The executive director of the World Economic Forum, Mirek DuÅ¡ek, recently spoke with RTS about Serbia’s resilience in navigating global economic challenges, noting significant technological advancements in the country. He emphasized that the world is entering a new economic era, driven by innovations in artificial intelligence, quantum technology, healthcare and energy sectors, leading to exponential growth.
Dušek stressed the importance of responsible progress that fosters new sources of growth and productivity, alongside timely and adaptable legislation. He expressed optimism about Serbia’s trajectory.
Application of artificial intelligence
DuÅ¡ek highlighted the global awakening to the potential of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, which he believes are ushering in an “intelligent age.” These innovations promise to enhance outcomes across various sectors, particularly healthcare. For instance, AI has revolutionized drug discovery, enabling the rapid and cost-effective development of treatments for rare diseases, alongside advancements in gene therapy.
Assessing Serbia’s position
DuÅ¡ek noted that while Serbia is making great strides in technology, the global economy remains fragile, still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact. He praised Serbia’s experience in accessing diverse markets, particularly in the bioeconomy and high-tech sectors, where the country has established a reputation for innovation.
In summary, Dušek emphasized the significance of varied economic partnerships and believes Serbia is well-positioned for future collaborations.
Global economic threats
When discussing the current global economic landscape, Dušek identified economic fragmentation as the foremost threat. He warned that unchecked division could lead to a loss of seven percent in global production, as calculated by the International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organization. He reiterated that while the threat of prolonged economic fragmentation is real, the World Economic Forum is actively monitoring risks and seeking opportunities for advancement.