Erste Bank Serbia is the oldest financial institution in the country, established in 1864 as the first savings bank (Novosadska štedionica). In 2005, Novosadska Banka became a member of Erste Group, which was founded in 1819 as the first Austrian savings bank. Today, Erste Bank
Serbia has a network of 88 branches and 4 centers for corporate clients, with approximately 1,150 employees serving around 510,000 clients.

Problem Description

Strawberry Energy is developing a network of smart and eco-friendly devices on the territory of the city of Belgrade and Republic of Serbia, in cooperation with public and private partners. Erste Bank Serbia wishes to contribute to the development of such network, through providing its active support to Strawberry Energy.

Solution

The aim of this partnership is Erste Bank Serbia’s support to the city of Belgrade to, in cooperation with Strawberry Energy:
• develop a network of smart devices which are ecologically acceptable,
• enable citizens to actively use Strawberry benches and educate themselves on the use of ecologically sustainable solutions.

One smart bench is already in place at Belgrade’s Republic Square and another in preparation for Erste Bank Serbia’s HQ building in Belgrade.

Client’s success with our product

Starting form September 2019, our partnership with Strawberry Energy has been another pinpoint of Erste Bank’s corporate social responsibility. Besides the echo of development of smart devices which contribute to ecological sustainability, the use of the smart bench is a success story per se:

Personal quote from the client

“Strawberry Energy once again confirms the power of innovation. We at Erste Bank Serbia are proud to support such ventures, that have a proven role in the local community development, which is one of our key strategical and corporate social responsibility pillars.”

We’re here to answer any questions! Contact us at info@eliteareas.gr .

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in nearly 170 countries and territories, including the Republic of Serbia, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and
exclusion. UNDP works in partnership with the Government of Serbia, development partners, UN agencies, civil society and local communities to help identify local solutions to meet national and global development
challenges.

Challenge

Migration movements since 2015 have led to an increase in the number of inhabitants in the municipalities where temporary migrants stay, leading to the change of needs that local community should respond to. These new needs include the way public spaces are used. UNDP was searching for solution with the aim of enhancing social cohesion and promotion of tolerance between all citizens, that is aligned with European Union Support to municipalities hosting refugees and migrants. The solution should also provide place for connectivity, socialization and increase of awareness of local information.

Solution

The Smart Bench powered with solar, 100% green energy, is a good example on how inclusive technologies can truly serve the community and its needs. It is also a perfect opportunity for people to meet in a public space. Charging solar ports, Wi-Fi and info screen will give the citizens an opportunity to combine virtual and real world, which would cast a new light on the way people socialize. Multi surface branding options of the bench are good for donation visibility, while digital assets (like Wi-Fi log in landing page) are great for distribution of information important for local society.

Client’s success with our product

The opening ceremony for Smart Bench installation gathered more than 200 community members, representatives of local government, citizens, migrants, NGOs and media.

Personal quote from the client

“Strawberry Energy demonstrated huge experience in the implementation of
the smart, green, social, useful and innovative solutions with the aim to built
resilient communities. We are honored and happy to cooperate with the enthusiastic Strawberry team!”
Jelena Maric Lukovic, Project Manager, UNDP Serbia

We’re here to answer any questions! Contact us at info@eliteareas.gr .