Rethinking deindustrialization, and the reindustrialization policy in Serbia

Abstract

The paper explores deindustrialization as the main development problem in Serbia and examines the possibilities for a new industrial policy and its implementation. The aim of the paper is to re-examine the process of deindustrialization in Serbia (its causes and consequences), and to give useful suggestions related to Serbia's existing strategy of longterm industrial development until 2020 and to new industrial policies. Addressing the deindustrialization process is an issue of developmental and economic policy. A reindustrialization strategy or a new industrial policy could be one answer, and this has to be addressed if the share of industry in the GDP is to increase. Both qualitative and datagiven approaches have been applied to the analysis of deindustrialization and to the question of how to improve the conceptual framework for reindustrialization in Serbia. Also, some recommendations to the on going national reindustrialization strategy, or the “smart specialization strategies” are made.