COMMENT
Nordic Model: A Role Model For Serbia Nordic companies enjoy a good reputation in Serbia. They are visible, and have a footprint due to their habit of sharing knowhow and innovating with local stakeholders. This is something that Nordic companies pride themselves on globally, and Serbia is not an exception ANDREJA PAVLOVIĆ, DIRECTOR, NORDIC BUSINESS ALLIANCE (NBA) IN SERBIA
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erbia’s business community would benefit greatly in the long term if it nies present is likely to increase. That being said, the challenges that remain are were to adapt Nordic business practices to its own brand of particular of a various nature, though if we were to pick a particular issue that interconnects circumstances and habits, especially considering that the strengths with all facets and sectors in Serbia’s economy it would be unpredictability. Unof the “Nordic business model” lie in the exact areas where Serbia predictability leads to hesitation in decision making on the side of companies that could use support. are looking to invest or expand. If we were to look at it across the board, Nordic companies are usually at In developing countries like Serbia, where the government and societal inthe forefront of their respective branches in terms of standards of quality, busifluences are stronger than in developed markets, unpredictable business factors are a norm, and, as such, represent the main opponents of business. That ness ethics, competitiveness, social awareness and sustainability. Deconstructis why the Nordic Business Alliance is focusing its efforts in this area, proing the base values of the Nordic business culture would be the best way to deviding a service to companies looking at Serbia as an option for investment. cipher the way it is already influencing our day to day way of doing business, Whether through advising on the mode of entry, explicating the regulatory both in Serbia and beyond. Lines of communication between management and employees are very often short. Nordic companies take care of their employframework or matchmaking with relevant stakeholders, we are focused on asees – everyone is significant and their voices are worth listening to. Deliberate sessing needs and providing support. and ambitious actions to support sustainable development are integrated at all Business follows business, and as such, having many and lasting success stolevels in the business enterprise. Detailed process analyses in terms of enerries in business provides a country like Serbia with the best brand possible. The Nordic Business Alliance recognises this and is playing its part in promoting Sergy consumption, raw materials, chemical use, recycling etc.; transparency, trust bia by providing a framework through our projects and activities. A good examand honesty; a very low level of corruption in international terms. At the same time, the main drivers in decision making are a longterm perspective, efficiency and performance. In partnership with the Government of Serbia and the Embassy There are numerous similarities between Serbia of Finland in Belgrade, the NBA is organising the “Nordic and the Nordic countries, which mean that that examInnovative Business in Serbia” event at the Residence of the ples of good practice could be shared and adapted for Ambassador of Finland on 6th September 2016 Serbia’s own business habits and culture without too much effort. Much like Serbia, Nordic countries are all ple of our efforts in this regard is our next activity. In partnership with the Governsmall, open economies in which foreign trade has great economic significance. ment of Serbia and the Embassy of Finland in Belgrade, the NBA is organising the They have also evolved rapidly from undeveloped, agrarian countries into modern “Nordic Innovative Business in Serbia” event at the Residence of the Ambassador industrialised economies that are among the most competitive in the world. Due to the analogy, the “Nordic model” could be a good role model for Serbia to follow, of Finland on 6th September 2016. and the NBA will continue supporting this concept with its efforts. At this event we will address Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić and We at the NBA are noticing a stable and continuous improvement of condioffer different innovative proposals for solving challenges and improving competitiveness, all with the goal of having a positive impact on the wider business tions in the general business discourse in Serbia. We are witnesses to continuous climate in Serbia. We will use the opportunity to share knowhow, to provide examgrowth of interest and activity coming to Serbia from Nordic companies. This is why we will continue providing support and will attempt to assist in overcoming ples of good practice and, finally, to follow up technically with our partners, all with obstacles with even greater effort in the coming period, as the number of compathe goal of making Serbia a better place for doing business. ■
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