Serbia: between East and West

Social, economic and political transformation of Serbia in the international context

UCL SSEES invites you to a half-day workshop exploring Serbia’s evolving position in the international context. As the country navigates its historical ties, economic ambitions, and geopolitical realities, this event will bring together scholars and experts to discuss Serbia’s place between East and West.

The workshop will feature an academic session presenting key research on Serbia’s political and economic trajectory, followed by a panel discussion on the broader challenges of transformation. Topics will range from Serbia’s relationships with the EU and China to innovation policies and long-term socio-economic shifts.

Speakers include researchers from Serbian and international institutions, providing insights into the country’s development path. Join us for an afternoon of discussion and debate on the complexities of Serbia’s future in the current geopolitical context.

Agenda

14.05-14.15 Welcome

Jakub Benes, UCL SSEES Director of Research and Associate Professor in Central European History

14.15-15.45 Academic perspectives on the international and developmental context of Serbia

Chair: Slavo Radosevic, Professor of Industry and Innovation Studies, UCL School of Slavonic and East European Studies

14.15-14.45 Serbia’s Identity Crisis: European Aspirations and Political Involvement

Jovana Zafirović, Research Assistant (PhD student), Institute of Social Sciences

14.45-15.15 Innovation Policy and Development Perspectives of the Innovation System in the Republic of Serbia

Dr Sonja Đuričin, Senior Research Assоciate, Institute Of Economic Sciences

15.15-15.45 Politico-economic relations and social patterns evolution between China and Serbia by 2030

Dr Ivona Lađevac, Senior Research Fellow, Institute of International Politics and Economics

15.45-16.00 Coffee Break

16.00-18.00 Panel: Challenges of economic, social, and political transformation of Serbia

Panellists:

Dr Peter Sanfey, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, London

Milica Joković, Research Associate, Institute Of Social Sciences

Dr Isidora Beraha, Senior Research Assоciate, Institute Of Economic Sciences

Dr Ana Jović-Lazić, Senior Research Institute of International Politics and Economics

Moderator: Prof Zoran Milutinovic, UCL SSEES

18.00-18.30 Reception