Pathways to Bioeconomy and Bioconvergence Perspectives from Serbia and Israel 2025

Executive summary This white paper explores how Serbia and Israel advance their national bioeconomy strategies through the integration of life sciences and digital technologies – particularly artificial intelligence (AI), and information and communication technology (ICT). While both countries share a commitment to innovation, economic development and sustainability, they have shaped their unique strengths and strategic priorities in different ways. The Republic of Serbia emphasizes investment in digital infrastructure, biotechnology and AI, exemplified by the BIO4 Campus, which aims to position the country as a biotechnology hub in Eastern Europe. This paper outlines the evolution of Serbia’s ICT sector (an ecosystem infused with AI) and highlights its interdisciplinary and collaborative approach, alongside strong support for the start-up community. The Israeli model presents a somewhat different perspective. The state has identified bioconvergence as a national priority, integrating biology, engineering and computational sciences to drive innovation in healthcare, agriculture and sustainability. The Government of Israel focuses on strategic investments, research excellence and industry collaboration to position the country as a global leader in this field. Key insights from this comparative study include: –Investment in research and development (R&D) and digital infrastructure: catalysing bioeconomy growth –Cross-sector collaboration: among academia, industry and government to cultivate innovation –Regulatory frameworks: supporting responsible and scalable biotechnology innovation –Human capital development: a fundamental driver of long-term competitiveness Together, these case studies offer a practical reference for other countries seeking to unlock the potential of the bioeconomy. By learning from each other’s successes and deepening bilateral cooperation, Serbia and Israel are not only advancing their national goals but also contributing to global scientific and economic progress.Serbia and Israel are pursuing unique, technology-driven pathways to unlock the transformative potential of the bioeconomy. Pathways to Bioeconomy and Bioconvergence 5