The platform economy in Serbia is a booming phenomenon that offers altered consumption and service provision opportunities and alternative work arrangements. This report presents Fairwork research conducted in 2022 in
The Public Policy Research Center, Luigj Gurakuqi University of Shkodër (Albania), and the Association for Social, Cultural, and Creative Development Zora from Zenica (BiH) cordially invite you to join us
The rapid pace of automation and digitization is reshaping economies globally, including in Serbia where the labour market is undergoing significant transformations. Challenges such as informality and precarity are further exacerbated by the rise of non-standard forms of employment that deviate from traditional models. These new temporary and flexible employment conditions are changing the demand for skills, the nature of work, and income structures, necessitating redefinition of labour relations and social dialogue. The Future of Work (FOW) programme is designed to address these critical shifts in Serbia’s labour market. It is also highly relevant to Serbia’s alignment with EU frameworks that promote sustainable employment, guaranteed social protection, the fight against exclusion and poverty, and the improvement of working conditions, including those of platform workers. We have been pioneers in examining issues such as the impact of digital platforms on platform workers and the evolving dynamics between employers, employees, and policymakers in this new digital age. The FOW programme, which we have spearheaded not only in Serbia but across Southeast Europe, tackles specific challenges unique to this region compared to other parts of the world, such as the high levels of informality and significant regional disparities. This comprehensive approach ensures that Serbia is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of the digital economy while promoting inclusive and sustainable growth.
The rapid pace of digitalization and technological transformation presents significant challenges, particularly in ensuring that these advancements are guided by ethical and accountable practices. As Serbia navigates this transformation, it faces the critical task of aligning its digital strategies with high ethical standards to prevent potential misuse of technology and to foster responsible innovation. These challenges are compounded by the need to ensure that the benefits of digitalization are equitably distributed across society, avoiding deepening inequalities. The JUST INNOVATION program directly tackles these challenges by exploring the potential of Serbia’s digital and knowledge-based economy to meet these ethical standards. In these efforts, Re:People aligns with the EU’s digital and innovation agendas as they are essential for Serbia to address these challenges effectively. These EU frameworks emphasize the importance of responsible digital transformation, promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
We have pioneered efforts to identify and harness the innovation potential within Serbia’s business, startup, academic, and research sectors, particularly in key areas such as smart agri-tech, biotech, and AI. By doing so, we are promoting a culture of responsible and inclusive innovation, ensuring that Serbia’s digital transformation aligns with both national and EU priorities.
The rapid pace of digitalization and technological transformation has also exacerbated inequality and social exclusion, widening further the digital divide and introducing new challenges. These shifts underscore the urgency to address systemic barriers that prevent equitable access to resources and opportunities. In this context, the Social Inclusion and Social Capital programme is highly relevant to Serbia’s alignment with EU framework, as it seeks to enhance equity and participation by focusing on the inclusion of both traditional and newly emerging marginalized groups. We have taken a pioneering approach to understanding how social capital—networks and relationships within communities—can be leveraged to foster collaboration and resilience in the face of various challenges. For instance, we have explored the critical role of social networks in Disaster Risk Reduction, helping communities prepare for and recover from natural disasters more effectively. Similarly, we’ve looked into the impacts of climate change and energy poverty, examining the disproportionate effect of these phenomena on marginalized groups: ethnic minorities, the children and elderly, the poor, and those living in rural areas.
By using an intersectional approach, which considers the overlapping effects of different kinds of discrimination—such as race, gender, and economic status—we aim to dismantle systemic barriers that limit access to resources and opportunities. Our work is crucial for helping Serbia align with the EU standards, promoting a society where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and thrive and where no one will be left behind.
The first instrument aiming to describe the geography of digital work in Serbia and the region* in terms of gender, incomes, and occupations. It is a result of the efforts made by the Public Policy Research Centre (CENTAR) to shed more light on the phenomenon of online platform based work in Serbia and East and South-East Europe.
The first instrument aiming to describe the geography of digital work in Serbia and the region* in terms of gender, incomes, and occupations. It is a result of the efforts made by the Public Policy Research Centre (CENTAR) to shed more light on the phenomenon of online platform based work in Serbia and East and South-East Europe.
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