FDI Summit Slovenia 2015: “We have to work together as a team, while promoting open dialogue and mutual trust.”
On December 8th 2015, the Faculty of Economics and The Slovenia Times, organized the 6th annual FDI Summit Slovenia, which was focused on the future of the country’s competitiveness. The event hosted Chairman of IMD World Competitive Center as a keynote speaker, several panels and closing speeches, given by the Prime Minister of Slovenia. The event was an amazing success and has no doubt left its mark in the minds of the attendees.
The welcome address was given by the FELU dean, professor Metka Tekavčič and The Slovenia Times CEO, Brane Krajnik, who announced the keynote speaker, professor Arturo Bris, Chairman of IMD World Competitive Center. He gave an entertaining presentation about – not only competitiveness, but also sustainable value creation, a hot issue in Slovenia’s economy. Professor Bris explained that competitiveness is not an overnight project, but something that a country needs to actively change for generations. In addition, he stated that the three pillars of competitiveness are a good government, which is transparent and cares for its people, and just as importantly a good infrastructure and an efficient private sector. Professor Bris pointed out that Slovenia has immense talent, but we need to become better at retaining it.
The FDI Summit speakers, including Slovenian minister, Executive Directors and CEOs began the discussion of how Slovenia can become a competitive country. Dr. Maja Makovec Brenčič from the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport said: “We need an open and attractive environment, that is circulation of knowledge and global mindset.” Janko Medja, President of the Management Board of NLB group pointed out the importance of Slovenia becoming more digital and at the same time presented the digital transformation of NLB.
Laura Rednak, the Executive Director of Plastika Skaza offered the following advise to students of FELU when it comes to becoming involved with forward thinking companies such as Plastika Skaza: “It is very important to start networking while students are still studying. Get an internship and try to connect with the culture of the company and its vision”.
In the closing of the Summit Sonja Šmuc, from The Managers’ Association of Slovenia stated that “true competitiveness and economic growth comes from value creation”, which fitted with Professor Bris’ statements. Šmuc then went on to say that value creation is highlighted by job creation, through higher salaries and better quality of life.
FELU Professor Polona Domadenik stated that the public financing of education is also an important factor: “We believe that the inclusion of the people in the education system is very important and this is the direction Slovenia needs to take”.
It was then time for Prime Minister Dr. Miro Cerar to give the closing speech. He highlighted many of the improvements that have been made in Slovenia, such as a better competitiveness ranking, regained trust from international investors, an improvement in the economic confidence and a decrease in unemployment. “We have to work together as a team, while promoting open dialogue and mutual trust. We are committed to carrying out transparent, open, and responsible privatization”, stated Prime Minister Cerar, stressing the need for a dynamic economy.
The minds of Slovenia’s Prime Minister and business leaders are set to catapult Slovenia into a competitive and economically sound future.
Leeanna Whirl, EFnews
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