Serbia’s digitalisation journey has been marked by notable strides across multiple fronts, reflecting a commitment to harness technology for comprehensive societal and economic advancement
Serbia’s continuing efforts to transform itself into a knowledge- based economy are multifaceted. They include investments in high-speed internet, advancements in fostering the digital economy and innovation, the evolution of e-government structures, support to advancing digital literacy and accelerating the adoption of technological advancements among businesses.
Serbia’s commitment to robust digital infrastructure is exemplified by investments in high-speed internet access and expansion of the broadband network. A significant capital investment project that was initiated in December 2022 and valued at €500 million ($545 million) aims to enhance broadband communication infrastructure, focusing specifically on rural areas. This initiative aligns with Serbia’s broader vision of bridging the digital divide, ensuring that even remote regions benefit from robust internet services. Projections suggest that over 99% of Serbian households will have access to high-speed fixed internet by 2025.
The digitalisation of business processes remains a key driver of serbia’s economic growth and competitiveness
Simultaneously, Serbia has taken significant strides in supporting the digital economy and innovation, along with the development of e-government. The EDGE project, embedded within the scope of Serbia’s Artificial Intelligence Development Strategy, is an important initiative that’s driving innovation, digital transformation and the evolution of e-government services. Among other things, the project encompasses a December 2021 500-million-euro investment in a supercomputer and the development of the National Platform for Artificial Intelligence.
This endeavour aligns with Serbia’s commitment to advance e-government services and support academic and innovative pursuits in artificial intelligence. Collaborations with academic institutions, science and technology parks and the Innovation Fund have resulted in public calls for start-up companies. A total of 33 start-ups leverage the supercomputer, fostering a vibrant ecosystem and gaining international recognition. Looking to the future, the project aims to enhance its supercomputer with more advanced graphics processors, thereby sustaining its impactful role in driving Serbia’s digital evolution.
Recognising the importance of digital skills, Serbia has been working on initiatives to enhance education in the digital domain. Integrating digital literacy programmes into formal education and vocational training ensures that individuals are prepared for the evolving digital landscape, contributing to a digitally competent workforce.
These efforts are aligned with the growing interest of Serbian businesses in leveraging digital tools to enhance productivity, improve customer experiences and remain competitive in a global economy.