On June 14, 2024, a significant workshop focusing on the concept of Eco-Industrial Parks was held at Mind Park, in Kragujevac, Serbia. The workshop was organised by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and LLC Mind Park, aiming to promote sustainable and ecological industrial zones that prioritise circular economy practices and emission reduction.

LLC Mind Park is an integrated production, technology, and logistics hub designed as a base for the rail vehicle industry, new technologies in water treatment, sustainability, environmental protection, and the aviation industry.

The workshop provided attendees with a valuable opportunity to delve into the activities of the Eco-Industrial Parks project. Participants explored strategies for long-term development, market positioning as resource-efficient industrial parks, fostering cooperation and synergies among companies, and strengthening the reputation of sustainable business practices and social responsibility.

Over the course of one day, the workshop covered the fundamental principles and advantages of the Eco-Industrial Parks concept, the implementation process's flow and dynamics, and opportunities for tenant involvement and contribution to the project.

Additionally, participants from Mind Park, Siemens Mobility, Milanovic Water Treatment, Oscial, Jungic Recycling and others had the chance to explore potential collaborations and work towards the joint development of innovative solutions. Throughout the workshop, there was a spirited exchange of ideas, with attendees eagerly asking questions and seeking insights from IFC experts.

The workshop is just one of the many activities within the broader Eco-Industrial Parks project. Aligned with policies such as the European Green Deal, Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, and the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans 2021-2027, the project aims to support industrial decarbonisation and the creation of sustainable and competitive industrial zones.

Implemented in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the European Commission (EC), and the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), the project seeks to pilot five Eco-Industrial Parks across multiple Western Balkan countries. Its objectives include enhancing the capabilities of industrial parks to meet the organisational and operational prerequisites and performance standards of EIPs, facilitating market access to sustainable products through capacity building, and advocating for regulatory and policy changes to implement the EIP concept on a larger scale.

Through the realisation of these goals, the Eco-Industrial Parks project aims to mitigate climate change risks, foster industry competitiveness, and generate employment opportunities within the respective sectors.

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