Enhancing Serbia`s Knowledge Economy through Higher Education Reform: The Role of Erasmus+

This study investigates the transformative role of the Erasmus + programme in shaping the development of higher education in Serbia, with a focus on its contribution to building a knowledge-oriented economy. As Serbia advances toward greater alignment with European educational and policy standards, Erasmus + has served as a significant driver of institutional change—enhancing academic mobility, expanding international cooperation, and supporting research growth. These developments have reinforced Serbia’s broader social and economic modernization objectives.The analysis centers on four core areas: curricular enhancement, international academic collaboration, research capacity, and employability. By facilitating the adoption of innovative teaching methods and interdisciplinary learning, the programme has strengthened institutional adaptability and pedagogical quality. Erasmus + has also played a key role in Serbia’s participation in the Bologna Process, promoting academic standardization and cross-border recognition of qualifications.Moreover, the programme’s impact extends beyond academia, fostering stronger links between higher education institutions and the labor market. Through initiatives that promote transferable skill development and encourage collaboration with industry, Erasmus + has supported the creation of a more skilled, flexible, and competitive graduate workforce. This paper concludes that Erasmus + has become a cornerstone of Serbia’s higher education reform efforts, positioning universities as engines of innovation, economic growth, and social advancement within the evolving European educational landscape.