S&T Country Report - Albania - WBC-INCO Net

3 Conclusions/Recommendations
Serbia established a solid policy framework for the development of SMEs and
implemented reforms. The overall business climate is improved due to the policy
targeted at removing barriers to foreign investment, but no particular policy attention
is given to the needs of small businesses. The ‘National Strategy for the Economic
Development of Serbia 2006-2012’ and the ‘National Programme for Business
Incubators and Clusters Development in the Republic of Serbia 2007-2010’ was
approved at the end of 2006 and both documents demonstrate the interest of the
Serbian Government to improve the entrepreneurial and innovation infrastructure.
Financial resources provided from the State Budget indicate the willingness of the
Government to support small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurship
infrastructure development.
A policy framework for innovation and technology centres and co-operation was
established and active programmes to foster technological co-operation launched.
The framework for establishment of clusters is indicated in the ‘National Programme
for Business Incubators and Clusters Development in the Republic of Serbia 2007-
2010’. There are five clusters developed in the following industries: automotive,
rubber and plastic, wood processing, agricultural machinery and beverage. Other
activities in order to create clusters in textile industry, IT and construction were
already undertaken.
There are several technology and science and innovation centres (e.g. Technology
Transfer Centre at the University of Novi Sad, Innovation Centre of Mechanical
Faculty Belgrade and Novi Sad Innovation Centre), which have started to operate
recently or are in a setting-up procedure (feasibility studies, expression of interests).
The legal framework for establishing and running incubators has been developed and
the national business incubation programme has started in 2005. There is a plan to
establish and have 15 incubators in operation till 2010. The establishment of the
Serbian Association of Business Incubators (December 2006) is of crucial importance
for mutual development and indicates strong commitment of the Serbian Government
to further development of innovation infrastructure in the country.
In UNMIK/Kosovo, the SME strategy is being drafted as part of a National
Development Plan. The national development planning process is in the phase of
identifying projects and budget resources. The strategy has not yet been approved.
Significant initiatives to encourage technology transfer were not yet developed.
No government policy on clusters has been adopted in UNMIK/Kosovo, and there is
no structured involvement by the Government in this issue. A USAID initiative in
UNMIK/Kosovo promotes three clusters in the following industries: construction, milk
production and meat processing.
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