Partner
I TA LY
A Successful Cooperation In Difficult Times
ITALY & SERBIA ONCE AGAIN DEMONSTRATED DEDICATION TO MAINTAINING THEIR CLOSE FRIENDSHIP AND MUTUAL SUPPORT DURING THIS TIME OF GLOBAL CRISIS
PARTNERS: ITALY & SERBIA
CONTENT
05 06
ALWAYS TRULY TOGETHER COMMENT
FRIENDS DURING BOTH GOOD AND BAD TIMES
H.E. CARLO LO CASCIO, AMBASSADOR OF ITALY TO SERBIA
SLOBODAN FILIPOVIĆ, DIRECTOR OF EXPRESS SEE
13
GOOD TIME TO RESHAPE AND RE-ORGANISE BUSINESS
PAOLO DI BELLA, GENERAL MANAGER OF ENGINEERING SOFTWARE LAB
14 10
COLLEGIAL EXCHANGE PRECIOUS
DR JACOPO PALLAVICINI, TEAM LEADER OF THE SIX-MEMBER MEDICAL TEAM FROM ITALY
4
18 19 20
WE CONNECT THREE CONTINENTS
STRONG PRESENCE, STRONGER PROSPECTS
ECONOMIC COOPERATION BETWEEN ITALY AND SERBIA
16
SUPPORT THAT WORKS LIKE MAGIC
GIORGIO MARCHEGIANI, PRESIDENT OF THE ITALIAN-SERBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND CEO AT DDOR INSURANCE, MEMBER OF THE UNIPOL GROUP
AUNDE WILL MOVE A STEP FORWARD
AUNDE SRB D.O.O. (LTD.)
WE RECOGNISED COMMON GOALS & WORKED AS A TEAM
PATRIZIO DEI TOS, PRESIDENT OF CONFINDUSTRIA SERBIA
22
LOOKING BOLDLY TOWARDS THE FUTURE
DIGITALISATION
24 26
THOUGHTFUL APPROACH TO JOB CREATION
DUAL EDUCATION
A COACH AND AN INSPIRATION
SME
PARTNERS: ITALY & SERBIA
COMMENT
Always Truly
TOGETHER It is often said that the strongest friendships are forged during tough times. And sometimes, as in the case of Italy and Serbia, they are the result of mutual, long-standing devotion to cooperation at the bilateral level and within the European framework
S
capacity for reform. Now the same adherence as shown on the erbia sent seven aircraft to Italy this April, carrying tons financial side of the reforms is needed on the fronts of judicial of medical donations to help the country confront the reform, media freedom and other structural issues. worst moments of the coronavirus crisis. In August, when In terms of economics, Italy is one of Serbia’s most imporSerbia suddenly fell into an unexpected second wave of the pandemic, Italian medical experts paid a visit to Serbia to tant trade partner, with a strong commitment to the Serbian share their invaluable knowledge on how to combat the virus. market. After the sudden collapse of the trade exchange, This is how, in just two sentences, the strength of the Serbiandue to the global upheaval caused by the pandemic, business Italian friendship can be summarised. As Italian Ambassador to leaders from the two countries, supported by their associaSerbia Carlo Lo Cascio spelled out nicely: tions, restored their relations. Although “the history of our relationship is really circumstances are still challenging, many Italy is among the most a meeting of close neighbours who help Italian companies are fully back in busiactive promoters of Serbia’s ness to Serbia. each other, in both good times and bad”. Undeniably, this demonstration of Indeed, one of the largest business accession to the European profound connectedness does not come events that was awaited by both sides– Union. Italian support to as a surprise. The history of excellent the Novi Sad International Agriculture the country's EU accession bilateral relationships between the two Fair 2020 – had to be cancelled due to the countries just commemorated almost a pandemic. Italy was the Partner Country process thus remains one century and a half. of this fair in 2019, and the Italian Trade of the key aspects of The strength of these ties was reAgency (ITA) organised an official colleccently demonstrated with the visits of tive Italian exhibit in which 28 companies bilateral relations Italian Minister for European Integration from the agrarian sector, as well as the Vincenzo Amendola, at the end of 2019, and Italian Minister two centres for promotion from Italy, presented their products of Foreign Affairs Luigi Di Maio, in early 2020. Both of these and services. Finally, the strength of the partnership between high-level visits were focused of Italian support for Serbia’s the two countries could also be evaluated through the lens EU accession process. of previous developments. For example, it was the Italian In that respect, there are great expectations that the new side that shifted the discussion on digital transformation Serbian government will elevate the negotiation process a in Serbia, and generously shared its own experience, long step up, by advancing – albeit at a faster pace - along the lines before digital forms of working became a must during the of outgoing government, which demonstrated a considerable COVID-19 pandemic. 5
PARTNERS: ITALY & SERBIA
INTERVIEW
H.E. CARLO LO CASCIO, AMBASSADOR OF ITALY TO SERBIA
FRIENDS
During Both Good And Bad Times The Italian medical team said that Serbia was definitely fully prepared to face the COVID-19 crisis. The expertise of local healthcare staff was assessed as being at a high level - Carlo Lo Cascio
T
he COVID-19 Pandemic and many months of the struggle against the virus have provided new confirmation of the “special relationship” between Italy and Serbia. Despite being confronted by a dangerous virus, our two countries – which last year celebrated 140 years of diplomatic relations – once again found a way to help and support one another, says ambassador Carlo Lo Cascio. The economic crisis that has come as a result of COVID-19 hit the economies of both countries, but the Italian ambassador is convinced that it won’t have a stronger negative influence on our economic exchange. In this interview for CorD Magazine, ambassador Lo Cascio also says that Italian car manufacturer FCA is staying in Serbia, where it is “very likely developing new project ideas for the immediate future”. Your Excellency, a team of Italian doctors came to Serbia to help fight against COVID-19. Could you tell us more about this medical mission? - The Italian medical team came to Serbia for two weeks during last August, with much enthusiasm and willingness to support the Serbian people, as well as their Serbian colleagues, sharing the expertise matured during the most difficult months of the pandemic in Italy, last spring. The team consisted of five doctors (a surgeon, an infectologist
6
and two anesthetists) and a nurse, who hail from four different Italian regions: Piemonte, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lazio and Puglia. They visited the Belgrade Clinical Centre, Zemun Hospital, the clinical centres of Niš, Kragujevac and Novi Sad, as well as KBC Bežanijska Kosa. As they stated during an interview released after the first week of their activity, Serbia was definitely fully prepared to face the crisis, and they assessed the level of expertise of local sanitary as being at a high level. On the Serbian side, in particular, the visit of the Italian medical team was appreciated for their useful advice regarding techniques adopted in Italy for treating some COVID-19 cases in hospitals. The engagement of Italian doctors in Serbia further demonstrates the solidarity between our two countries. Italy’s struggle against the COVID-19 virus was followed with great sympathy in Serbia. Were you surprised by the humanitarian aid that was sent to Italy from Belgrade? - The mission of the Italian medical team was organised in summer, right when Serbia, unfortunately, had a high number of contagions again, especially in Belgrade and other main urban centres. It was important from our side to provide a sign of solidarity and friend-
PARTNERS: ITALY & SERBIA
SOLIDARITY
EU
EU ACCESSION
In my view, the great solidarity movement coming from the Serbian population once again confirmed that the friendship and feelings between Italy and Serbia are long-standing and sincere
We aim to ensure a recovery that is fully oriented towards economic growth and sustainable development, in particular though typical tools of the digitalisation era and ecological transition
Italy is without a doubt the strongest supporter of Serbia’s accession to the European Union
ship to Serbia, after Belgrade sent seven aircraft to Italy last April, carrying tonnes of medical donations to help us confront the worst moments of the coronavirus crisis in Italy. Although I know the generosity of the Serbian people well, I have to say that I was truly moved by all the expressions of affection towards Italy coming from both ordinary Serbian citizens and the authorities. The generous donations to the Italian people were an extraordinary gesture that was very much appreciated. In my view, the great solidarity movement coming from the Serbian population once again confirmed that the friendship and feelings between Italy and Serbia are long-standing and sincere. The history of our relationship is really a meeting of close neighbours who help each other, in both good times and bad ones. You know that last year we celebrated 140 years of diplomatic relations between Italy and Serbia, which we used to call a “special relationship”. In March that same year, when Belgrade received the visit of Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, we also did a dedicated special edition with CorD Magazine entitled “Always together”. In this situation of urgent humanitarian need, we can say “always together” once again, and even louder!
