The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector in Serbia is rapidly growing, with exports expected to reach €10 billion by 2024, a remarkable 26-fold increase since 2012.
In 2012, the ICT export was €375 million, and it has risen significantly to between €3.5 billion and €3.6 billion last year. Employment in the sector has also seen substantial growth, currently standing at 109,502 people, up from about 50,000 in 2012. Projections suggest that this number could reach 140,000 jobs by 2027.
The government is focusing on strategic investments, committing around €70 million to artificial intelligence and emphasizing biotechnology as key areas for future development. A significant project, the BIO4 Campus, is currently under construction and aims to become a major bioeconomics center, expected to employ over 1,000 PhDs.
The ICT trade surplus was recorded at €2.6 billion last year, with exports growing by 27% compared to 2022, making up over 12% of total Serbian exports. This growth underscores the sector’s importance to the national economy.
Moreover, the sector has transformed from a reliance on outsourcing to developing local startups. Notable success stories include Nordeus, a gaming company that merged with Take-Two Interactive in 2021, highlighting the potential of Serbian companies on the global stage.
Overall, Serbia is positioning itself as a competitive player in the global ICT landscape, supported by ongoing investments and a growing talent pool.