On Monday, December 1, 2025, at the University of Belgrade – Faculty of Organizational Sciences, a Memorandum of Understanding was officially signed between the Faculty of Organizational Sciences (FON) and EIT Manufacturing. This Memorandum represents an important step toward strengthening cooperation between academia and industry, particularly in the areas of innovation, digitalization, technology transfer, and the development of a sustainable European industrial ecosystem.
The event was opened by the Dean of FON, Professor Marko Mihić, who welcomed the guests on behalf of the Faculty and highlighted the importance of signing this Memorandum as an initial platform for collaboration between the two institutions. He emphasized that this cooperation will enable FON to access the EIT network and its resources, while EIT will gain access to FON’s network of students, companies, and partner institutions. Professor Mihić also underlined that FON’s strengths—its extensive experience in scientific research and consulting, as well as its strong connections with the business community and public sector—will undoubtedly contribute to achieving the goals defined in this Memorandum.
Representing EIT, Mr. Johannes Hunschofsky, Director of EIT Manufacturing East, addressed the audience. Reflecting on his more than 45 years of professional experience in industry and manufacturing across Europe, the United States, China, and India, as well as his academic experience as a lecturer at the TU Wien, he noted that he deeply understands the needs of both sides. He expressed his commitment to supporting FON’s positioning through connections with the partner network in international projects, information about open calls, the implementation of student exchange programs, and more.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of EIT Manufacturing, including, in addition to Mr. Johannes Hunschofsky, Ms. Sonja Palade, Offi ce Manager; Ms. Carola Wisbar, HR Manager; Ms. Andrea Nagy, Junior Finance and Project Controller; and Dr. Adrian Solomon, Manager Serbia & Government Relations. On behalf of the Faculty of Organizational Sciences, the signing was attended, in addition to Dean Professor Marko Mihić, by Professor Sandra Jednak, Vice Dean for International Cooperation and Finance; Professor Boris Delibašić, Vice Dean for Science; Associate Professor Dušan Savić, Vice Dean for Undergraduate Studies; Professor Gordana Savić, Vice Dean for Postgraduate Studies; Professor Dušan Barać, Vice Dean for Cooperation with Industry and Innovation; and Assistant Professor Milica Jovanović.
EIT Manufacturing is a public–private partnership, co-funded by the European Union and established in 2019. It is one of nine Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). Its mission is to bring European manufacturing actors together in innovation ecosystems that add unique value to European products, processes, services — and inspire the creation of globally competitive and sustainable manufacturing. EIT Manufacturing is a unique partnership of more than 55 leading companies, universities, and research institutions that covers the entire product lifecycle and the entire value chain, and includes key added-value industry sectors.
