Ivan Minic

Municipal social services In Albania, 493 public, non-public and mixed social services are provided, by 339 institutions, namely 122 public and 217 non-public entities. As the table below shows, 46% are public social services, against 42% that are non-public services. Only 12% of social services are of mixed form, public and non-public Municipalities are the main financiers of services of public institutions, 54%, followed by “mixed” forms of financing services, respectively 24%. The Ministry (the central level of administration) finances 19% of the services of public institutions24. While in terms of geographical distribution, the largest number of services are offered in the district of Tirana (114), followed by Elbasan (72), Durrës (45), Shkodër (43), Korçë (39), Vlorë (38), Gjirokastër (38), Lezhë (28), Fier (23), Berat (23), Dibër (18) and Kukës (12). Analyzing the data of the number of services according to the population per 10,000 inhabitants (since there is no official standard), only the number of the population was used, where it is clear that the Gjirokastër district has a higher average with 5.26 per 10,000 inhabitants and Fieri with 0.74/10,000 inhabitants.

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Are you an entrepreneur, innovator or startup company in North Macedonia? The EIT Community RIS Hub North Macedonia is here to support your innovation journey by providing access to new funding opportunities, partners and markets for your products or services. We offer a comprehensive suite of resources to help you: Unlock funding: Gain access to a wide range of financial resources specifically designed to support innovation across various industries. Expand your market reach: Participate in EIT programs and initiatives to break into new international markets and reach a wider audience. Stay informed: We keep you updated on all the latest programs and public calls for proposals from the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). Ready to take your innovation to the next level? Get in touch with the EIT Community RIS Hub North Macedonia today! #EIT #Innovation #NorthMacedonia #Entrepreneurship #Funding #MarketExpansion #PublicCalls #Support

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In my analysis for the 🇸🇮 newspaper Dnevnik (also available in print tomorrow), I examine what the Trump re-election could mean for the Western Balkans. Under Biden, U.S. engagement with the region has largely operated at mid-level diplomacy, with few high-level interventions aside from recent visit of Slovenian Prime Minister Golob to the US and Blinkens visit to Albania. Biden’s policy aimed to stabilize relations, especially with Serbia, in hopes of fostering long-term alignment with Western values. While Biden’s approach has yielded some positive outcomes, including Serbia’s sale of arms to Ukraine, critics argue it has emboldened a more aggressive stance from Serbian leadership in Bosnia, Montenegro, and Kosovo. The Trump re-election, however, might signal a shift in U.S. priorities with potentially destabilizing consequences. Trump’s policy could see even greater leniency towards Serbia and further influence from Viktor Orbán’s far-right Hungarian government, whose regional ambitions could unsettle local stability. We may even see the revival of territorial exchange proposals between Serbia and Kosovo, reminiscent of those discussed during Bolton’s tenure under the first Trump administration. A second Trump term might also ease sanctions on nationalist figures like Milorad Dodik in Bosnia, emboldening secessionist movements and altering security dynamics in the region. Furthermore, a new U.S.-EU trade conflict could impact Balkan economies, while diminished American support for EU integration could complicate efforts to maintain regional stability. Thank you Aleš Gaube! 🔍 Read the full commentary on Dnevnik.si for an in-depth look at these complex dynamics.https://https://lnkd.in/dGHPs6yf

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How to prove circularity of your packaging? Very much needed standards to regulate all claims on circularity, wheatear it is connected with your packaging or operations! We all need proved and correct information on products that we use every day so we can choose on sustainability and ISO Standards on Circularity will help achieve this. This is the reason why Alijansa za cirkularna pakovanja and Ambipak magazin are organizing seminar to introduce Serbian Industry in new requirements in front of us.

