The future of Serbia and possible challenges until 2050
Instead of engaging in science fiction topics like the return of dinosaurs, it is necessary to focus on changes in the education system and the establishment of the economy of the future...
Serbia 2050." sounds like the title of a successful sci-fi movie, where Miloš Biković would probably play the lead role. Nothing personal, it's just that you, Miloš, were the first to come to mind when I connected the first two written words with a potential movie title, a successful sci-fi movie, of course.
In Serbia, where, of course, the story of this movie would take place, if nothing changes, there will be four million people in 2050. This definitely sounds like an introduction worthy of a successful sci-fi movie, considering that it means that in less than 30 years, almost three million fewer people will live here than today. To avoid any misunderstanding, I feel the need to explain why I used the adjective "successful." What could be the main theme of this movie, I wonder? Invasion of strange beings from distant planets? The resurrection of dinosaurs? It must be one of these two because there is no other explanation for the disappearance of almost 50% of the population in less than 30 years. Unfortunately, it turns out that the theme is neither of these but some other.
In my first economics class, I learned about its ten basic principles. The first one says, "People must make choices." People face a large number of daily choices, but also those that extend into the future. Some of the more important decisions relate to a person's well-being.
In my first economics class, I learned about its ten basic principles. The first one says, "People must make choices." People face a large number of daily choices, but also those that extend into the future. Some of the more important decisions relate to a person's well-being. What is well-being? Well-being is a sense of fulfillment in life. For life to be fulfilling, it must have its meaning. Certainly, one part of the meaning is connected with what a person does and how they make a living. What will people live on in 2050? Even 40% of today's occupations will disappear by then. Therefore, it is necessary to establish and organize an educational system based on future principles. This means identifying future professions and creating conditions for the development of the economy in that direction.
The second principle of economics says, "The cost of something is what you give up to get it."
The second principle of economics says, "The cost of something is what you give up to get it." One of the significant costs in any company is worker salaries. For a company to be successful and to progress, it needs professional management. State-owned companies should also have such management, considering that they manage public property and directly influence the well-being and progress of the economy and society. Knowledge comes with privileges. So, certain privileges also apply to the salaries of these professional managers. However, in this case, they would be market-based. But if we want economic progress, it is essential to bring experts into key positions in state-owned companies, especially in the fields of energy, transportation, and telecommunications. These professional managers can be employees already working in these companies but those who possess specific competencies for their respective areas.
The third principle of economics says, "People respond to incentives." If the state were to identify and promote professions crucial to the future of our economy, it would increase society's focus and awareness of the need for change.
The third principle of economics says, "People respond to incentives." If the state were to identify and promote professions crucial to the future of our economy, it would increase society's focus and awareness of the need for change. Therefore, it is necessary to highlight and encourage those professions that will be of special significance for the development of our society in the coming years. These crucial professions need to be entrusted to Serbian citizens because if the population continues to decline, it is likely that these professions will be in short supply in Serbia, and they will have to be supplemented by "importing" skilled labor from abroad.
What is certain, and what is already noticeable, is that the need for labor in Serbia is growing, which is a positive indicator, but unfortunately, it is partly driven by people leaving. Therefore, for those who will live in Serbia in 2050, there will be plenty of jobs. However, what remains is the need to define initiatives to fight the dinosaurs. I have identified three, which is certainly not enough, but let everyone identify at least three, and Miloš will be in a better position to finally defeat that dinosaur at the end of the movie.