Transformation of the Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering - IMGGE
Background
Serbia Accelerating Innovation and Growth Entrepreneurship (SAIGE project)
With the intent to maintain excellence in science, as well as to ensure long-term quality of scientific research through the strengthening of Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering (IMGGE), the Institute has started transformation process through the Serbia Accelerating Innovation and Growth Entrepreneurship Project (SAIGE Project), Loan Agreement number: IBRD 90290YF, adopted through the Law on Loan Agreement Ratification (“Official Gazette RS - International Agreements”, no. 3/20), and in accordance with the Law on Science and Research ("Official Gazette of RS", No. 49/2019). Full support is delivered through the SAIGE Project implementation Unit.
The objective of SAIGE project is to improve (i) the relevance and excellence of scientific research, and (ii) innovative entrepreneurship and access to finance for enterprise growth, as a way of contributing to Serbia’s growth and competitiveness. Relevance of research refers to the potential of research results to be commercialized on the market, thus contributing to the economy, while excellence refers to international recognition of the quality of the research.
The project has three components.
(1) Research sector reforms component
(2) Enterprise acceleration component
(3) Project implementation, monitoring, capacity building component.
Transformation of IMGGE
Transformation plan is based on the external assessment of the IMGGE. It aims to turn the IMGGE into a regional centre of excellence which operates in accordance with similar methods and principles as the leading RDIs in the EU and delivers substantially greater economic and social value to Serbia. By implementing this plan, IMGGE will (a) adopt best in class R&D and innovation management practices, (b) raise diverse and high-quality R&D and innovation funding from national and EU sources, and (c) identify and invest in the development of high value strategic S&T targets and related initiatives that create substantial economic outcomes and social impact.
The transformation plan will also guide IMGGE to adopt a strong and dynamic organizational framework and culture, effective corporate strategies, mechanisms and tools, resource-efficient infrastructure operations, and well-established partnerships with stakeholders in the local and national research and innovation ecosystems as well as within the European Research Area.
As a public RDI, the success of IMGGE largely depends on the quality and effectiveness of the national policies, policy instruments and legislative framework in Serbia. IMGGE will actively collaborate with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development (MoESTD) and the other RDIs to create the conditions required for achieving research excellence, high-value innovations and their transfer to the economy and society. It is important that IMGGE’s efforts
at the institutional level are supported by the Serbian Government and necessary improvements are made in the legislative and policy framework for full implementation of this plan.
- The purpose
This document presents the transformation roadmap of IMGGE is based on the external assessment findings and recommendations. It was prepared jointly by IMGGE and INOMER.
With this plan, IMGGE is embarking on a transformation to become a regional centre of excellence, increase its relevance and impact in Serbia, and to become an active member of the European research and innovation ecosystem. This document lays out the transformation process at two stages: near-term (up to 3 years); longer term (after the 3rd year).
This transformation plan is intended to be a living document that will evolve over time and be adapted to contextual changes.
- Transformation vision of IMGGE
IMGGE management and staff developed and agreed on the following vision statement to guide them through the transformation journey:
