Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has expressed concern over the recent decline in the rankings of the University of Belgrade and the University of Novi Sad on the Shanghai Ranking list. He warned that this drop will likely have long-term negative consequences for Serbia’s economy. Vučić specifically cited concerns about reduced foreign investment and a decrease in the creation of new jobs as potential outcomes. He believes the rankings are a crucial factor for international businesses when deciding where to invest. A lower ranking diminishes the attractiveness of Serbia as a destination for companies seeking skilled labor and innovative partnerships. The president emphasized the importance of restoring and improving the universities’ positions in future rankings to safeguard the nation’s economic prospects. This underscores the government’s acknowledgement of the link between educational prestige and economic growth.