13 May Interview with Vladan Atanasijević, CEO of Egzakta Group, Serbia
Can we begin with an overview of Serbia’s tech and ICT Industry including its competitive advantages, ecosystem and innovation landscape?
Serbia’s technology and ICT sector has emerged as a prominent player in Europe, fueled by a highly skilled workforce, cost competitiveness and robust government support for digital initiatives. The country’s key competitive advantages include: a strong STEM education system that produces a steady pipeline of highly qualified IT professionals; a vibrant innovation ecosystem, with a focus on cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things and automation; government-backed policies promoting digitalization and offering attractive investment incentives and competitive labor costs compared to Western Europe, making Serbia an appealing destination for foreign companies.
Serbia has made significant progress in AI, machine learning and process automation, establishing itself as a regional leader in digital transformation. However, challenges persist in bridging the gap between innovation and industrial application, an area where Egzakta Group is actively engaged.
How would you describe Egzakta Group at a Glance, including its history, positioning and market impact?
Egzakta Group is one of Serbia’s leading consulting firms and the fastest-growing consultancy in Southeast Europe, specializing in management, ITand AI consulting. Key highlights include having over 10 affiliated companies operating across diverse sectors, including consulting, IT, AI, finance, education and eSports; a global presence with offices in Serbia, the Netherlands, Slovenia and the UAE and plans for further expansion into the EU and Middle East and more than 300 successful digital transformation projects delivered, enabling businesses to modernize through AI, automation and IT integration.
The company plans to relocate its holding headquarters to the Netherlands, positioning itself for expansion into the EU, US and Middle East markets, leveraging its expertise in AI and digital transformation.
Egzakta Group plays a pivotal role in Serbia’s digital transformation by aligning business strategy with technological innovation. Our approach is holistic, ensuring that digitalization delivers tangible business outcomes rather than merely implementing new technologies. Key pillars of our approach include: business-first digitalization – we begin by analyzing core business processes to identify areas where digital tools can generate the most value; AI-driven transformation in which our AI Lab develops customized solutions for industries such as finance, manufacturing and telecommunications, ensuring practical and scalable AI adoption. We also guide companies through the modernization of outdated IT systems, employing a phased approach that incorporates APIs, microservice and automation. At Egzakta, we believe that digital transformation is not just about technology adoption — it is about driving measurable business growth and operational efficiency.
What is your strategy for innovation at Egzakta in 2025?
Egzakta’s 2025 vision is anchored on five strategic pillars: AI & Automation — developing intelligent solutions to transform businesses across industries; building resilience solutions with business models capable of withstanding market disruptions; digital transformation which supports companies in their technological adaptation journeys; sustainability & ESG technologies enabling the green transition through innovative digital tools; and talent development — advancing IT education and skill-building initiatives to nurture the next generation of tech professionals. We are committed to continuous investment in innovation, ensuring we remain at the forefront of global industry trends and maintain our leadership position.
Egzakta is undergoing a strategic transformation with a focus on international expansion: We will relocate our EU headquarters to the Netherlands to enhance access to European markets and target priority markets including the Benelux region, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Nordic countries and the UK. We also want to develop a strong presence in the Middle East, particularly in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
We want to position Egzakta as a dynamic challenger to established EU consulting firms by leveraging agility, deep technological expertise and a proven track record of efficient execution.
We are also exploring opportunities to enter the US market through strategic partnerships. The US is particularly attractive due to its mature AI ecosystem and demand for high-end IT consulting and digital transformation solutions.
How do you develop talent at Egzakta and what would be your comments about the talent of Serbia’s tech workforce overall?
Serbia boasts a strong talent pool in consulting and IT, but the rapid pace of technological advancement necessitates ongoing upskilling. Egzakta is dedicated to fostering talent through internal training and mentorship programs designed to enhance the skills of our consultants and IT professionals; collaborations with universities, providing students with hands-on experience in AI and business strategy; the RBS MBA program, offering specialized executive education in managing digital transformation and support for tech startups, helping bridge the gap between innovation and commercial application. Our AI Lab serves as a training hub for young AI engineers, enabling them to apply cutting-edge research to real-world business challenges.
What is your vision as CEO and what are the pillars on which the future of Egzakta will be built in the next 3-5 Years?
As CEO, my vision is to establish Egzakta as a regional leader in strategic consulting and AI-powered transformation. Key priorities include strengthening our presence in Europe and the Middle East, expanding our AI capabilities to develop industry-specific solutions, positioning Egzakta as a trusted partner for large enterprises and governments in their digitization efforts and investing in next-generation technologies, including AI, automation and blockchain.
In 2024, we launched Egzakta Studio, our investment and innovation arm, focused on strategic acquisitions and partnerships that align with our core business areas. We target opportunities in technology-driven sectors, prioritizing companies with global scalability, proprietary intellectual property and high innovation potential. Our goal is to expand our portfolio through investments that enhance our capabilities in AI, digital transformation and business resilience. We are actively seeking strategic partners who share our vision and are interested in co-investing in high-impact ventures. Our primary funding sources are from EU and US investors, ensuring global reach and sustainable growth.
Egzakta Studio serves as a platform for innovation, enabling us to accelerate digital transformation through strategic investments and partnerships. Our mission is to empower organizations with the knowledge and technology needed to thrive in the digital economy.
What is your final message to USA TODAY readers and why should they invest in Serbia?
Serbia is a premier investment destination for technology and digital transformation, offering a highly skilled and cost-competitive workforce, a dynamic AI and IT ecosystem, supported by government tax incentives for innovation, strategic access to European markets, as well as serving as a bridge between East and West and a proven track record of successful tech partnerships.
For investors seeking AI-driven business solutions, IT consulting, or strategic partnerships, Serbia — and Egzakta Group — provide the expertise, innovation and business-driven approach necessary for success.