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Economic development In the opinion of the experts of the Institute of Municipalities of Albania, we should focus on: - the proper functioning/creation of functional local and regional cooperation platforms for economic development at the local and regional level, with the participation of municipalities, businesses, the community, financial institutions, etc. The delegation of powers and responsibilities for local economic development to the municipalities in accordance with the organic law approved in July 2015 aimed at raising capacities in this area with a very high priority. According to the Law, the exclusive functions of municipalities in local economic development include: i) preparation of programs for local economic development, ii) support for small business development, provision of financial grants to support small and medium business activities and iii) realization of services in support of local economic development. The factual reality is that this function is one of the lowest in implementation since almost all municipalities have “failed” to return to poles of economic development. Despite the fact that local economic development is the main pillar of the Intersectoral Strategy of Decentralization and Local Autonomy (2023-2030). The government established the Ministry of Local Government in September 2023, a positive signal in the economic direction as well. The situation is such that municipalities fail to produce economic development, there is a lack of local economic enterprises, lack of assessment of their assets and return to economic value. A study carried out by the OSCE Presence in Albania for the evaluation of the natural capital of municipalities is a very positive instrument, which addresses the inventory of natural assets and their monetization in economic value. However, according to a study by the Investment Council, municipalities have direct decision-making on average in 55% of available financial resources28. This situation is not favorable to increase their economic development. In general, the role of municipalities in the economic development of the territory is still perceived as modest, since they do not have many instruments that they can use to serve as incentives for businesses.

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This survey suggests that improved public spaces and increased bicycle use seem to boost Tirana's economy. By making it easier to walk, cycle, and use public transport, we’re not only creating a more livable city but also driving economic growth. This is the path toward a better future for urban economies.

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Discover the innovative climate tech startups from the Western Balkans that are making a significant impact in the region and beyond! From Croatia to Albania, these startups are tackling the challenges of climate change through cutting-edge solutions in precision agriculture, circular economy, electric mobility, and more. Here are some of the standout startups: - MIRET (Croatia): Developing compostable and recyclable shoes from alternative materials like hemp. - Makabi Agritech (Croatia): Creating microcapsules for plant protection and nutrition, reducing chemical use. - AGRIVI (Croatia): Providing farm management software for improved operations and crop performance. - Aircare (North Macedonia): Visualizing and aggregating open air quality data for better understanding. - BeeBee (Bosnia and Herzegovina): Offering electric scooter rentals for sustainable transportation. - Dyvo (Kosovo): Turning plastic waste into sustainable products. - Altaboxa (Montenegro): Producing natural alternatives to styrofoam boxes for food transportation. - ElevenEs (Serbia): Developing long-lasting and cost-effective battery cells. - Strawberry Energy (Serbia): Building smart furniture for urban spaces with solar panels and IoT technology. - BioSense Institute (Serbia): Working on satellite-based monitoring systems for water and land resource utilization. - Agroweb Business (Albania): Creating a media platform for sustainable consumption and food recommendations. - Charge&GO (Albania): Helping electric vehicle owners and charging point operators manage their chargers and networks. - UrbiGo (Albania): Developing indoor gardening solutions with machine learning and gamification. These startups are not only driving innovation but also creating a more sustainable future for the region and the world. #ClimateTech #WesternBalkans #Sustainability #Innovation #Startups #Ecosystem #GreenTech #CircularEconomy #ElectricMobility #Agriculture #FoodWasteReduction #RenewableEnergy

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Business Magazine Albania and the innovative startup Nullius in Verba have joined forces to transform the way you consume content. Utilizing advanced AI technology, this collaboration introduces a new feature that allows readers to listen to their favorite articles on the go, making it easier than ever to stay informed and inspired. No matter where you are – during your morning run, on your way to work, on a bike, scooter, or car, you don’t need to worry at all! Not a bit, that someone will bother you by saying how strange you look with a phone in your hand in various environments following the latest update on a new app, the latest business developments, or tips on how to improve your management and leadership style. From today, you no longer need to take your phone out of your pocket, and you don’t have to risk bumping into other pedestrians, to do what you want. Good job guys! 👏