cooperation or supranational aid agreements were helpful in this context, as happened with the European “Recovery Fund”. EU leaders have agreed to a comprehensive package of €1,824.3 billion, which includes €750 billion to address challenges posed by COVID-19. Do you believe that the package will save the EU economy from an economic crisis that, according to some analysts, could be more serious than the one that hit in 2009? - I would like to recall the words of our Prime Minister Conte when he presented the approved package to the Parliament. He explained that, faced with a shock of such proportions, during those dramatic months, the European Union was able to respond with courage and vision, right up to the decision to approve, for the first time, an ambitious recovery programme, to be financed through the issuance of genuine European government bonds. In this way, we achieved a radical change of perspective, going beyond the logic of simple aid. We aim, instead, to ensure a recovery that is fully oriented towards economic growth and sustainable development, in particular though typical tools of the digitalisation era and ecological transition.
It was important from our side to provide a sign of solidarity and friendship to Serbia, after Belgrade sent seven aircraft to Italy last April, carrying tonnes of medical donations to help us confront the worst moments of the coronavirus crisis in Italy
After spring 2020 and the first wave of COVID-19 took thousands of lives in Italy, do you fear that we could see a new wave of the pandemic? - Many doctors and experts foresee a difficult autumn/winter in Europe, if not around the whole world. I personally cannot make forecasts, though I obviously hope that an increase in contagions in Italy, Serbia or other places will not happen again, and that the current rise in numbers in some countries will stop soon. Having said that, I think that countries in the meantime gained much more experience for fighting the virus and they should now be better prepared to face new infection “waves” than in the past, also considering that in many parts of the world processes are well underway to establish international rescue and support mechanisms, like in the case of the EU. What do you think is the greater danger now: the Coronavirus Pandemic or the socio-economic fallout from the COVID-19 crisis? - Both are obviously severe aspects of this crisis. It is fundamental to preserve the health of the population and therefore continue to put in place appropriate measures, if and when needed. At the same time, economic systems must be kept active and economic relations need to continue and flourish again. International
Italy is Serbia’s top economic partner. Could the economic recession that’s expected as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic impact on the level of economic exchange? - Although the crisis had an impact on the economic partnership between Italy and Serbia, this must be seen in light of the more general crisis that affected economies worldwide. Considering the situation as a whole, I would say that trade exchanges between our two countries are still safe and sound. Of course, we would like to see everything soon go back to “business as usual”, in order to again reach the four-billion-euro peak of 2018 in trade exchange as soon as possible. Innovation instruments envisaged in the European Recovery Fund should also help in this direction, as well as a strategy of public support for companies that already operate or intend to enter international markets through the extraordinary resources provided by the government to give a new impetus to the production system. Do you know what fate awaits the Fiat factory in Kragujevac? - The FCA [Fiat Chrysler Automobiles] Group is a very solid economic player. FCA is certainly going to continue to invest and be present in Serbia, as it is also very likely developing new project ideas for the immediate future. 7
PARTNERS: ITALY & SERBIA
Italy supports Serbia’s European integration, though that process appears to be slowing down. How do you see the fact that Serbia has not opened a single chapter in the last six months, for the first time since it began EU membership negotiations? - Italy is without a doubt the strongest supporter of Serbia’s accession to the European Union. Italy and Serbia also last year celebrated 10 years since the signing of the strategic partnership agreement, which officially marked our commitment to intensify renewed cooperation under the basis of the common intention to see Serbia moving even faster towards European integration. Therefore, this certainly remains one of the core aspects of our relationship, as well as our bilateral support to Serbia. As a demonstration, in Belgrade last December we welcomed a visit of our European Integration Minister Vincenzo Amendola, and this year began with the visit of our Foreign Affairs Minister Luigi Di Maio, who reaffirmed the fundamental pillars of our partnership, including our common belonging to the European project. Serbia also certainly has the clear goal of completing its European integration path, as of a long time ago, and it has been carrying out the accession process officially from 2014, according to an agreed schedule that requires the fulfilment of reforms and changes in 35 “sectors” (the so-called ‘Chapters’ listed by the Framework Agreement for Accession Negotiations). In the latest periodical evaluation of the state, there was no agreement among EU member states on the opening of new Chapters, as the majority thought that there was not enough progress on crucial chapters 23 and 24, on the rule of law and fundamental rights. That doesn’t mean that EU member states don’t maintain an interest in Serbia becoming part of the EU. Rather, it is a sign that democratic processes, the protection of human rights and cross-party dialogue should all be more central and visible aspects, in order to bring the country ever closer to EU standards.
I therefore expect the new Serbian Government to maintain the pace of its European journey and continue the reform process, considering that – with accession to the EU – Belgrade is looking for something beyond: better living standards and more prosperity for the whole country and its population. During the state of emergency this spring, you were very active on social networks, reminding your followers of the EU’s support for Serbia during the struggle against the coronavirus outbreak. Do you have the impression that there is a feeling in Serbia, but also in Italy, that the EU was late in reacting to the pandemic, while some other countries, such as China, quickly organised the sending of aid? - At the beginning of the outbreak of this coronavirus in Italy, and therefore in Europe, not many people immediately realised what was happening everywhere, and some observers commented that the EU did not want to help Italy. The European Council later responded fully to its task, as I said before, making its decision more forward looking than ever. The EU also contributed a lot to assist Serbia during the most difficult months, with effective assistance, immediate humanitarian aid and generous donations. In general, I disagree with certain doubting approaches regarding the EU’s true intentions towards Serbia. They are deceiving and counterproductive. We shouldn’t forget that the implementation mechanism provides Serbia with 300 million euros in grants per year to support the reform process. In addition to that, we should not forget that the EU, as a whole, is Serbia’s top trade partner, top donor and top investor.
Last year we celebrated 140 years of diplomatic relations between Italy and Serbia, which we used to call a “special relationship”. In March that same year, when Belgrade received the visit of Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, we also did a dedicated special edition with CorD Magazine entitled “Always together”. In this situation of urgent humanitarian need, we can say “always together” once again, and even louder!
