Smart Specialization Strategy of the Republic of Serbia 2020-2027
Innovation and the enhancement of the research ecosystem to guide investment in priority industrial areas
Description
The Smart Specialization Strategy of the Republic of Serbia 2020–2027 has targeted the development of the country’s innovation and research ecosystem by directing future investments in specific priority areas. These include the “Food for the Future” priority, targeting an increase in added value in the food production chain, while the “Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)” priority seeks to spur the development of a domestic ICT market that makes use of custom software products. Under the “Future machines and manufacturing systems” priority, the Research and Development (R&D) capacities of the business sector are to be advanced through scientific-financial collaborations, while the “Creative Industries” priority targets the protection of intellectual property.
Technology
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
- Blockchain
- Big data
- Cloud
- Drone
- Internet of things (IoT)
- Robotics
- Sensor
- Remote sensing
- GPS
- GIS
ICT innovations in databases, process optimization systems, and smart packaging and food traceability systems can add value to food production, while blockchain and Internet of things (IoT) technologies can contribute to sustainable agriculture and food production, and thus to the achievement of the “Food for the Future” priority objective. Cloud computing, big data, mobile applications, IoT and artificial intelligence are being used by a growing number of Serbian companies operating in numerous sectors, including agriculture, contributing to a stronger domestic software market and the achievement of the ICT priority objective.
Target
- Academia and research institutions
- Large size farms
- Medium size farms
- Private sector
- Public sector
The private sector, including agribusinesses, tech companies and start-ups, has been the main target of the strategy due to its key role in the development, commercialization and dissemination of high-tech agricultural solutions. Academia and research institutions may also benefit from the strategy as pioneers in the development and testing of new technologies in agriculture.
Business model
Several measures have been put in place to date, at a cost of EUR 3 million.
Impact
Serbia’s target for 2027 is to transform its economy into one based on knowledge and innovation, enhanced competitiveness and an improved global supply chain position through the provision of targeted support in a number of key areas. In the specific area of food production, the strategy’s desired impact is to promote R&D in agriculture and the food sector through incentives, and to link the country’s fast-growing food production companies with the creative industries and ICT.
