Serbia’s technology sector has expanded into one of the country’s most significant export industries over the past decade. Software services and digital product development now contribute billions of euros annually to the national economy, supported by workforce growth, changes in education policy, and the development of startup infrastructure.

Between 2014 and 2024, Serbia’s IT services exports increased more than tenfold, rising from under €400 million to over €4 billion. Employment in the IT sector grew from approximately 30,000 to nearly 120,000 professionals during the same period. These changes reflect broader global demand for software engineering talent and the adoption of digital services across industries.

Export Growth Anchors the Sector

Serbia’s IT services industry has developed into one of the country’s largest net exporters. Companies specializing in enterprise software, outsourcing, and custom digital products now serve clients across the European Union, North America, and the Middle East. More than 4,000 IT firms operate in Serbia, providing services in areas such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, fintech platforms, and predictive analytics.

The growth of exports has been driven in part by demand for cost-effective development teams and project-based software delivery. Many Serbian firms work with multinational companies in sectors including telecommunications, healthcare, gaming and e-commerce. Research and development centers established by global technology companies such as Microsoft, AMD, Cisco, Bosch and Schneider Electric contribute to Serbia’s integration into international supply chains.

“Exports from our IT sector have grown steadily over the past decade, reflecting global demand for digital solutions and engineering services,” said Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.

Education Policy Expands the Talent Base

Changes in Serbia’s education system have supported workforce growth in the technology sector. Programming was introduced into elementary school curricula beginning in the fifth grade in 2017, and specialized IT classes were later established in high schools with an emphasis on algorithmic thinking and software development.

At the university level, enrollment quotas for technical and engineering programs have been increased. Serbia currently has approximately 250,000 students enrolled in higher education institutions, with more than 40 percent studying STEM-related disciplines. This figure exceeds the European Union’s target of reaching 30 percent STEM enrollment by 2030.

Pre-qualification programs have also enabled individuals from non-technical backgrounds to transition into technology roles. Universities in Belgrade, Novi Sad and Niš enroll students from neighboring countries, expanding the regional talent pool available to Serbian companies.

“Our education system has adapted to the needs of the technology industry by increasing STEM enrollment and introducing digital skills early in the curriculum,” Čadež said.

Innovation Infrastructure Supports Startups

Over the past decade, Serbia has introduced measures aimed at supporting technology entrepreneurship and product development. Four science and technology parks have been established, with two additional parks currently under development. Nearly 30 regional research centers and more than 20 innovation hubs operate within universities and colleges.

The number of startups in Serbia has grown by approximately 25 percent annually over the past five years. According to Startup Genome, the country had around 200 startups in 2019. Today, the ecosystem includes more than 800 active startups working in fields such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy and enterprise software.

Serbia has also invested in digital infrastructure, including a national government data center with Tier IV characteristics. High-performance computing resources have been made available to academic institutions and early-stage companies to support research and product development.

“Innovation centers, science parks and startup programs have created conditions for technology companies to develop proprietary solutions and expand into international markets,” Čadež said.