There were voices from EU institutions raising concern over the state of democracy in Serbia. How would you asses the current situation? - Given that Serbia is in the European integration process, a spill-over effect is expected to take place in several sectors of reform, generating a positive transformative trend, specifically in critical areas. Specific improvements should be achieved especially on the rule of law. Media freedom and freedom of expression, as well as reform in the administration and the judicial system, together with the fight against corruption, are key areas that require further developments. 8
What do you expect in the continuation of the dialogue between Belgrade and Priština, which has been renewed under the patronage of the EU? - We fully support the dialogue under EU facilitation between Belgrade and Priština, and we were pleased with the resumption of talks in Brussels, in July, after a long pause. We are aware that discussions are never easy, and that’s why we encourage both sides to work with openmindedness and a forward-looking approach, in line with their European perspective. We firmly support EU Special Representative Miroslav Lajčak’s facilitation in the search for a sustainable and durable agreement to ensure peace and stability in the region. Italy supports this process very much, also by leading the KFOR Mission, which benefits from the presence and support of many actors.
PARTNERS: ITALY & SERBIA
9
PARTNERS: ITALY & SERBIA
INTERVIEW
DR JACOPO PALLAVICINI, TEAM LEADER OF THE SIX-MEMBER MEDICAL TEAM FROM ITALY
Collegial
EXCHANGE PRECIOUS Italy and Serbia are today much better prepared when it comes to a possible second wave of the pandemic. While complex equipment is necessary, the most valuable element is the sharing of knowledge and collegial exchanges. This makes the visit of the Italian medical team to Serbia a precious sign of friendship between the two countries
A
n Italian health team consisting of five doctors and a nurse – Jacopo Pallavicini (surgeon and team leader, Turin), Agostino Roasio (anaesthesiologist, Asti), Andrea Mariano (infectious diseas sepcialist, Lazzaro Spallanzani Hospital, Rome), Andrea Roncarati (anaesthesiologist, Pordenone, Western Friuli), Vito Procacci (emergency medicine physician and head of emergency department, Bari Polyclinic), Alice Pollano (nurse, Turin) – came to Serbia for two weeks from 2nd to 16th August, at the initiative of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in coordination with the Department of Civil Protection. The
10
PARTNERS: ITALY & SERBIA
team operated thanks to an agreement between the Italian and Serbian governments. During their mission, these Italian healthcare professionals were received by Serbian Health Minister Zlatibor Lončar and visited the Clinical Centre of Serbia, the Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases in Belgrade, Zemun Hospital and the clinical centres of Bežhanijska Kosa, Niš, Novi Sad and Kragujevac. These meetings allowed them to exchange information and experience regarding the treatment of COVID-19 with local doctors and health staff, in order to better address the management of patients with the virus in these hospitals. We spoke with team leader Dr Jacopo Pallavicini about the mission to Serbia, as well as the current situation regarding the pandemic.
Certainly, during the most severe moments of the crisis, we also received the help that we tried to provide to our Serbian colleagues during our mission to Belgrade.
What was your motive for sharing knowledge with your colleagues in Serbia? In which areas were you able to contribute the most? - The mission in Belgrade is part of the commitment that Italy has put in place in support of the Balkan region regarding the COVID-19 emergency since the start of the pandemic, witnessed lastly by the sending of a medical team to Albania also. Tangibly, the goal of our visit was to exchange experiences and knowledge regarding the treatment of COVID-19 cases in several sanitary structures in Serbia. There is no treatment code for this disease, unfortunately, but there are different approaches and we have given some advice to our colleagues, What condition is the Italian medical system in today, on the given the experience that we had in Italy during the previous eve of autumn – when we expect a new wave of COVID-19 to very difficult months. hit? Do you feel more prepared; are you Particular appreciation for the Italian better equipped and more experienced? Enormous work and effort has experience included two points: the me- The Italian healthcare system is fully been undertaken to increase chanical ventilation of patients in intensive operational and, although the overall care; and the technique of assessing the number of infections was very critical hospital capacities and lungs of the most critical patients with during spring, it has been able to respond capabilities across Italy, ultrasound devices. adequately to the challenges and overcome the crisis successfully. particularly in intensive care, are your impressions in relation to Italy was the first European country to further prepare the health What the equipment of the healthcare instituto be hit by the pandemic, in particular system for the possible tions in Serbia and the level of knowledge the northern part of our country. The sanitary structures, as well as all mediemergence of a second wave among domestic experts? - We had the chance to see that European cal staff and the central government, in of the pandemic standards are applied in Serbia. Serbia cooperation with regional governments, has responded well to the epidemic and responded efficiently and exerted all the local doctors have done an outstanding job. They are very possible efforts. Citizens themselves were subjected to very well prepared and absolutely ready to fight the epidemic in restrictive measures. the case that another major outbreak of the virus hits. Through this first severe experience, especially in March We have seen very well-organised hospitals, spoken with and April, Italy gained much more preparedness with respect hospital directors who showed that they have very clear ideas to the first time, and also thanks to great help and donaabout what actions to take. The protection of health workers tions, as well as international decisions that intervened in in Serbia is at an extremely high level. Hospital personnel have the meantime. It is for this reason that I can certainly state the highest level of protective equipment and know how to that we are much better prepared and equipped than before. use it. Organisation is very successful; they have managed Enormous work and effort has been undertaken to increase to keep the positive cases separate from negative and undehospital capacities and capabilities across Italy, particularly tected individuals, which are more problematic in this regard. in intensive care, to further prepare the health system for the possible emergence of a second wave. Do you continue to exchange experiences with your Serbian colleagues today? Were your colleagues in the EU and elsewhere willing to - We are in contact with them and remain available for further share their knowledge and experiences? Is this type of deepening of information, if needed. We hope that a similar cooperation equally evident today as it was at the onset mission can also be implemented in the future by Serbian of the crisis? doctors and specialists in Italy. We have created a network - We also had contacts with our colleagues within other EU of colleagues and friends and are still in touch with them, countries and I can confirm that there is a general interest even if we are far away. in sharing information among several sanitary systems. 11
PARTNERS: ITALY & SERBIA
What advice would you give to your In your opinion, to what extent have Serbia has responded well colleagues in Serbia and citizens in the national policies towards health systo the epidemic and wake of the expected new wave of the tems changed today, after the pandemic showed the detrimental effects the local doctors have done pandemic this coming autumn and winter? In Italy citizens shifted their consciousof the austerity measures applied to an outstanding job. They are -ness deeply and during recent months healthcare? very well prepared and have become increasingly aware, wise - The plans that were approved by the and cautious: some noticeable behavEuropean Council in July, aimed at supabsolutely ready to fight iours in everyday life were the increase porting individual EU countries after this the epidemic in the case of the use of masks and avoiding crowds. major crisis, certainly also help healthcare systems. Among the various tools, the that another major outbreak Awareness and compliance with preventative measures, such as maintaining “ReactEU” instrument, with a total budget of the virus hits basic hygiene and physical distance, of 47.5 billion euros, ensures that antiwhich is currently the main way to keep COVID-19 interventions can be introduced the infection curve down, are now more present in the in favour of the health system and support workers’ incomes mentality and behaviour of the population. This would be and corporate liquidity. In more general terms, certainly more the best advice that I could give to our Serbian friends awareness was spread among governments in respect to for maintaining contagions at a low level, unless a more the importance of assuring sufficient budgets for health definitive solution is available. departments. 12
PARTNERS: ITALY & SERBIA
PAOLO DI BELLA, GENERAL MANAGER OF ENGINEERING SOFTWARE LAB
BUSINESS
GOOD TIME
To Reshape And Re-organise Business Engineering Software Lab has more than 200 developers and specialists currently working in the fields of consulting, project management and information systems development
C
ompany Engineering Software Lab is part of the major international Engineering Group, which employs almost 12,000 people worldwide. As a global player in digital transformation, the group has developed its own internal systems that enable it to adapt quickly to a new situation – within 48 hours! The current pandemic crisis has accelerated the adoption of enabling technologies, which have thankfully allowed many organisations, including this one, to utilise them in order to remain fully operational and allow people to stay in touch with the outside world. “Right from the beginning of this complex crisis, we immediately switched to remote work mode, in order to protect the health of all our employees. For those like us who work in the ICT sector, getting used to smart working is easier. But, regardless of the pandemic event, we already considered the enhancement of talent as the main benefit of smart working. Knowing how to build, organise and manage work groups that can interact mutually regardless of where people are physically located is a way to offer opportunities for growth and participation in projects that can often also represent career opportunities. It is also in this perspective that Engineering Software Lab structures the work by bringing together the best talent to find the best solutions to build the software that our customers need,” says GM Paolo Di Bella. Given that you mentioned clients and customers, tell us how this crisis has impacted on your business partnerships? - We work with and partner stakeholders across different markets. Some of these industries have been hit harder than others, like manufacturing, transportation, travel & hospitality. When the crisis began, we knew that it was important to do our best to enable our clients to function normally. Our clients appreciate all our efforts and we are proud that we succeeded in this very challenging task.
