Business-services activity in Serbia recorded strong growth at the start of 2026, with turnover rising 9.7% year-on-year in the first quarter, driven by expansion in technology, professional services and other knowledge-intensive segments.
The largest share of business-services turnover came from transport and storage, accounting for 31.3% of total activity. Information and communications represented 27.7%, while professional, scientific, innovation and technical activities contributed 16.3%. Administrative and support services accounted for 11.4% of the overall structure.
Technology and professional services lead expansion
The strongest growth rates were recorded in sectors associated with technical expertise and business support functions.
Turnover in professional, scientific, innovation and technical activities increased 21.2% year-on-year, making it the fastest-growing segment within Serbia’s business-services economy. Information and communications activity rose 13.5% over the same period.
These categories encompass engineering services, consulting, software development, design, technical advisory work, business-process services, research activities, legal services and accounting functions, alongside other services that can be delivered across borders or scaled throughout the region.
Services role expands alongside industrial sectors
The changing composition of growth highlights an increasing role for service-based activities that support broader economic sectors, including manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, finance, logistics and e-commerce.
Business functions such as engineering supervision, environmental compliance services, Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism documentation, software integration, electricity grid studies, technical design, logistics management platforms and financial outsourcing are contributing to the expansion of the sector.
While manufacturing, logistics infrastructure and free economic zones remain established elements of Serbia’s investment landscape, growth in professional and technology-driven services is increasing their importance within the country’s business environment.
Turnover growth forecast for 2026
Current projections indicate that Serbia’s business-services turnover could expand between 8% and 11% in nominal terms during 2026. Within that outlook, information and communications activity is expected to increase by 10% to 13%, while professional and technical services are projected to grow by 12% to 16%.
Labour market conditions remain a key factor for the sector, with skilled workforce availability and wage growth identified as constraints on further expansion.
Export-oriented expertise gains prominence
The development of business-services activities is increasingly linked to exportable expertise and regional service delivery capabilities. Areas connected to the energy transition, infrastructure projects, industrial compliance requirements, software development, logistics coordination and financial administration are becoming significant components of the sector’s growth profile.
Companies operating in these segments are providing services based on technical knowledge, regulatory expertise, engineering capabilities and regional project execution, supporting clients across multiple industries and markets. The continued expansion of business services is increasing the role of higher-value activities within Serbia’s economy, with growing links to manufacturing, energy, mining, construction and compliance requirements associated with European Union markets.
