Center for Higher Economic Studies – CEVES CEVES is an independent and non-partisan organization founded in 2004, with the mission to improve the understanding of economic and social challenges in Serbia and the Western Balkans, through data-driven analysis, empirical research, and dialogue among key stakeholders and experts.
As a research and analytical center (think tank), CEVES combines in-depth knowledge of the domestic economic structure with the ability to formulate concrete public policy recommendations, with a special focus on sustainable development, promotion of the small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) sector, and European integration.
During almost two decades of work, CEVES has built a reputation as a credible and independent actor in the analysis of economic trends and public policy development. The organization particularly stands out for its pioneering work in mapping the SME sector in Serbia, including the development of SME Compass platform, as well as for research in the areas of economic governance, macroeconomic and sectoral analysis, and sustainable development, with a special focus on its regional dimension.
In addition to research work, CEVES collaborates with domestic and international partners, including USAID, the European Union, the World Bank, GIZ, UNDP, and other organizations. This collaboration includes consultancy engagements, participation in public policy creation, and the development of concrete tools for economic development.
The CEVES team consists of young, highly educated economists, supported by a network of external associates and experts from the academic community, with the aim of contributing to the shaping of inclusive and sustainable development policies through a multidisciplinary approach. In the current strategic period, the organization is intensifying activities towards strengthening financial and operational sustainability, as well as expanding its influence through new partnerships and programs.
Our mission is to contribute to the development of a society where economic growth is based on knowledge, innovation, entrepreneurship, and solidarity.
We achieve our mission:
The vision that inspires us is our belief that only an economy that is resilient, competitive, and fair can ensure a quality life for all citizens.
The CEVES Management Board is responsible for the strategic management, transparency, and integrity of the organization's work, ensuring that its contribution to public policy and society remains independent, expert, and relevant.
President of the Management Board and Chief Economist
Deputy Chief Economist
Economist
Administrative Associate
The CEVES team brings together dedicated researchers, analysts, and experts in the fields of economics and public policy. Our team combines academic knowledge, practical experience, and a passion for social change. Collaboration, critical thinking, and integrity are the foundation of our work.
CEVES develops and implements its activities in close cooperation with domestic and international partners who support our projects, research, and initiatives. Through joint work with institutions, organizations, foundations, and international development partners, we enable CEVES's analytical work to have a real impact on improving public policies, developing the private sector, and sustainable economic growth in Serbia and the region.
Partnership support enables us to initiate new research processes, strengthen analytical capacities, and contribute to the creation of inclusive, evidence-based policies. All projects we implement are financed through partnerships and grants, and they are the basis of our contribution to development changes.
Below is a list of our partners to date. By clicking on the partner's name, you can see the projects that have been or are being implemented in cooperation with that partner.
USAID 
GIZ 
SDC 
EU Delegation to Serbia 
EBRD 
ILO 
BTD 
UNDP 
National Convention on the European Union / EU 
BMZ 
AhK 
Foundation Open Society 
SMART Balkans / Norwegian MFA 
World Bank 
CARDNO / USAID 
Regional Cooperation Council 
Norwegian MFA 
SIDA 
Her experience includes high-level leadership positions focused on implementing in-depth reforms and transformative changes, including: Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (where she oversaw the work of 24 offices); Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia and Minister of Public Administration and Local Self-Government, where she initiated comprehensive reforms – from the design and adoption of the employment control mechanism to long-delayed regulatory packages for administrative procedures, inspections, and civil service; Governor of the National Bank of Serbia; as well as Minister of Energy and Mining, where she implemented significant energy efficiency policies and price-setting reforms.
She began her career as an economist at the International Monetary Fund. She holds a PhD in Economics from Yale University and is currently a member of the UN High-Level Advisory Board on Economic and Social Issues and the UN Committee for Development Policy.
Chief Economist.
He is the Chief Economist of the Center for Advanced Economic Studies (CEVES), where he has been engaged since 2018. His work includes analyses of the labor market, access to finance, competitiveness, and broader private sector development, as well as issues of public finance and institutional constraints on growth. Within CEVES, he develops methodological frameworks, leads research teams, and participates in shaping data-driven policies. He specifically addresses the development challenges of small and medium-sized enterprises, including structural changes in the economy, the green transition, business resilience, and evaluations of support programs. He is the founder of SME Compass, a composite index that measures the capacities and performance of the private sector in Serbia.
Since 2021, he has been engaged at the Faculty of Law, University of Belgrade, as an assistant professor of Economics. Concurrently, he acts as a consultant for international organizations and development institutions, working on analytical and policy projects in the areas of sustainable growth and the private sector. He has collaborated with the World Bank, the International Labour Organization, UNICEF, the EBRD, and other partners. He began his professional career at the National Bank of Serbia.
Vladimir Huba Aradi -.
Also a final-year culturology student at the University of Novi Sad. Before joining CEVES, Vladimir worked in program and project development in civil society organizations, focusing on democratization, youth, media, advocacy, and international cooperation. His experience includes project coordination, program development, research and analysis, stakeholder engagement, and the preparation and implementation of projects funded by national and international sources.
Administrative and Financial Associate.
Ivona has over eight years of experience in managing administrative, organizational, and financial affairs. She built her professional path in the non-profit sector and the economy, where she developed strong coordination, analytical, and communication skills.
During her career, she was involved in cost monitoring and financial reporting for various donors, managing and organizing documentation, and improving internal procedures. She is particularly dedicated to systematic work, accuracy, and efficient task organization, which is evident in her daily collaboration with partners, donors, banks, and state institutions, as well as in the organization of internal and external events.
Ivana Jovanović -.
Ivana Jovanović is a program manager with 10 years of experience in leading regional programs, EU projects, and strategic communications in the Western Balkans. She led ESG and CSR programs for companies such as A1 Serbia, AIK Bank, and AstraZeneca, as well as regional initiatives for UNDP, UN Women, USAID, and the British Council. She is particularly dedicated to gender equality, inclusion, and responsible business practices, and her work is characterized by a regional approach and a focus on concrete, measurable impact in the community. Within CEVES, she manages the project „Strengthening Democratic Accountability in Serbia’s Public Investment Governance“.
Research Intern.
Master's student of economics and management in public institutions at Bocconi University in Milan. His areas of interest include macroeconomic theory and growth economics. He completed his undergraduate studies in economics at the same university in 2024. He began his professional career with an internship at the National Bank of Serbia in the department for economic research and statistics, where he successfully completed the project "Short-term inflation projection using disaggregated CPI index and ARIMA models".