What we see now, from talking to all our partners, is that digital transformation is no longer just an item on their list of priorities, it is at the top of that list. Increasing or accelerating capabilities for full remote working are essential steps. This goes hand-in-hand with increasing Cybersecurity capabilities. The delivery of services and goods needs to be enhanced through autonomous activities that are less dependent on a human presence (for example - from digitalising offices all the way to virtualising showrooms). In general, this is a good time to think about how we can reshape the existing organisation of business in the new scenario that’s referred to as ‘the new normal’. We are witnesses and active participants in creating a new normality, so this is a great opportunity to think out of the box. You don’t believe there will be a return to the old world after the end of the pandemic? What is the new normality for Engineering Software Lab? - If everything went back to the way it was in the period before the epidemic, that would mean we haven’t learned anything new from this crisis. The new normality from our point of view implies the strengthening of all business processes, so that we can adapt to future changes even faster and easier. Adopting a modified smart working model in combination with working from an office is definitely a good way. Engineering Software Lab learned a lot from this situation. The best indicator of that is the fact that our company has preserved stability and that, even during this crisis, we are further expanding our team in Belgrade and hiring new colleagues. I am extremely proud of how my colleagues have coped with the new circumstances. We all miss social contact and spending time with our colleagues in the same space, but there is no alternative at this moment when it comes to preserving and protecting health. 13
PARTNERS: ITALY & SERBIA
ECONOMIC COOPERATION BETWEEN ITALY AND SERBIA
STRONG PRESENCE, Stronger Prospects
Italy and Serbia have been historically linked through excellent bilateral political and economic relations. The two Countries celebrated two important anniversaries in 2019: 140 years of diplomatic relations between Rome and Belgrade; and 10 years of their strategic partnership
D
uring the same year, Italy was again Serbia’s second largest trading partner, with a total trade exchange of 3.84 billion euros (2.07 billion in Italian exports to Serbia and 1.77 billion in Italian imports from Serbia). The main sectors of activity include the automotive, banking and insurance sectors, textiles, footwear, agriculture and, as of recently, energy. Several Italian companies are also involved in the construction sector in Serbia.
14
The database of the Development Agency of Serbia shows that, between 2007-2019, Italy was the leading investor in Serbia, both in terms of the number of projects implemented and absolute value. Italian companies have to date invested over three billion euros in Serbia and, according to a recent study that will be published soon by the Embassy of Italy and the Italian-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, employ a total of 39,000 workers. Considering indirect employment too, Ital-
PARTNERS: ITALY & SERBIA
connections among local authorities, thanks to the existence ian companies provide work for more than 50,000 workers in of bilateral agreements between regions and provinces. An Serbia, with around 1,600 registered companies having Italian example of that is the protocol signed in 2018 between Italy’s shares and generating 5.4% of Serbia’s GDP. Lombardia Region and Serbia’s Autonomous Province of VojvoMany Italian companies invested in Serbia long before other international partners, developing a special relationship dina, while in 2020 the Veneto Region concluded an agreement with their local counterparts, built on mutual trust and thereby with the Republic of Serbia in the fields of the creative industry, gaining excellent economic results in terms of production and education and research & innovation. employment. Serbia has a lot to offer Italian companies: firstly, Italy has continuously shown its willingness to support Serthe geographic proximity and the country’s connection to the bia’s European integration process at the political and economic entire Balkan region; secondly, the links with other international levels. The visits to Belgrade of Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, markets, both to the west and the east, finally the expertise in 2019, and Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and knowledge of local workers, which helped Italian companies Minister Luigi Di Maio, at the beginning of this year, confirmed develop strong local management structures. At the same the importance that Italy attaches to its relationship with time, the Italian entrepreneurial spirit is highly appreciated in Serbia. During both visits, the Italian and Serbian authorities Serbia, because of the capacity of Italian businesses to bring recognised the importance of the two countries’ economic ties positive change in cultural and social terms all over the country. as being a fundamental component of our excellent bilateral At the institutional level, Italy is present in Serbia with a very relations. Italy also encourages Belgrade to adopt and implestrong network, within the framework of the so-called “Sistema ment reforms in the interest of Serbian citizens and foreign Italia” (a group of institutions/associations working together investors, in order to further improve the business environment to support Italy’s economic presence in and the stability of the economy. the country). All together, the Embassy Between 2007-2019, Italy was Serbia has already successfully atof Italy, the Italian Foreign Trade Agency, tracted Italian FDIs over past years and the leading investor in Serbia, – with the completion of the privatisation the Italian-Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Confindustria Serbia work tirelessly both in terms of the number process, the advancement of the fiscal secto promote Italian companies and their and the judiciary, and the efficiency of of projects implemented and tor investments. “Sistema Italia” and Italian public administration in general – Serbia will absolute value. Italian companies in Serbia are also focused become an even more interesting market on fostering collaboration with schools for other Italian companies. companies have to date and universities, through dual education Many Italian companies invested in the invested over three billion programmes. As of today, many Italian Serbian manufacturing sector in 2018 and companies in different Serbian towns and euros in Serbia and, according 2019, opening new factories or expanding cities are already training students. production. The COVID-19 Pandemic to a recent study that will be their Italian institutions here traditionally enhas hit the Serbian economy in an asymjoy very good relations with the Chamber of published soon by the Embassy metric way during 2020, impacting some Commerce & Industry of Serbia, thanks to of Italy and the Italian-Serbian sectors more than others, but surveys fruitful cooperation in the co-organisation