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Empowering Sustainable Growth Through Emerging Technologies in Serbia and North Macedonia

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study explores the perceived economic, social, and environmental impacts of emerging technologies (including artificial intelligence, IoT, and big data) on sustainable growth in Serbia and North Macedonia. Drawing on survey responses from participants across professional sectors, the analysis employs descriptive statistics, Mann–Whitney U, and Kruskal–Wallis H tests to assess motivational factors, barriers to adoption, and sectoral differences. Findings indicate that innovation an competitiveness are dominant motivators, especially in North Macedonia, while high costs, skill shortages, and limited awareness remain key barriers. Economic benefits such as cost savings and operational efficiency are widely recognized, though environmental outcomes, particularly renewable energy adoption, are less developed. Sectoral comparisons reveal that business organizations lead in benefit realization, whereas government entities lag behind. The study highlights the need for context-specific policies and inclusive digital strategies to ensure that the adoption of emerging technologies supports long-term, sustainable development across varying institutional and sectoral environments.

Source: Economic Analysis

DOI: 10.28934/ea.10490

Authors: Kristina Velichkovska, Petar Mitić, Milena Kojić

Institutions: International Balkan University, Institute of Economic Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Digital Economy and Transformation

Subfield: Strategy and Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme