The creative industries in Serbia have emerged as a vital component of the national economy, as revealed in a recent economic report presented during the final conference of the Western Balkans Regional Creative Network. According to research conducted by the Faculty of Economics at the University of Belgrade, this sector accounted for 8.0 percent of Serbia’s gross domestic product (GDP) and 9.3 percent of gross domestic value added (GDV) in 2023, surpassing contributions from agriculture, financial services, construction, and real estate.
Currently, the creative industries employ around 189,000 individuals, which constitutes approximately 8.2 percent of the total national workforce. Notably, 42 percent of these workers possess higher education degrees, and a significant portion, 62 percent, falls within the age range of 25 to 45 years. The average net salary within this sector reached 178,000 Serbian dinars in 2023, more than double the national average, highlighting its role in generating high-skill and high-earning employment opportunities.
The report further indicates that one in seven companies in Serbia operates within the creative industries. This diverse cluster includes 52 different activities such as film and audiovisual production, music, performing arts, design and architecture, publishing, media, marketing, information technology, gaming, as well as cultural heritage and visual arts. Over the period from 2022 to 2023, exports from this sector exceeded USD 1.3 billion, representing about 2.2 percent of Serbia’s total export volume.
These findings underscore the expanding significance of creative sectors within Serbia’s economic landscape. The growth is fueled by intellectual capital and technological advancements, alongside robust export performance. The data suggest that there is substantial potential for continued expansion as Serbia becomes increasingly integrated into international creative markets.
