The Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade, in cooperation with the Finnish Embassy in Kosovo and the Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering (FECE) as well as the ICT Association of Kosovo – STIKK, held a conference on “Development of the start-up businesses and innovation ecosystem”.
On this occasion, the Minister, Ms. Rozeta Hajdari, thanked the co-organizers, businesses, Finnish experts and students for their close cooperation and participation in this conference, with two discussion panels dedicated to the further development of the startup and innovation ecosystem, with the exchange of Finland's experience on the creative industry with a positive impact on the Finnish economy, as well as on the importance of supporting our talented young people and new businesses to accelerate the ecosystem development by enhancing innovation as a driving force for the economic and social transformation of our country.
Given that the attention of most countries worldwide is recently shifting towards innovation, entrepreneurship and the creation of ecosystems that promote start-up businesses, Kosovo is focused on the development of innovation, digitalization, promotion and supporting the establishment of new enterprises, such as start-up or innovative SMEs (Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises).
Briefing the attendees on the government policies and supporting instruments for encouraging and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, the Minister, Ms. Hajdari added that Kosovo has the second-best IT infrastructure in Europe in developing economies, based on the Future of IT 2023 Report, and is ranked the first in the Western Balkans based on the 2022 World Justice Rule of Law Report.
She stated that the drafting of government policies and the establishment of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund aspires in generating more jobs and creating opportunities to establish new sound businesses, so that as many young people as possible can engage and work in their country and accelerate the development of an increased innovation ecosystem.
Speeches to this joint conference were delivered by the Ambassador of Finland to Kosovo, Mr. Matti Nissinen, Ms. Vjollca Çavolli, Executive Director of STIKK, and Mr. Isak Shabani, Dean of the Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
The conference continued with two panel discussions following the presentations by governmental experts and Finnish business experts, Mr. Teemu Seppälä and Olli Sinerma, who presented the Finnish experience on the “Creative industry, trends and contribution to the economy” and “Finnish creative industry and its impact on the Finnish economy – the importance of supporting Start-Ups” with questions and feedback from the participants of ICT businesses and talented FECE students.
On MIET's part, both panels were attended by Deputy Minister, Mentor Arifaj, and the Acting CEO of KIESA, Mr. Zef Dedaj, who provided additional information on the legislation drafting processes and support extended so far to young people and start-up businesses as the main driving force for the future of the economy.
The Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade aims to develop innovation and entrepreneurship through increased cooperation between industry and academia, which is needed to enable our young people to lead the industry and accelerate the development of the ecosystem by enhancing innovation.
