The USAID Competitiveness Project, a four-year, $14.7 million initiative launched in October 2007, aims to promote economic growth by substantially increasing the competitiveness of Serbian private enterprises.  The project will work with Serbian Small and Medium Sized enterprises (SMEs) in leading sectors to increase sales, exports, investment and jobs.  

To achieve that objective, the project has completed an in-depth study of twelve of sectors in Serbia that included over 150 research reports, a survey of more than 500 relevant Serbian firms, and in depth interviews with over 80 companies to evaluate prospects and identify barriers to growth in key sectors.  Based on these findings, the project will be working with information and communication technology (ICT), tourism, education, film and production, apparel, construction services, building materials, logistics and transport, auto parts, wood processing and furniture, and renewable energy. 

Activities:

In conducting the sector analysis, companies across sectors reported similar issues as obstacles to growth that will inform program design in the first year.  These include:

• Sales & Marketing - Assistance in preparing for and participating in trade shows, developing promotional materials and campaigns, conducting market research and matchmaking, and supporting introduction of new technology and equipment. 
• Education & Training - Work with private and public educational institutions, business associations and NGOs to develop curriculum in vocational and technical fields, and Executive Education in management, HR and financial planning.
• Policy Advocacy & Reform - Support formal business associations and other informal groups in advocacy efforts to improve the regulatory environment for specific sectors.

Reinforcing these activities will be a Public and Media Outreach effort to build awareness of project activities of Serbian products and services, including reaching new markets.  The project will also maintain a $2 million Cost Sharing Grants Program to support businesses, NGOs and associations in carrying out activities that promote project objectives, such as developing capacity to advance economic research, supporting executive and vocational education programs, and participating in trade fairs.

Expected results:

• Increased sales and exports, investment, and jobs
• Enhanced quality of management, human resources, and finance as well as other technical skills  
• Improved regulatory environment to facilitate growth in the leading sectors.

The Project is implemented by Booz Allen Hamilton, a global strategy and technology consulting firm, committed to delivering results that endure.