show that Italian businesses have not lost of business events, such as B2B gatherings, Chamber of Commerce, employ their interest in the Serbian market, while country presentations and sector-specific many indicators prove that the propensity a total of 39,000 workers missions to and from Italy. Serbian and Italto increase their presence again is clear. The Italian companies that already do business in Serbia are ian companies can also count on the Office of the Chamber of satisfied with the way the Government of Serbia responded Commerce & Industry of Serbia in Trieste, which is constantly to the epidemiological crisis, which represented a harsh test working to promote bilateral projects. for all the economies of the planet and showed the stability Economic ties are enhanced by scientific cooperation beand resilience of the Serbian economy. Forecasts for 2021 are tween the two countries. Over the last 10 years, projects in the positive, and Italy will certainly contribute in terms of investfield of higher education, science, technology and innovation have been experiencing an extraordinary moment: more than ments, goods and technology. 60 cooperation agreements between Italian and Serbian uniThere are great prospects for the further development of economic collaboration in many sectors – from the more traditional versities have been conducted during this period. Furthermore, ones, like agriculture and infrastructures, to the emerging ones, with the 2012 creation of the Association of Italian and Serbian like new technologies, renewable energies and the sustainable Scientists and Scholars (AIS3), which brings together more and smart economy. As for agribusinesses, the recent availability than 400 researchers and academics from the two countries, of IPARD funds for rural development will allow more Serbian joint projects will continue to thrive in the future. companies to purchase Italian agricultural technologies. Our mutual economic relations are also based on strong 15
PARTNERS: ITALY & SERBIA
INTERVIEW
GIORGIO MARCHEGIANI, PRESIDENT OF THE ITALIAN-SERBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND CEO AT DDOR INSURANCE, MEMBER OF THE UNIPOL GROUP
SUPPORT THAT WORKS Like Magic
In this emergency situation, the role of the Chamber was essential in our business community, both in protecting existing companies and reinforcing the bridges between Italy and Serbia. We are not magicians, but as a chamber we support our member companies in their everyday business life and cultivate longterm relationships with them. This seems to be appreciated as a value proposition
I
talian FDI will continue for sure, says Italian-Serbian Chamber of Commerce President Giorgio Marchegiani in this interview for our CorD special edition. Indeed, as can be read in the lines below, the Italian-Serbian Chamber of Commerce is doing its best to keep the existing business community safe and sound, and to attract new members and prospective investors. And we can therefore look with hope towards new Italian investments in 2021.
Mr Marchegiani, the previous months weren’t normal for any of us. What was the “not normal / new normal” for the Italian-Serbian Chamber that you head? - You are right, nothing was normal - first of all for all of us as human beings, even before considering our professional role. Thinking back to the previous months, I can describe two phases: the emergency and the restart. For the first part, I remember very well that week starting on 9th March: I flew to Serbia on the Monday, hoping that flights would be maintained. Italy was already experiencing a health tsunami and we were all worried for our companies and our families. 16
The whole of Europe, and also Serbia, implemented more severe measures that week, closing airports and locking down borders with neighbouring countries in a few hours. In that situation, where all of us were confused, scared and also had huge logistical problems (trucks blocked, drivers quarantined, families displaced), the Chamber behaved as a community to help, cooperating with the Italian Embassy in Belgrade, sharing information about the situation at the border crossings, health regulations, safety measures in the workplace, solutions, concerns, experiences. That first phase brought us back to the original role of the Chamber of Commerce: to meet and share information, in a difficult environment. Compared to the past, the meeting place was on the web and via social media, or over the telephone. During those days, I immediately pushed the staff to issue our newsletters almost daily via email, with all relevant official information. Further to this, a huge number of special cases was dealt with, with some thousands of phone calls that our staff answered, to support specific situations.
PARTNERS: ITALY & SERBIA
After a few weeks, in May, the second phase started, which I define as “the search for new markets”. In that phase, Italian companies – in most cases ones with no existing presence in Serbia – started calling us to understand how this market can help them generate new business. This activity is still continuing and I hope it will bring new investments to Serbia in 2021. From the perspective of your members, which measures of the Serbian government were the most important for companies to proceed to work? - The COVID-19 impact is specific by industry and company size. Each industry sector had its own approach. In general, I can say that both the salary contribution and the moratorium on tax and other payments were highly appreciated by companies. I personally observed and praised the quick reaction of the Government and rapid implementation of measures. Speed is key and our members appreciated that.
purchases of policies for all insurance products and services within the regulations in Serbia. Besides this situation, DDOR osiguranje has also been preparing new products and services, but also channels that will enable customers to have better information, purchase policies, but also report claims. The ‘new normal’ that awaits us in the future will have a strong online component of everyday activities, and we are going to be a value adding part of that.
Which of your services did clients need the most and how has your offer adjusted to cope with the new circumstances of the market? - From the beginning of the epidemic, DDOR osiguranje called on people to act responsibly and follow prescribed measures of behaviour. However, in the case of COVID-19 infection, we were the first to introduce the product ‘Epidemik Protekt’, which provides assistance and financial help to those who must be hospitalised. We were the first to The citizens can have it as additional insurintroduce the product ance with their life insurance policy and ‘Epidemik Protekt’, which companies as a group accident policy for a life insurance policy that already cover provides assistance risks against epidemics. to those who must be Additionally, we introduced special travel health insurance that included COVID-19 hospitalised. We also for all tourists planning their holidays introduced special travel somewhere abroad. At the same time, we health insurance that included offered special insurance for hotel guests who decide to stay in Serbia.
