Macroeconomic Factors of Competitiveness of Serbian Economy and ICT Sector

Abstract

Information and communication technology is an initiating and driving force behind economic development. The contribution of the ICT sector is in production and export increase within the sector itself and of the competitiveness of the economy as a whole. Competitiveness is synonymous with productivity and can be enhanced by rational utilization and investment in resources, application of the latest knowledge, investment, by increase of operating efficiency, and implementation of modern technologies in production. Competitiveness implies development of infrastructure and telecommunications, and intensive Internet usage. According to the Global Competitiveness Index, Serbia is lowly ranked. Serbia has the greatest advantage in the area of elementary and higher education, technological readiness and innovativeness. The analysis of technological readiness and the level of innovativeness within the global competitiveness of Serbian economy in 2009, indicates a high level of competitiveness and potential to be developed. Technology transfer from the developed countries is the basis for long-term sustainable economic growth and development. The paper focuses on the analysis of competitiveness of Serbian economy, international economic environment and the determinants of competitiveness.