Serbia is shifting towards an innovation-driven economy. The Government of Serbia (GoS) has recognised the importance of innovation in driving sustainable economic growth, competitiveness and integration into global markets. The traditional development model based on low labour costs, government incentives for foreign direct investments, and affordable energy, is reaching its limits. In response, the GoS has prioritised the development of a knowledge-based economy, with a focus on strengthening research, development, and innovation capacities across sectors.

The Swiss-Serbian Innovation Programme aims to contribute to Serbia’s ongoing transition towards a knowledge-based economy, (i) by fostering start-up and innovation ecosystem development, institutional capacity building, cooperation and innovation-oriented partnerships, (ii) by facilitating technology transfer, access to finance and integration in international markets, and (iii) by positioning Switzerland as a strategic partner for innovation in Serbia.

1) The Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation (NITRA)'s capacity to contribute to the creation of Serbia's innovation-friendly ecosystem is strengthened

2) Collaboration between startups/SMEs and academia is strengthened to enable the development of commercially viable innovations

3) The Serbian high-tech sector becomes an important pillar of the Serbian Economy, contributing to innovation, exports and job creation

Results from previous phases:  

Given that this is the first phase of creating an overarching programme in the innovation ecosystem in Serbia, there are no specific lessons learned from a previous phase. However, experiences from other SECO programs in Serbia and global initiatives (e.g. Swiss Entrepreneurship Programme I-III (2015-today)- Global Intellectual Property Rights Programme (2018-25)- Technopark I and II- IFC-Multi-Country Investment Climate Programme I-II (2016-2026) etc.) highlighted that empowering local actors and organisations (public and private) to take leadership roles fosters ownership, sustainability, and deeper engagement between partners beyond the projects funding cycles. This and other lessons are considered in the new Swiss-Serbian Innovation Programme, as it aims to strengthen also the role of Serbian institutions and organisations, their strategic and operational competences, and the local ownership.