How complex is it for your company to navigate and organise workers and operations in volatile times and during sudden changes in the health situation? - Now that the we have several months of experience with the new situation, I can say that we must be satisfied with how we reacted to the new conditions of business with the epidemic. DDOR osiguranje is a large company with a large network and the challenge COVID-19 for all tourists was to reorganise processes in order travelling abroad Given that Serbia operates on a tight to protect employees and clients, while budget, which non-financial measures still providing a high level of service. We could help the insurance industry better catch up with the decided to remain open the entire time, but we also adjusted. needs of the market? That said, we enabled the option of working from home for - There are a number of measures that we can apply: we have to more than 70% of our people, immediately introduced high listen continuously to our clients, use their language – including health and safety measures on our premises and introduced digital media – work on the availability of insurance and prothe contactless purchasing of policies for both citizens and viding it when its needed, and in a way that can be understood companies. In the Claims department we introduced a system by most people. At the same time, the whole industry, along of contactless claims reporting and scheduling of damage with regulators and partners, should continue joint efforts assessment, in order to reduce the number and volume of on educating the general public, which is a continuous and contacts between employees and customers. enduring process. That said, we used to say that insurance All the measures taken were implemented in a timely manner and I can say that we did a good job in protecting people is most expensive when you don’t have any. This also means while maintaining the level of business operations. that citizens can buy insurance that could save their homes or other property for amounts that are affordable to most people. How successful was the shift to the online domain for the For business clients, some forms of insurance are obligatory or required by partners, and for them insurance is part insurance industry and your company in particular? of their investment in business continuation. - The whole world shifted online. Unlike some other industries, We have a good example in the agriculture business, where insurance is one of the most conservative and, to some extent, the state provides incentives for producers by subsidising this situation accelerated the shift online. On top of our regular 40% of the premium. In this way, food production – as one online shop that offers standard insurance products, mainly of the most important branches of industry – has support. for travel, we provided the option of completely contactless 17
PARTNERS: ITALY & SERBIA
BUSINESS
SLOBODAN FILIPOVIĆ, DIRECTOR OF EXPRESS SEE
WE CONNECT Three Continents
Express SEE has been providing logistics services, both abroad and on the domestic market, since it was founded in Belgrade in 2014. The company operates within the framework of Italy-based international freight forwarding group ExpressGlobal
T
You are in a position to respond to almost all market needs. Does this mean that your list of satisfied clients is long, while you have an even greater desire for growth and progress? - The team that I lead is experienced, but still sufficiently young. We are constantly improving and have a pronounced need to both nurture relationships with existing clients and acquire new ones. We are helped in this by the fact that clients Your company’s focus is always the same - providing optimal recommend us to their acquaintances, because they recognise solutions in terms of costs and transit time for each delivery. us as a reliable partner in every respect. Do you manage to achieve that on all three continents where We want to be recognised on the market as a company you operate? that succeeds in overcoming all challenges, in order for our - ExpressGlobal, which we are a part of, represents a network clients to be able to dedicate themselves to their jobs and that’s able to respond to the demands of clients on all contiwork obligations. With a professional approach to each clinents. We strive to offer a service that is tailored to the client, i.e. to always offer a service that provides ent, we create stable cooperation that the best ratio of costs and delivery time. We want our clients to know endures for years. Apart from costs and delivery time, we that their goods are secure Express SEE is synonymous with reliable consider our company’s responsiveness with us and that we take care logistics partners in the region. Does as its special quality. We don’t allow much time to pass before responding to every of them throughout the course this mean that clients recognise that request received. Moreover, we also strive cooperation with you guarantees the of transport and logistics hard to ensure that clients are constantly security of their shipment until the end well informed about the status of their of its journey? shipments, and to work proactively with the aim of preventing - Apart from standard criteria in terms of punctuality and reliproblems that can arise due to possible disruptions within the ability of delivery, which we maintain at a high level, Express logistics chain. SEE considers it very important that our clients don’t feel stress Express SEE attributes the success of its operations, among during transport and logistics operations. We endeavour to other things, to the extraordinary interpersonal relationships adapt the service to each client individually, because we are cultivated among colleagues on all three continents. As we all aware that not everyone has the same parameters for assessshare the same goal of ensuring satisfied clients, we manage to ing level of service. find the best transport and logistics solutions. Our work is eased We want our clients to know that their goods are secure by the fact that we have offices around the world, because we with us and that we take care of them throughout the course know that we always have colleagues we can turn to for every of transport and logistics, while our experience enables us to request beyond the borders of our country. avoid or overcome any problem during the transport process. hanks to the fact that it is currently present on three continents, this group is able to meet the specific and demanding needs of the markets, operating via all modes of transport and dealing with customs mediation in import, export and transit procedures.
18
PARTNERS: ITALY & SERBIA
AUNDE SRB D.O.O. (LTD.)
BUSINESS
AUNDE WILL MOVE A Step Forward AUNDE SRB D.o.o. (Ltd.) is a manufacturing plant in the Pomoravlje District of Serbia, a partner of thr AUNDE Group that’s 100% owned by AUNDE Italia S.p.A and is among the top players in the sector of vehicle upholstery production in Serbia
AUNDE had a total of 700 employees in 2019, while in 2020 the company expects to increase its number of workers by nine per cent, thus reaching the level of 760 total staff. It was in January 2015 that AUNDE SRB launched production of seat covers for the FIAT 500L, one of the best selling cars in its segment in the EU, on working area of approximately 11,000m2. AUNDE SRB produces seat covers for FIAT, MERCEDES, Peg Perego, IVECO and other important automotive customers. Thanks to great advances in its production processes,based on the TPS methodology, AUNDE is now among the best players in the seat cover production sector in Serbia. The company had a turnover of 24.7 million euros in 2018, while the 2019 result will total 25 million euros, and turnover is set to increase by six per cent in 2020. The company’s current workforce is 72 per cent women. Shifts are restricted to two, in order to ensure AUNDE’s ladies are also able to take care of their children. AUNDE also has more than 10 per cent of women staff at the first
and second levels of management. As a customer-orientated company, AUNDE SRB – like all companies in the Aunde Group - pay attentions to all environmental and safety issues. Some important awards symbolise the way major institutions recognise the great investment and work done by AUNDE in Serbia: ○ Leonardi Price (ItalianSerbian Chamber of Commerce). ○ Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Serbia Award for the Best Company, in recognition of the company’s success in increasing its turnover and number of workers. ○ Freedom of the City of Jagodina Award (17th October 1945). ○ Captain Misa: National Award of the City of Novi Sad. ○ Confindustria Serbia AWARD. AUNDE SRB will continue operations in Serbia and advance towards opening the doors to important new markets, and not only in the automotive sector. AUNDE SRB will chose its new Customer in Serbia and in Balkan area in sectors like furniture. 19
PARTNERS: ITALY & SERBIA
INTERVIEW
PATRIZIO DEI TOS, PRESIDENT OF CONFINDUSTRIA SERBIA
We Recognised Common
GOALS & WORKED AS A TEAM Everything we achieved stems from teamwork and mutual support. Now it is important to move forward and define our priorities clearly
C
OVID-19 represents a global problem and as a con sequence it seriously affects the global economy. Unfortunately, the negative consequences of the pandemic in the first half of the year did not sparetrade and business relations between Italy and Serbia. Italy was under “lockdown” in the period from March to May, during which – statistically speaking – production levels fell by
20
29.9% compared to the first three months of the year. Since the lockdown applied to industry too, in that period production was reduced to manufacturing of only essential goods and this affected the operations of Italian subsidiaries in Serbia,” says Patrizio Dei Tos, President of Confindustria Serbia. “In the first days of the Coronavirus crisis in Serbia, our member companies recorded a decline in exports and productivity, some of them up to 30 per cent, but once the issues of mobility, transport, logistics and import-export procedures between the two countries were regulated, companies returned to a steady business flow.” In the meantime, which sectors had been able to reorganise under the new circumstances and which of them will be most seriously affected? - In my opinion it is important to emphasise that, soon after the declaration of the epidemic and the introduction of a
PARTNERS: ITALY & SERBIA
state of emergency in Serbia, Confindustria Serbia’s member companies reacted quickly and readily to the new situation and reorganised their operations by implementing all safety rules to protect the health of their employees and secure a safe working environment, preventing the further spread of the virus. At the same time, a positive impulse arrived from the Government of the Republic of Serbia, which reacted in a timely and adequate manner by adopting economic measures, with the aim of reducing the negative economic effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. These measures had a positive impact on the operations of companies under these circumstances, helping them to secure both production and the employment rate. How supportive were other branches of Confindustria to your work and in which aspects was their expertise most needed? - Synergy and coordination with the Italian headquarters of Confindustria were of great importance to us in terms of facing the upcoming crisis in Serbia. Italy was hit by the Coronavirus crisis before Serbia, and that “Italian experience” was invaluable for us - we used
Here in Serbia we’ve had exceptional support from, and maximum cooperation with, the Embassy of Italy in Belgrade, the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Serbia, the Serbian Association of Employers and the Foreign Investors Council. We’ve worked as a team their models to build our strategies, to develop proposals in terms of protocols and recommendations for safe and healthy work space and management of the relations with employees, but also to propose economic, fiscal and financial measures to the institutions of the Republic of Serbia, many of which – I am pleased to add – were included in the set of measures adopted by the Government of Serbia to help the economy. I’d also like to add that thanks to the efforts of Confindustria Serbia, but also to the joint action with the Italian - Serbian Chamber of Commerce, there had been appeals addressed to the head of the Italian government, aimed at drawing attention to the difficult situation experienced by CEOs operating in both countries, due to the strict limits imposed on movement of people. With the simultaneous commitment of the President of Confindustria in Italy, we managed to fight for a significant change in the rules regarding transfers to Italy from Serbia, so that now travelling between the two countries for business has become possible again. 21
PARTNERS: ITALY & SERBIA
DIGITALISATION
LOOKING BOLDLY
Towards The Future
Given that Italy is among the leading nations in many aspects of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Serbia is keen to strengthen bilateral cooperation between companies, universities, research institutes and local administrations. And Confindustria Serbia has been contributing to this cause for years
22
A
ccording to the latest Deloitte report (2019), Italy is at the global forefront in many aspects of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the so-called digital revolution. Furthermore, Italian executives fully appreciate digitalisation as being fundamental to their companies’ futures and are looking to adopt and use digital technologies. According to Eurostat, there are approximately 5,400 high-tech manufacturing companies in Italy, making it one of the top four countries in Europe (along with Germany, the UK and Poland). If all sectors are included – among both services and manufacturing – Italy remains among the top countries.in Europe, with more than 105,000 hightech companies. Italy is also above the European average in terms of the production and use of industrial robots and in the adoption of 4.0 technologies, such as the cloud, the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, the Deloitte report states.
