Тhе key research questions in this paper are related to determining the effects and impacts of a new economic growth model on the comparative advantages and competitiveness of exports of Serbian technological manufacturing product groups on the EU-28 market. The research used some of the analytical instruments of the methodology developed by the International Trade Center (ITC), as well as a modified RCA index. There was conducted a comparison of results of measuring export competitiveness using the methodology and RCA index according to the Balassa formula. All relevant analyses brought up similar conclusions regarding the modest effects of the reformed growth model, the low level of export competitiveness of medium and high technology products, but also regarding Serbia’s lagging behind its competitors from the immediate surrounding and the world average. The results indicate that Serbia has failed to balance the structure of sources of financing for the new economic growth model, especially in terms of under-representation of domestic, public and private investments. They reflected on the low volume of gross investment, investment in industry in particular, their inadequate structure and the slow growth of export in production sectors, being the most affected by technological progress.

There is a general consensus in the economic literature that there is a strong correlation between structural changes and economic growth: structural changes are the most significant repercussion of economic growth, but at the same time, in the long run, it's most important factor. Having in mind this fact, the analysis of structural changes and economic growth of the Republic of Serbia is a key research issue on which this paper focuses. In that sense, the paper, based on relevant theoretical knowledge and reference statistics on the movement of basic macroeconomic indicators, monitors and analyzes the effects of applied models of economic growth in the process of structural adjustment of the economy of the Republic of Serbia during the first two decades of the 21st century, in which major, and in some sub periods, specific structural changes took place.

This paper investigates the impact of demographic changes on regional disparities within the European Union. The analysis focuses on key demographic trends—population ageing, low fertility rates, and migration flows—and their long-term implications for labor markets, economic growth, and the sustainability of social systems across EU regions. Using Eurostat data for 169 NUTS2 regions for 2022 and 2023, the study applies descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression models to quantify the effects of life expectancy, fertility rates, and educational attainment on GDP growth and employment in knowledge-intensive and high-tech sectors. Findings indicate that regions with higher shares of highly educated labor and favorable demographic profiles tend to achieve greater economic resilience and competitiveness. In contrast, demographic decline and outmigration continue to deepen structural disparities, particularly in rural and less developed regions. The results underscore the importance of integrated EU policies aimed at addressing demographic challenges while promoting regional cohesion through investment in human capital, innovation, and infrastructure. By highlighting the critical role of demographic factors in shaping regional development, this study contributes to the discourse on designing effective policies to foster sustainable and inclusive growth within the European Union.

A large number of authors, organizations, and institutions have addressed the issue of uneven regional development over time. As a result of their research, numerous theories have been developed that examine and analyze the field of regional development from various perspectives. The evolution of economic thought on regional development has led to changes in understanding the most significant factors and drivers of regional growth and development. In contemporary research, there is an increasing dominance of certain intangible factors such as knowledge, innovation, strategic management, smart specialization, intellectual capital, and modern digital technologies. Thus, current research in the field of regional development, as well as regional realities, confirm that these factors play a dominant role in achieving more equitable regional development in modern conditions. Accordingly, this paper will analyze the theoretical foundations of contemporary approaches to regional development that emphasize the importance of strategic planning, smart specialization, innovation, and modern digital technologies, aiming for a better understanding and incorporation into an integrated urban-rural model of regional development, as well as their application by economic and regional policymakers.

The main characteristic of the economic development of the Republic of Serbia during the second half of the 20th century was contained in the development of industry, which, according to all relevant indicators, led to rapid and very large structural changes that were accompanied by high rates of economic growth. However, at the very beginning of the observed period, large structural mismatches occurred in the economy of the Republic of Serbia as a consequence of the mentioned changes. Due to their continuous presence throughout the analyzed period, these mismatches represent a basic characteristic of development processes, and also a confirmation (obtained through research on the example of the Republic of Serbia) of a theoretically established cause and effect relationship between structural changes and economic growth.

This paper explores the interplay among strategic governance, artificial intelligence, and regenerative economics as key pillars for fostering balanced regional development and driving the growth of smart cities in the Republic of Serbia. The first part of the paper examines the challenges and potentials of strategic governance in reducing regional disparities, the second part investigates the role of artificial intelligence and smart technologies in urban development, while the third part introduces the concept of regenerative economics as a model for sustainable development. The paper emphasizes the imperative to harmonize these approaches in establishing a sustainable, inclusive, and economically viable framework for regional development. This framework aims to reduce regional disparities, enhance local, regional, and national competitiveness, and ultimately improve the standard of living for citizens in the Republic of Serbia. Through a multidimensional lens encompassing economic, social, cultural, and environmental aspects, the study highlights the critical need for an integrated strategic approach to regional development, aligning regional aspirations with national objectives and strategies. Furthermore, the paper underscores the role of the government in facilitating and enhancing these processes, with a particular focus on strengthening administrative capacities, fostering innovation, and ensuring transparency in decision-making. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the creation of a theoretical foundation for further theoretical and practical research in the field of regional development.