Edvard A. Jakopin is a full professor at the Faculty of Economics and Finance of the University of ‘Union-Nikola Tesla’ in Belgrade. In the period 2001-2011. he was the director of the Republic Bureau for Development, 2011-2016. Assistant Minister of Finance, Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Local Self-Government and Assistant Minister of Economy. He obtained his academic degrees (undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral studies) at the Faculty of Economics, University of Belgrade. At the Metropolitan University, he was engaged in the period 2016-2018, as an associate professor, on doctoral studies. He is the author of numerous scientific works in the field of macroeconomics, economic development planning, regional development, structural changes and competitiveness. He led project teams in several research projects and studies: National Strategy of Economic Development of Serbia 2006-2012, Strategy of Regional Development of the Republic of Serbia 2007-2012, Strategy and Policy of Industry Development of the Republic of Serbia 2011-2020, etc. In the period 2004-2014. he was the national representative and member of the Executive Board in the European Association of Research and Development Institutions (EADI). He is a member of the Board of Directors of ERSA Serbia (European Regional Science Association), a member of the Presidency of the Association of Serbian Economists and an extraordinary member of the Scientific Society of Serbian Economists.