The 21st century is marked by rapid scientific and technological progress, where biology converges with AI, advanced computing and ICT to reshape industries, economies and approaches to global challenges. This white paper highlights how Serbia and Israel, each with distinct starting points and policy priorities, are building resilient, innovation-driven bioeconomies.

Serbia leverages its strong ICT base, emerging AI capabilities and growing biotechnology ecosystem – exemplified by the BIO4 Campus – to position itself as a regional hub. Israel, by contrast, has designated bioconvergence as a national strategic priority, uniting biology, engineering and computational sciences to drive breakthroughs in healthcare, agriculture and sustainability. The collaboration between the Centres for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Serbia and Israel underscores the importance of global partnerships in accelerating progress.

Together, the two models offer practical guidance for countries seeking to align education, policy and investment with their own strengths to develop dynamic bioeconomy ecosystems.

Key insights include:
• Investment in research and development (R&D) and digital infrastructure: catalysing bioeconomy growth
• Cross-sector collaboration: among academia, industry and government to cultivate innovation
• Regulatory frameworks: supporting responsible and scalable biotechnology innovation
• Human capital development: a fundamental driver of long-term competitiveness