Digital Economics Department

The Digital Economics Department conducts interdisciplinary research on the economic, social, and regulatory aspects of digital transformation. Its mission is to develop relevant knowledge, methodological frameworks, and analytical tools in the field of digitalisation, making a clear contribution to the academic community, public policymakers, the private sector, and society as a whole. The focus is on understanding how digital technologies are reshaping human capital, the labor market, and financial behavior, as well as identifying policies that foster inclusive and sustainable digital development.

The Department focuses on three thematic areas: (1) digital transformation, inclusion, and human capital development, including digital competences, digital and media literacy, skills development through game-based learning/serious games and human-centered AI; (2) the digital labor market, digital platforms, and economic policies, including digital business models, the platform economy, freelancing, and resilience; (3) digital financial literacy and financial inclusion.

The Department’s topics are essential for Serbia and the region in the context of accelerated digitalization, given the simultaneous shortage of digital competences, unequal access to technologies and markets, and the need for tailored regulatory frameworks. Research helps to understand how digitalization affects competitiveness, productivity, and social cohesion, as well as how the digital labor market and platforms are changing employment patterns. Particular importance lies in the inclusion of vulnerable groups and alignment with national priorities and EU frameworks (Digital Decade, a just digital transition).

The Department’s research combines high academic standards with strong societal impact, as demonstrated by publications in leading international journals and active participation in international research and development projects. The results provide an analytical and empirical basis for informed public policy design and evaluation in the areas of digital competences, labor markets, platform business models, and social inclusion, while also promoting the responsible and sustainable use of digital and financial technologies. Through ongoing cooperation with institutions, the business sector, and the professional community, the Department actively contributes to improving practice and advancing public debate on digital transformation.

The Department’s core activities include conducting targeted research and publishing results in international scientific journals, preparing and implementing national and international projects, developing cooperation with academic institutions, research centers, public institutions, and donors, producing analytical studies and policy briefs, participating in research networks, conferences, and professional events, and enhancing the visibility of results through academic, professional, and public communication channels.