The gap between science, education and economy of Serbia and developed countries

Abstract

This study examines problems of national development in Serbia from the perspective of science, higher education, and economy. Indentifying these problems is based on presentation and analysis of indicative examples and data, and previously defined factors of national development related to knowledge, finallypointing out to the evident gap between Serbia and the most competitive countries. The study is based on perception of strategy of scientific and technological development of Serbia (2010 to 2015), national strategy of economic development (2006 to 2012) and lack of strategy of higher education, and revolves perspective of science, technology and higher education in Serbia. It was shown that in Serbia, there is no compliance between higher education, science and economy. Small percentage of highly educated population (6.5%) and brain drain contribute to problem deepening. This paper suggests that there is no systemic and strategic planning of these decisive factors of development. The existing strategies are not complied or sufficiently precise in essential issues, such as priority fields of economic development, harmonization of higher education (budget quotas) with the needs of economy and scientific and technological development, measures of brain drain prevention and encouragement of scientific cooperation with foreign countries. Key words: National strategy, science, education, competitiveness, economy.