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Let's create a greener future together! 🔴 IPKO, in collaboration with Free Libre Open Source Software Kosova (FLOSSK), is organizing the "IoT for Green Transition" Hackathon, scheduled to take place from May 23rd to 25th, 2024, in ITP Prizren! This is more than a coding event that brings computer programmers together; it's a journey towards a more sustainable world through IoT technology! Participants will develop innovative solutions to environmental challenges and enhance their skills in a supportive and environmentally friendly environment. Here's what you'll gain: Innovative solutions for sustainability: Utilizing the power of IoT to transform industries and progress towards a greener life. Skills improvement: A space for professional development through collaboration and learning from experienced mentors. Professional networking: Strengthen connections with industry leaders and fellow participants to pave the way for your career and new collaborations. Awareness and impact: Together, we spread awareness about the critical role of technology in building a sustainable future and create solutions for pressing environmental issues. At the end of the hackathon, winning teams will be rewarded with: 1st place: 1500 euros 2nd place: 800 euros 3rd place: 600 euros Don't miss this opportunity to be part of this transformative event. Join IPKO and FLOSSK to open the path to a brighter and greener future. Come on, share the news, and let's embark on this journey of innovation and environmental care! #IoT4GreenTransition #PoweredByIPKO #OrganizedByFLOSSK

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Discover the Best Startups to Watch in Serbia! As innovation continues to thrive globally, it's exciting to highlight some of the top startups emerging from Serbia. Here are the ones to keep an eye on: #Sportifico - A social network for aspiring athletes and coaches, providing a platform for career development and networking. www.sportifico.com #StrawberryEnergy - Developing smart, green urban technologies such as solar-powered public benches and intelligent urban installations. www.strawberryenergy.com #ChargeGO - An electric vehicle charging platform that simplifies the process of charging and payment for EV drivers. www.chargeandgo.com #Uradizaradi - A real-world task outsourcing marketplace connecting individuals seeking assistance with those who have the skills and time to help. www.uradi-zaradi.com #Beehold - A digital beehive inspection solution using sensors and AI technology to enhance beekeeping efficiency and sustainability. www.beehold.com #Cinesseum - An online simultaneous movie theatre offering the latest films at the same time as their theatrical releases. www.cinesseum.com #HowNiceIs…? - A global niceness mapping platform aiming to map the world based on a unique concept of niceness. www.howniceis.com #AnorisTechnology - A medtech startup developing a multifunctional glove for persons with impaired vision. www.anoristechnology.com #Metacognis- An educative center for cognitive abilities, including projects like NFB VR for cognitive development. www.metacognis.com #EnergyPulse- A platform and mobile app for electric vehicle charging based in Belgrade. www.energy-pulse.com These startups showcase Serbia's innovation and creativity in various fields, from sports and urban technologies to healthcare and entertainment. Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting startups! #SerbiaStartups #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #Tech #StartupsToWatch

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How did North Macedonia foster angel investments? Start by changing the law. "After continuous initiatives from the investment and startup communities, the government understood that the law was outdated. The EU, of which North Macedonia is a candidate, has been financing digitization projects in the region. The government recognized that local tech startups were a piece of that puzzle. Changing the law required buy-in from relevant ministries, in our case the Ministry of the Economy and the Ministry of Finance. Our proposed changes altered taxation laws, a sensitive topic. Continuous political support was crucial. It was tough, however. Government officials had to be taught about startup financing and reassured that these new laws wouldn’t be used for shady activities. Time, patience and pedagogy were vital. Our efforts culminated in the amendment of the 2004 Company’s Act. Two notable changes materialized. First, the establishment of the “simplified limited liability company” made incorporating a company easier. Only a symbolic starting capital of 1€ is required from now on. Second, the creation of a convertible loan regime (thanks to lobbying from Startup Macedonia, local lawyers and USAID) finally tooled angels with an appropriate financial instrument.  More remains to be done on incentivizing angels to invest, but they can now invest in the first place." Read Igor Madzov's full Realistic Optimist piece here: https://lnkd.in/g9pr9Qiq

