EMERGING TRENDS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SERBIAN STARTUP INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM

Abstract

The Serbian startup innovation ecosystem is experiencing a period of dynamic growth and evolution, marked by emerging trends that are reshaping the landscape of entrepreneurship and innovation in the region. Recent research indicates that the ecosystem has continued to grow at nearly 30% annually, despite increasingly challenging global and local circumstances, which is reflected in the increase in the number of startups in the idea phase and pre-seed phase. Through a comprehensive review of recent literature and industry reports, this paper examines the latest developments and emerging trends shaping the development of the Serbian startup innovation ecosystem aiming to contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamics and opportunities within the region's entrepreneurial landscape. It also provides valuable implications for understanding of the factors driving entrepreneurial activity and innovation in the region. These include the growing prominence of deep tech startups leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and biotech, and the expanding role of ecosystem startup support organization such as science and technology parks, accelerators, regional innovation startup centers and academic innovation incubators in supporting startup growth and success.