She is one of the co-founders of Nova Planska Praksa, established in 2021, an organisation bringing together female professionals with experience in the civil society and public sectors, as well as in academia. As a researcher and consultant, she works with civil society organisations engaged in urban planning and environmental protection.
The Institute of Social Sciences was represented at Arup by Maja Anđelković, Project Manager at the Institute of Social Sciences Project Office. Her presentation traced the Institute’s development from its establishment in 1957 to its present status as an institute of national importance, comprising six research centres. Particular emphasis was placed on the changes brought about by the Serbia Accelerating Innovation and Growth Entrepreneurship (SAIGE) Project, especially in terms of strengthening institutional capacities, expanding the research community, and placing a stronger focus on applied research and engagement with the private sector.
A substantial part of the presentation focused on the Institute’s international projects and partnerships. Among those highlighted were the Horizon Europe projects SE-HYDRO, CAREPATHS, VECTOR and ESS INNOVATE, as well as cooperation within ESS ERIC, the FRANET network and the Council of Europe. The Institute’s representative online panel, Compass Serbia, and its software for measuring social inclusion were also presented. The presentation further highlighted the Institute of Social Sciences strategic ambition to develop into a resource centre for strengthening the capacity of the social sciences in Serbia.
The sessions provided Institute of Social Sciences researchers with an opportunity to gain first-hand insight into consulting practices on projects implemented in accordance with the rules and standards of international financial institutions. Topics included the formation and organisation of project teams, the preparation of bids, the tools and procedures used in developing project documentation, as well as data management, storage and protection.
At the same time, the presentation of the Institute of Social Sciences research, project and institutional capacities enabled Arup to gain a closer understanding of the Institute’s expertise and resources.
The meetings also created an opportunity to explore potential areas of future cooperation, particularly where scientific research, applied research and consulting expertise can complement and reinforce one another.