How companies create competitive advantage in times of rapid technological and market changes, what role do innovations, organisational culture and corporate entrepreneurship play in the transformation process, as well as how important is collaboration between business and academia? This were the main topics of the conference “What drives innovative companies?“, which explored corporate entrepreneurship in the context of market transformation from a business, research and academic perspective.
The event, organized by Replek AD Skopje and the Alumni Association of the Faculty of Economics at the University “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” – Skopje, brought together numerous representatives from the business sector and the academic community, representatives of institutions, media, as well as business partners and collaborators of Replek. Through presentations and panel discussions, participants had the opportunity to learn about the contemporary challenges that companies face and the need for continuous transformation, agility and an innovative approach to business.
“At Replek, we believe that innovation is not just a new product, a new technology or a new process. Innovation is a way of thinking, the courage to question existing models, a willingness to step outside of the comfort zone, and a vision to look beyond today. That is why, the innovative approach is the focus of our daily work,” said Kosta Koteski, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Marketing and Sales Director of Replek AD Skopje, in his opening address.
He emphasized that today success does not belong to companies that fear change, but to those that have the courage to lead it. He noted that Replek has gone through significant transformations in the past few years, from process modernisation, investments in technology and digitalization, to organisational transformations that have created new energy and a new direction for growth, with a clear focus on building a culture that encourages ideas, initiative and the entrepreneurial thinking, because no strategy, no technology and no vision can succeed without the people, who remain the driving force behind Replek.
In his address to the attendees, the Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Prof. Dr. Mijalche Santa, highlighted that modern economies require a new approach to education, entrepreneurship and leadership, and Replek is an excellent example of a company that follows this formula for success.
“Today’s companies operate in an environment of constant, dynamic changes, which require a new way of thinking and a new model of cooperation between the academic community and the business sector. Only through such partnerships can we create knowledge, innovations and personnel who will be prepared for current challenges, but also for those that the future brings,” said the Dean of the Faculty of Economics.
Within the first presentation block, Marija Taleska Velkovski, Director of Strategic Development, presented the case study “From Laboratory to Market: How Replek Develops New Products and Builds Competitive Advantage”. In her presentation, she spoke about the process of developing new products, investments in modernisation, digitalization and production capacities, as well as the way the company builds its competitiveness on domestic and foreign markets. It was pointed out that Replek is today present in more than 25 international markets and continuously invests in new technologies, innovations and improving operational efficiency.
Sergej Zafiroski, General Manager of Insider ID, in his presentation “Consumer Psychology: How consumers influence innovation and corporate entrepreneurship?” spoke about modern consumer behaviour, the importance of market insights, and the need for companies to constantly adapt to changing customer expectations.
In the second part of the conference, Prof. Dr. Stojan Debarliev, professor at the Department of Management at the Faculty of Economics, presented the presentation “How to achieve an innovative climate in companies: models and practices for encouraging entrepreneurship, agility and a culture of change”. He addressed organisational culture as one of the key factors for encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship in companies, emphasizing that leadership, agility and openness to change are prerequisites for creating companies prepared for future challenges.
The conference concluded with the panel discussion “What drives innovative companies?”, featuring Marija Taleska Velkovski, Sergej Zafiroski and Prof. Dr. Stojan Debarliev. The discussion emphasized that companies that want to create long-term value must continuously invest in people, new technologies, organisational culture and knowledge, but also actively encourage cooperation between business and academia. The conference is part of Replek’s broader initiatives aimed at supporting innovation, developing human capital and strengthening cooperation with the academic community. The event once again confirmed the need for stronger connections between business and academia, as a prerequisite for creating innovative, competitive and sustainable companies ready for future challenges.