ELEKTROTEHNICKI FAKULTET UNIVERZITET U BEOGRADU

Their core work

The School of Electrical Engineering at the University of Belgrade (ETF) is one of Serbia's leading technical faculties, specializing in electrical engineering, computing, and automation. Within H2020, they have focused on building and supporting Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs) that help SMEs adopt robotics, IoT, and agile production technologies. They also bring experience in renewable energy systems, particularly district heating and cooling solutions, and have engaged in institutional gender equality initiatives. Their practical strength lies in bridging academic research with SME technology adoption across Southeast Europe.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

ETF began its H2020 involvement in 2016 with renewable energy infrastructure (district heating/cooling), then shifted decisively toward digital transformation and robotics from 2019 onward. Their two DIH projects show a clear commitment to helping SMEs access robotics, IoT, and agile manufacturing through structured innovation hub networks. The most recent addition — a gender equality project starting in 2021 — suggests growing institutional engagement beyond purely technical work.

ETF is positioning itself as a regional gateway for SME digitalization through robotics and IoT hub networks, making them a strong partner for future DIH and Industry 4.0 initiatives in the Western Balkans.

How they like to work

ETF participates exclusively as a partner, never as coordinator, suggesting they contribute specialized regional expertise rather than leading large-scale project management. With 70 unique partners across 30 countries from just 4 projects, they operate in large pan-European consortia — particularly the DIH network projects which are broad by design. This makes them well-connected but likely in a supporting or regional node role rather than a central driver.

Despite only 4 projects, ETF has built an unusually wide network of 70 partners across 30 countries, largely thanks to the pan-European DIH network projects. Their reach spans most of the EU plus associated countries, with a natural strength as a Western Balkans anchor.

What sets them apart

ETF is one of Serbia's most internationally connected engineering faculties, offering a direct entry point into the Western Balkans research and innovation ecosystem. Their dual expertise in both digital innovation hubs and energy systems is uncommon for the region. For consortium builders targeting Widening Country participation or needing a credible Serbian partner with proven EU project experience, ETF is a well-tested choice.

Highlights from their portfolio

• DIH-HERO
  Their largest single grant (EUR 288,797), connecting healthcare robotics with Digital Innovation Hubs across Europe — an unusual intersection of health tech and SME support.
• DIH²
  Part of a flagship pan-European network bringing robotics, IoT, and agile production directly to manufacturing SMEs through coordinated innovation hubs.
• MINDtheGEPs
  Signals institutional commitment to research culture reform, expanding ETF's profile beyond purely technical domains.