Pathways to Bioeconomy and Bioconvergence Perspectives from Serbia and Israel 2025

1.1 From AI and ICT to bioeconomy AI as a catalyst for innovation Overview of AI initiatives in Serbia 2017-2027 FIGURE 2 Serbian government: Leading the way 2021 20172018 2019 20212022 20232024 2027 Serbia is one of the first countries in Europe to introduce coding as a mandatory subject in elementary school.The Centre of Digital Transformation, a coordination and implementation body for the digitalization of all private industries, is established. Serbia becomes the first country in Southeast Europe and 26th in the world to adopt a National AI Strategy.Students in 7th and 8th grade of elementary schools have AI as part of two subjects, and an elective subject in high schools. The government establishes the Institute for AI, a centre of excellence and the first such institute in Southeast Europe.In total, seven new master programmes in AI are introduced at six faculties and four universities. Serbia becomes part of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence. Serbia hosts expo.Serbia adopts National Strategy for AI 2025-2030. Serbia hosts the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence. Serbia’s AI platform is selected in the top 10 best public-sector innovation projects by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) at the World Government Summit in Dubai. Serbia adopts ethical guidelines for AI.BIO4 Campus BOX 1 The BIO4 Campus, which is set to be operational in 2027, lies at the heart of Serbia’s bioeconomy vision. This $600 million initiative will span 20 hectares (ha), include over 300 laboratories, research and development (R&D) centres and life science companies, and employ over 1,000 doctors and over 4,000 students from seven faculties and nine scientific institutions. As such, it will position Serbia as a new bioeconomy hub in Europe.11 Image credit: BIO4 Campus, Serbia Pathways to Bioeconomy and Bioconvergence 9