PARTNERS: ITALY & SERBIA
The second one was organised with the participation of BocItalian companies also invest heavily in scientific and coni University at the Zvezdara Science and Technology Park technological research. According to the European Comand included the presenting of the various possibilities and mission, at €185.4 million, the average annual research challenges that digitalisation offers for traditional industries, and development expenditure of Italy’s top R&D spending such as production or sales. The third conference covered to enterprises is higher than the equivalent EU average of the topic of cyber security, while the fourth addressed 5G, €165.8 million. enabled technologies and similar topics. Conferences now Italy is ranked seventh worldwide in robotics, just berepresent a tradition of great importance for Confindustria, hind giants like China, South Korea, Japan and the U.S. The as well as an occasion to meet every autumn and highlight the country’s annual production of 6,500 units is expected to digital revolution, which encompasses both our private and rise to about 8,500 units by the end of 2020. Although that professional lives. number is low compared to Germany, which manufactures about 20,000 robots annually, Italy still ranks second in Europe, with France and Spain trailing behind, with 4,200 and 3,900 units respectively. Moreover, Italy is also in the global top ten in terms of robotic intensity: the number of industrial robots compared to the size of the workforce. According to the International Federation of Robotics, Italy has 185 robots per 10,000 manufacturing employees, placing it far ahead of Spain, France and the UK. The same report states that Italy ranks sixth worldwide in terms of M2M communication, which is fundamental to Industry 4.0, and is also advancing promisingly in cloud computing. Based on Eurostat data, cloud technologies have been introduced by around 22 per cent of Italian companies, which is slightly above of the European These events brought together nuaverage of 21 per cent. Use of the IoT is Confindustria Serbia has merous representatives of Serbian and also rising quickly in Italy, with the sector hosted four conferences Italian companies, both traditional and having more than doubled in three years. Smart metering and smart car segments related to digitalisation since innovative IT companies focused on represented Italy’s largest IoT sectors in 2016, focusing on start-ups, digital transformation, as well as EU experts and representatives of the Ser2017, with output of €980 million and €810 the digitalisation of bian government. They also presented million respectively, followed by smart buildings (€520 million) and IoT solutions traditional industries, cyber the experiences and expertise of Italian other top companies, as well as the for industrial logistics. security and 5G technologies and good practises of Italian cities that have In February 2017, the Italian Ministry embraced the smart city approach. of Economic Development launched the The aim of these events was to promote public-private Industria 4.0 National Plan (I4.0), as the new strategy to put partnerships and collaborations, as well as to emphasise in place horizontal measures accessible for all enterprises the importance of introducing fast-changing technological with the aim of boosting investment in new technologies, shifts to the traditional businesses environment. research and development, thus revitalising the competiIt was with this in mind in 2019 that Confindustria tiveness of Italian companies. initiated cooperation between the Serbian Ministry of Within such a context, it is no wonder that Italy was among Innovation and Technological Development, and its Italthe leading countries in introducing the topic of digitalisation ian counterpart, the Ministry for Digitalisation, in order to Serbia. Confindustria Serbia has hosted four conferences to strengthen bilateral cooperation between companies, related to digitalisation since 2016, each with different founiversities, research institutes and local administrations cuses: the first conference was dedicated to start-ups and in Italy and Serbia. the establishment of a business environment to sustain them. 23
PARTNERS: ITALY & SERBIA
DUAL EDUCATION
THOUGHTFUL APPROACH To Job Creation
Under the leadership of Confindustria Serbia and supported by the Italian Embassy in Belgrade, Italian companies have been contributing strongly to the development of dual education in the country, through cooperation with both schools and the Serbian Ministry of education
C
onsider this: in 2015 a then small offshoot of Jagodina-based Italian company Aunde employed 200 workers, while its entire production was directed towards the local market. Over the course of the next three years, the number of employees grew to 750, while exports soon expanded to account for 80% of the company’s production. Along the way, in 2017, the company started cooperating with the Italian Embassy, Confindustria and the Serbian Ministry of Education, with the aim of im-
24
plementing the dual education programme. Aunde provided industrial machines for the school it collaborates with, and has employed 40 young students over the past five years. At the beginning of 2020, Aunde won the award for “Contribution to the Implementation of the Dual Education System”, which is presented to the most successful members of Confindustria Serbia. In a nutshell, this is how the win-win story of dual education in Serbia looks. But there are many more Italian companies
PARTNERS: ITALY & SERBIA
people aged from 15 to 29 when entering the workplace, and that have been contributing to the development of dual such apprenticeships can last up to three years, according to education in Serbia. Among them are Fulgar, Modital, Dafar, collective bargaining. Such an approach offers reduced costs Tehnostruture, Promeks and many others. for new entrants and training opportunities, increases the Italy’s contribution to the development of dual education work-related capabilities of young employees (learning-byin Serbia is both practical and envisages support for schools doing) and provides the opportunity for companies to test to procure state-of-the-art equipment for school training new entrants through on-the-job training. and experts. Specifically, as of 2017, Confindustria Serbia, as The Serbian approach to dual education has certainly the most important association of Italian manufacturing and learnt from different perspectives and experiences that have service companies, was included in the team of the Ministry led to a specific model. Within that model, dual education of Education. Italian executives thus gained an opportunity, only serves to complement the current model of vocational through the association, to influence the creation and establishment of a more efficient education system in Serbia, which will serve in the function of economic development. One of the examples of the cooperation between the Ministry of Education, and Confindustria is the launch of the “National Day of Small and MediumSized Enterprises”, which - from 2017 onwards - became a series of events bringing together numerous Italian SMEs and local communities. On this occasion, Italian SMEs open their doors to students, professors and the local community, in an effort to raise awareness among younger generations about the importance of also learning within companies. Participants education and differs from the model are given an opportunity to gain first-hand With young people now employed in other European countries. experience of a business environment and enrolling in dual education Specifically, the National Model of Dual the way particular companies operate. This protects the general education event also serves as an opportunity to throughout Serbia, it is good Education system, while the fund of hours of profesestablish a dialogue between the business to know that the whole sional subjects is divided into