Serbia has a good level of preparation in the area of science and research. Some progress was made with the adoption of the strategy for scientific and technological development. In the coming period, Serbia should in particular:

• adopt the action plan to implement the strategy, and the science and research infrastructure road-map;
• foster cooperation between industry and academia and increase the level of investment in research.

The main priorities of the European Research Area roadmap were incorporated in the new strategy for scientific and technological development in March 2016. At the same time, several amendments were adopted to the law on scientific research, enabling a more targeted approach to public funding of research institutions. So far, the strategy has not yet been actively implemented.

Serbia continues to be active in the European Research Area Committee and in the EUREKA, COST and NATO Science and Peace for Security programmes. The level of investment in research remains below 1% of GDP. Since the start of participation in Horizon 2020, 1309 applicants from Serbia have taken part in 1006 projects and 91 of them have been selected for financing.

Concerning measures for the Innovation Union, the Serbian InnovationFund continues to be active, with additional budget contributions from the Ministry pledged for co-financing the EU-funded projects.