Pathways to Bioeconomy and Bioconvergence Perspectives from Serbia and Israel 2025

Foreword The 21st century is defined by rapid technological progress, and the convergence of biological sciences and pioneering innovations. These trends are transforming industries, economies and the ways in which we address global challenges. This revolution – driven by artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, advanced computing, and information and communication technologies (ICT) – is already making a tangible impact on healthcare, agriculture, energy and environmental sustainability. Breakthroughs in these fields are tackling pressing issues such as climate change and disease management, demonstrating their capacity to address “real-life disruption”. This white paper, Pathways to Bioeconomy and Bioconvergence: Perspectives from Serbia and Israel, offers two unique yet complementary blueprints for developing a resilient and innovation-led bioeconomy. By highlighting the experiences of Serbia and Israel, we aim to provide a helpful framework that others can draw from to launch their own initiatives, attract investment or shape national strategies. Both Serbia and Israel illustrate how different starting points, priorities and policy tools can lead to meaningful outcomes. Serbia is tapping into its strong ICT base while enhancing its biotechnology and AI capabilities to create a strong, sustainable bioeconomy. With the same goal, Israel is taking a focused, interdisciplinary route, positioning bioconvergence as a national strategic priority and harnessing its agile deep-tech industries. Together, they showcase that global collaboration is a key driver in this transformation. In particular, the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Serbia and the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Israel, part of the World Economic Forum’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution network, have joined forces to address global challenges and are harnessing their complementary strengths to advance these fields. This paper doesn’t propose a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it offers insights into how these two nations, by aligning education, policy and investment with their unique strengths, build dynamic ecosystems where science and innovation can flourish. Their stories, intertwined through public-private collaboration, strategic foresight and global engagement, are an inspiration and a practical reference for others aiming to unlock the full potential of the bioeconomy.Jelena Bojović Director, Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Serbia Daniella Partem Director, Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Israel, Israel Innovation Authority Pathways to Bioeconomy and Bioconvergence: Perspectives from Serbia and IsraelMay 2025 Pathways to Bioeconomy and Bioconvergence 3