learning in world, education and local communities, while encouraging the entrepreneurial process is well supported by an educational institution and learning in a real work environment. In the words of spirit and the development of critical Italian companies that Gabriela Grujić Ph.D., Assistant Minister of and creative thinking among young future Education responsible for dual education professionals. are looking forward to and upbringing, education does not mean Indeed, Italy has rich experience in welcoming new entrants only the acquisition of knowledge, but also this field. The two main forms of the and future employees the way we teach young people to use dual system in Italy are “school-work their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. alternation” and “apprenticeships”. The The Serbian concept got its legislative form in the Law Italian “school-work alternation” was introduced with the on Dual Education, which was adopted by the National Asaim of improving the work-related skills of young learners. It sembly of Serbia on 8th November 2017 and began being starts with an agreement between a school and companies. implemented at the start of the 2019/2020 school year. As of 2015, school-work alternation became mandatory in In the meantime, the number of dual educational profiles secondary education in Italy. implemented in 104 secondary vocational schools has grown On the other hand, Italian apprenticeships represent a to 37, while the number of companies participating in the labour and training contract with specific supporting legislaimplementation of learning through work has reached a total tion; active mainly in the labour market, these apprenticeships of 880. Some 2,533 pupils were enrolled in the first year of have limited connections with the education system. Italian high school in the 2019/2020 school year. This September apprentices are paid workers who participate in training marks the second year of the concept, which Italian comcourses/experiences in order to acquire different kinds of panies are contributing to strongly. qualifications. The target group for apprenticeships are young 25
PARTNERS: ITALY & SERBIA
SME
Italian small and medium-sized enterprises are seen as role models and hubs for sharing knowledge when it comes to the promotion of entrepreneurship among their Serbian counterparts, particularly among the Serbian youth. On the other hand, they are also important investors in the Serbian economy
A Coach And
AN INSPIRATION
W
e would like to ask Confindustria to be our coach when it comes to small and medium-sized enterprises, said Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Serbia President Marko Čadez, speaking at the Public Meeting of Confindustria Serbia – the Association of Italian Industrialists in Serbia – back in February this year. According to the Confindustria statistics, SMEs account for 70 per cent of its members in Serbia, with a total of around 600 Italian enterprises having invested approximately three billion euros of capital in Serbia. And many of these companies are run by entrepreneurs who identified an opportunity to improve their business in Serbia. According to Italian Ambassador to Serbia H.E. Carlo Lo Cascio, Italian SMEs play a crucial role in the country and are seen by their Serbian partners as role models. “SMEs represent
26
a model that perfectly fits the Serbian business environment, and they can bring added value to the communities where they operate,” said the ambassador, speaking at one 2019 event that brought together representatives of businesses from Italy and their Serbian counterparts. SMEs actually represent the beating heart of the Italian economy, both within the country and beyond its borders. According to the latest OCD report, SMEs generate 66.9% of overall added value in the Italian ‘non-financial business economy’, massively exceeding the EU average of 56.4%. The share of employment generated by SMEs is even larger, at 78.1%, compared to the EU average of 66.6%. Micro firms are particularly important in Italy, providing 28.4% of overall value added and 44.9% of overall employment in the ‘non-financial business economy’. SMEs operating
PARTNERS: ITALY & SERBIA
and production activities, emphasising in in the manufacturing sector generate There are more than particular the interest in cooperating in the 30.4% of overall SME value added in the 10,000 innovative start-ups field of the creative industries. PM Brnabić Italian ‘non-financial business economy’. Between 2014 and 2018, SME value added currently listed in the Italian said that Serbia was interested in continuing cooperation in the segment of innovative in this sector increased by 9.7%, thus exnational start-up register, technologies and investments by SMEs ceeding its 2008 pre-crisis level by 4.6%. from Veneto, a region that is considered a In contrast, SME employment remained mainly in high-tech leader of this field in Italy. 16.2% lower than its 2008 level, rising manufacturing and The expansion of cooperation to new by only two per cent between 2014 and 2018. This higher growth of value added knowledge-intensive services, fields would also certainly be welcomed, compared to employment levels is due and Serbia is seeking to learn and would contribute to expanding the present network of Italian companies, to various factors. A notable driver was from these experiences mostly SMEs, operating in other fields the Italian government’s 2016 ‘Industria of the Serbian economy. 4.0’ plan, which acted as an incentive for As noted, Italian SMEs are seen as promoters of the SMEs to increase innovation by, for example, investing in culture of entrepreneurship. A good example of knowledge digitalisation. Consequently, most SMEs in manufacturing sharing is represented by Confindustria Serbia’s ‘Day of have introduced new digital systems, such as IT security, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises’ events, which provide connectivity, cloud computing and collaborative robotics. opportunities for dialogue between commercial sectors, the Moreover, Italian SMEs have been particularly strong educational sector and local communities. contributors to GDP growth through their direct exports. Such events also underpin the efforts undertaken by Exporting SMEs generate significantly more value added than the Government of Serbia to strengthen entrepreneurship. non-exporting SMEs and boost SME employment in particular. Namely, in March 2015 the Government of the Republic of Growth is currently driven mainly by SMEs in the south of the Serbia adopted its Strategy for Supporting the Development country and its islands, generating 59.2% of overall growth of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Entrepreneurship and in 2018, which equated to 18,705 new businesses. Competitiveness for the 2015-2020 period. Subsequently, in This increase was partly the result of national and regional 2016, the government introduced financial and non-financial incentives for start-ups, such as the ‘Resto al Sud’ initiative. support for this sector, which later grew into the Decade of As a result, there are at present more than 10,000 innovative Entrepreneurship, with the Government of the Republic of start-ups listed in the national start-up register. SMEs in highSerbia and the Ministry of Economy continuing to provide tech manufacturing and knowledge-intensive services, which systematic support to the SME and entrepreneurship sector. are usually R&D-intensive, generated 28.6% of SME value The SME sector in Serbia currently accounts for 99.8% added in the ‘non-financial business economy’ in Italy in 2018. of the Serbian economy and employs 67% of Serbian workAt a recent meeting in Belgrade, Serbian Prime Minister Ana ers. However, a need remains for more knowledge on how to Brnabić and President of the Veneto Region, Luca Zaia, discussed enter foreign markets, which is a speciality of Italian SMEs. the continuation of cooperation in the area of the economy 27
