Author: Финанце Тхинк

✅ Today, at the event organized by @Organization of Employers of Macedonia – ORM, we presented the study📊 “Improving Business Productivity: A Comprehensive Analysis of Productivity and Its Drivers in Firms in North Macedonia” 📖🔍 The study offers an in-depth insight into the state of firm productivity through an analysis of total factor productivity.🎯 Key external and internal determinants of productivity have been identified.The panel discussion enriched the event with views and perspectives from high-level representatives from the government, business sector, and academia:🔹 Vladanka Trajkoska, President of ORM🔹 Marjan Risteski, Deputy Minister for Economy and Labor🔹 Angel Dimitrov, President of the Assembly of ORM🔹 Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dejan Stankov, Director of the State Statistical Office🔹 Sasho Klekovski, Director of the Health Insurance Fund of Macedonia🔹 Dr. Daniela Bojadzieva, Faculty of Economics at UKIM💡 The goal is to encourage the creation of effective policies and measures to boost productivity.The study was prepared by Finance Think for the needs of ORM and financially supported by the International Labour Organization, Employment and Social Affairs Platform (ESAP) 3.

Today at Finance Think, we had the honor of hosting the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Satybaldy Burshakov, along with Counselor Mr. Kairat Akhmetalim.

The visit aimed at gaining deeper insights into the Embassy’s activities in the fields of economy and energy, as well as presenting our work and #research focus.
We discussed opportunities for future #collaboration and exchange of experiences, driven by a shared ambition to strengthen the economic ties between the two countries.
#FinanceThink #internationalcooperation #Kazakhstan #economy

📊 From Statistical Data to Effective Policies!
Today, we held the workshop “From Statistical Data to Creating Effective Economic and Development Policies”, with a focus on gender statistics, in collaboration with the State Statistical Office (MakStat / MakStat). 👥
🔍 Together with representatives from all relevant institutions, we explored:✔️ The available data from the State Statistical Office✔️ Their utilization in research analyses and Finance Think’s models✔️ The possibilities for integrating findings into policymaking
🎯 Our goal: To ensure that data serve as the foundation for evidence-based policymaking – for more inclusive and equitable development!
Supported by British Embassy Skopje
A special thanks to the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, Ministry of Education and Science, Ministry of Health, Employment Agency of North Macedonia, Ministry of Energy, Mining, and Mineral Resources, UNICEF MK, and UN Women Skopje for their participation.
#EvidenceBasedPolicies #GenderStatistics #EconomicDevelopment #FinanceThink #MakStat
📸 More photos: https://www.flickr.com/…/fosim/albums/72177720324734083/

Skopje/Dubrovnik – Finance Think – Economic Research & Policy Institute, Skopje, and the University of Dubrovnik’s Center for Research of Digital Transformation (CREDO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster collaboration in research, capacity building, and academic exchange.
The MoU, signed on March 18, 2025, by Dr. Blagica Petreski, CEO and Chief Economist of Finance Think, and Prof. Dr. Nebojša Stojčić, Founder of CREDO and Rector of the University of Dubrovnik, establishes a framework for joint initiatives in economics, public policy, and digital transformation.
As two leading institutions recognized for their excellence in economic research and digital transformation, this partnership brings together Finance Think’s expertise in data-driven policy analysis and evidence-based economic solutions with CREDO’s cutting-edge research in digital transformation, business innovation, and economic competitiveness.
Under this agreement, both institutions will join forces in several key areas to advance research and knowledge exchange. A strong emphasis will be placed on joint research projects, where Finance Think and CREDO will collaborate on high-impact studies in economics, public policy, and digital transformation. Recognizing the importance of capacity building, they will design and deliver specialized training programs, workshops, and seminars aimed at equipping researchers, students, and professionals with cutting-edge skills and insights. In addition, the partnership will enhance international collaboration through Erasmus+ and other EU-funded initiatives, facilitating staff exchanges, joint project applications, and coordinated implementation efforts. The two institutions will also prioritize knowledge sharing, ensuring the open exchange of research findings, data, and academic resources to drive innovation and strengthen their respective fields. Finance Think and CREDO will work closely on academic and policy engagement, co-organizing conferences, producing joint publications, and contributing to evidence-based policymaking.
“As a leading research institute dedicated to shaping economic policies through rigorous analysis, Finance Think is excited to collaborate with CREDO. Together, we will advance research and capacity-building efforts that contribute to economic resilience, digital innovation, and sustainable development in the region,” said Dr. Blagica Petreski, CEO of Finance Think.
Echoing this sentiment, Prof. Dr. Nebojša Stojčić, Rector of the University of Dubrovnik, stated, “This partnership marks an important step in enhancing regional cooperation in economic and digital transformation research. Both Finance Think and CREDO have built strong reputations for excellence, and by combining our expertise, we aim to drive meaningful policy impact and support academic development in our respective fields.”
The MoU is effective immediately and will remain in force for three years, with the possibility of renewal. Both institutions are committed to leveraging their strengths to foster innovation, research excellence, and cross-border academic cooperation.