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🌐 Transform Your Business with Digital Assets! Our representatives, legal advisor and brand ambassador Bogdan Vujović and COO Radoje Maric shared their insights at the panel discussion “How to Enhance Business with Digital Assets” held at the Belgrade Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The discussion provided valuable takeaways: 🔹 Breaking cross-border barriers – Cryptocurrencies enable faster and cheaper payments without intermediaries. 🔹 Global competitiveness – Especially beneficial for companies engaged in international trade. 🔹 Financial inclusion – Unlocking opportunities for 2 billion people without access to traditional banking services. Radoje Maric Marić, COO at Crypto12 with over 15 years of experience in traditional finance, emphasized that companies are increasingly open to using cryptocurrencies, which make processes faster, simpler, and equally secure. 💡 Bogdan Vujović our legal advisor and brand ambassador, highlighted how digital assets are a game-changer, allowing businesses to operate efficiently, securely, and with lower costs. With Serbia aligning with the MiCA regulation, now is the perfect time to embrace the advantages of digital assets. 🚀 👉 What do you think? Are you already using digital assets in your business? What has been your experience? Share your stories in the comments or contact us – let’s explore how digital assets can elevate your business together! 💬 #finance #bitcoin #crypto #pks #belgrade #digitalassets #business

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On June 25th, the Cabinet of Ministers finally approved the submission of the updated Transport Energy Law to the Saeima, as prepared by Klimata un enerģētikas ministrija/Ministry of Climate and Energy. This latest version marks the third attempt since 2017 to modernize the legislative framework for alternative fuels in Latvia. The transport sector remains the second-largest source of emissions in Latvia, accounting for 37% of total emissions across all economic sectors. During the Cabinet meeting, Minister of the Economy Mr. Valainis noted that bank financing will soon align with sustainability trends. The government agrees that the transition should be gradual. This updated law sends a clear political signal to the sector and the broader economy. We can look to the brand new version of the law as an instrument to facilitate the early adaptation of the Latvian transport sector, including private companies, to sustainability requirements, aiding their integration into future supply chains and enhancing their competitiveness. A tough debate in the corridors of the Parliament is expected...

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The advantages of investing in Real Estate in Albania 🇦🇱 #realestateinvesteu #tokton #investement #realestate #market #albanianrealestate #properties #propertymanagement #advantages #smartinvestement

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Exciting news for #EconomicDiplomacy and #Investments in Bosnia and Herzegovina! 🌍 The Sarajevo Canton has taken a major step forward in promoting transparency and accessibility for investors with the launch of the #InvestInSarajevo digital platform. This innovative tool offers reliable and up-to-date information on the business environment, investment opportunities, regulations, and incentives in Sarajevo Canton. It is planned to serve as a central hub for investors, ensuring they have the resources needed to explore and benefit from Sarajevo's immense potential. Key highlights: ✅ Comprehensive business guides and registration processes ✅ Updates on economic incentives and public-private partnership opportunities ✅ Transparent access to government activities and financial indicators ✅ Tailored support for domestic and foreign investors Speaking from the perspective of an advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Elmedin Konaković, we at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina wholeheartedly support these kind of initiatives as a vital step in our efforts to enhance economic diplomacy and attract global investments to each and every part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Check it out now at: www.investinsarajevo.ba Good job Kantonalna agencija za privlačenje investicija i privatizaciju - KAIP #InvestInSarajevo #InvestInBosniaAndHerzegovina

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Yesterday I attended the Slovenian Marketing Association’s Društvo za marketing Slovenije – DMS conference, and as expected, AI was a hot topic on the agenda. One segment was entirely dedicated to AI, providing valuable insights and practical advice. Živa Deu from Atlantic Grupa delivered an excellent overview of the tools and advantages that AI brings to the table. Andrej P. Skraba from Astra.ai shared his perspective on integrating AI into businesses. He proposed thought-provoking questions for us to consider: ❓Can any of the open positions be entirely replaced by AI? ❓What software tools are we using, and how can we enhance, speed up, or reduce the cost of interactions with them? ❓Which of our software tools interact with customers, and how can we improve, expedite, or make their experience more cost-effective? As someone who regularly uses AI to streamline my work and enhance productivity, I loved also that he showed a concrete example how to create your own custom version of chatGPT.

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Check out my article about interviews on page 3 (it massively extends my recent video - https://lnkd.in/dA9tdizE) published by CROBA 🤩 It was my absolute pleasure to contribute to the community and share more knowledge on the topic 😎 #interview #interviews #stakeholder #stakeholders #knowledge #sharing

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