On October 20 and 21, Macedonia2025 realized the fifth Summit and concluded another successful attempt to involve the Macedonian business community in concurrent developments which have significant economic implications for the country. More than 250 guests attended 11 panel discussions presided by 40 speakers from more than 25 countries in the world. The Summit offered a number of contemporary directions in developing the economy through the use of smart technologies and renewable energy sources.

The speakers discussed on topics such as the electronic vehicle revolution, the development of smart cities, connectivity between platforms and the use of natural resources towards reaching sustainable economic development. Experts from Italy, Norway, Poland, Japan and other countries gave details into the best practices that are implemented around the world, which can be put into practice in Macedonia.

The Summit’s keynote speaker, VP of Cognitive Computing at IBM Research, Guruduth Banavar, gave an impressive presentation about the way in which smart systems can analyze and process data which is used in the development of smart cities. Mr. Banavar talked about the example of Rio de Janeiro and cited ways in which people can work to preserve the environment and improve health through the cooperation between humans and machines.

he Republic of Macedonia was presented at the Summit as a place that is developing its potential in the field of digital cooperation with clients around the world and as a place that has the potential for becoming a hub for smart industries. Miso Markovski from the company Apps Run the World, that has a research center in Kumanovo, invited young and promising programmers to venture into the cloud technology and applications. Michael Mizrahi, engineer and director of the technological accelerator AtoBe in Jerusalem, Israel, presented a number of tools and methods that his organization deploys in turning an idea into prototype and potential commercialization. Sheila Campagnano of xTrade Europe, which has an office in Skopje, said that one of the main reasons why her company invested in Macedonia was the people’s skill and ability. The panel on women leadership underscored the role of women being exceptionally important for every country that is striving to reach sustainable development.

Macedonia2025 Chairman Robert Arsov said that the organization is fulfilling an important role in connecting business professionals from around the world. Mr. Arsov said he is hopeful that the business community in the country will become more disposed towards developing the economy in Macedonia through building smart, innovative and attractive products and services. He added: “What we are expecting of business professionals, experts, innovators and entrepreneurs in Macedonia is to think towards advancing the overall picture regarding economic development. At the Summit we generated the ideas and the inspiration so that we can have a clear vision in which direction we can develop and connect the country. It is a fact that Macedonia has been developing, that it has been pushing the boundaries – especially in the IT sphere, and it is a matter of time when we will have a wider integration of smart systems that are going to help us improve the living standard.”

Kosta Barjaba, PhD, Senior Policy Adviser to the Minister of Health of Albania shared his thoughts on the summit:

“I would like to express my deep gratefulness for inviting me and Joniada in the Summit and for the great opportunity to speak as a panelist. The Summit was among the best activities I have attended during the last years. What I liked most was that the Summit and all what you at Macedonia 2025 are actually doing is a Diaspora self-engagement, focused on mobilizing both financial and intellectual and human resources. The triangle diaspora intellectuals/entrepreneurs-business sector/corporation in Macedonia-US great management schools will be a powerful engine which will generate and ensure success in preparing the new managerial class for the country. I would love Albania’ Diaspora Summit in November to be as remarkable as your was!”

We would like to thank our staff members, Leaders Club members, Board and Honorary Board as well as our partners and sponsors in helping us implement another unique event.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Summit panel sessions!