We are proud to present our newest book “The Path Forward – Lessons from the Western Balkans’ Food and Energy Insecurities”, an international publication now available on #Amazon, published by #LambertPublishing!

This compendium of studies analyzes the biggest ongoing economic challenges in the Western Balkans – the energy crisis, rising food prices, fiscal resilience, and government policies. How is the region tackling these crises? Which measures are working, and where is there room for improvement? Our book provides concrete recommendations for a stronger economy and sustainable development.

WEBecon Network, the only regional network of economic think tanks, proudly supports this publication, continuing its mission to shape evidence-based and data-driven policies.

Support this initiative – share, read, discuss!

ACIT

The production of the studies and the book has been generously supported by SMART Balkans.

📢 In today’s discussion with the business sector, we talked about:📈 Business sector practices for productivity and labor force activation, with a special focus on women.⚙️ The needs and necessary regulatory and policy changes to boost productivity and fully utilize the economic potential of women. 🚀🎯 We validated the designed recommendations from our research.
The discussion was organized in collaboration with the British Business Association in North Macedonia and supported by the British Embassy Skopje.
Stay tuned!

📃 We awarded certificates to 50 employees of Comfy Angel from Prilep, who actively participated in the 🚀 Excellence and Personal Growth Program (PILN). These certificates confirm the skills and knowledge they have acquired to increase productivity and strengthen human capital.
🔢 This program is part of our efforts to apply data and analytical findings directly in the field, within the real sector. ✅️ Our goal is to create meaningful changes that improve the work environment, foster personal development for every employee, and unlock women’s economic potential.
👱‍♀️ The participants’ satisfaction with the program is undeniably high. Their comments speak for themselves: “For the first time, we felt that someone cares about us, the workers.”, “We are grateful for the opportunity to learn so many new things.”, and “Change is truly felt.”
🇬🇧 British Embassy Skopje

Today, the Regional Policy Debate “After the Food Price Crisis: Roadmap for Food Self-Sustainability in the Western Balkans Region – Lessons Learned and the Path Forward” took place.

At the debate, we discussed the dependence on food imports, the need for rural development and climate change adaptation, as well as regional cooperation in the Western Balkan region.

Boycott. Discontent. High Prices.The region is protesting against rising store prices.
But is the crisis nearing its end, and are these just its final, delayed effects?Has the region significantly impoverished over the past four years?If a new crisis arises, will we be able to handle it?
Our economists from WEBecon Network provide answers to these pressing questions:

Marija Basheska from Finance Think, North Macedonia
Vojin Golubović from ISSP, Montenegro
Lazar Ivanović from Centar za visoke ekonomske studije – CEVES, Serbia
Amela Kurta from CREDI, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Tune in to the podcast “Where Is the Money?” with Goran Temenugov on Pari.com.mk.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFkYg0UkKJA

📣 On January 21, the Regional Policy Debate titled “After the Energy Crisis: A Roadmap for Energy Self-Sustainability in the Western Balkans Region – Lessons Learned and the Way Forward” was held.🗣 During the debate, we discussed how to become a more energy-resilient region, as well as the socio-economic implications of the green transition.➡️ Stay tuned! In the coming period, we will organize another Regional Policy Debate, this time focusing on food security.WEBecon Network SMART Balkans