Developments in recent years give reason for confidence, including stable economic growth, an increase in foreign direct investment and a better business climate. Whereas young people, in particular, left their home country after the post-Yugoslav Wars due to a lack of prospects, the trend today is quite different. Increasing numbers of Serbian nationals who have gained valuable professional experience and earned good money abroad are now returning home. This may be because they wish to return to their roots and their families, or because they now see greater potential in Serbia than in other countries.
Back to the future
One good example of a Serb who has returned after spending several years in another European country and has successfully established a company in Serbia is Branko Milutinovic. Together with the co-founders of the company Nordeus, he has developed a computer game that is now successfully marketed beyond the country’s borders. Nordeus shows that a small country like Serbia with a small population and a small market can be attractive for businesses. ‘Business Ideas for Development’ supports Serbs living in Germany to harness the potential of their country of origin.
New impetus in new sectors
People with a good education and training, who have widened their horizons by working abroad, are particularly suited to helping Serbia modernise and diversify its economy. This enables Serbia to shift its focus which is solely on services and traditional sectors such as industry, mining and agriculture. Here, too, Serbia already has examples of best practice, for instance in the tourism sector, which has gained importance in recent years, or in research.