KONTRASTERANDE VÄGAR TILL EKONOMISK TILLVÄXT En jämförande studie av utländska direktinvesteringars inverkan i Serbien och Montenegro

Sammanfattning: Foreign direct investment (FDI) is widely regarded as a significant catalyst for economic development especially in emerging and developing economies. While previous research has found different effects from foreign direct investments in different countries this study aims to explore the varying effects of FDI in Serbia and Montenegro. The study focuses on how FDI influences key economic indicators, specifically GDP per capita and employment rates, in the context of their aspirations to join the European Union (EU). Employing a comparative approach, the thesis examines the differing trajectories of Montenegro and Serbia in utilizing FDI for economic advancement. The research reveals that while Serbia shows significant positive correlation between FDI and both GDP per capita and employment rates, Montenegro displays no significant relationship in these aspects. The difference suggests that the impact of FDI is heavily influenced by each country’s unique economic structure and the sectors targeted by the investments. The thesis contributes to the discourse on policy development aimed at optimizing the role of foreign direct investment in sustainable economic growth and employment within the region. It highlights the need for tailored economic strategies and policies that consider the specific needs and contexts of individual countries in the Western Balkans.