#DigitalUnited – 01.11.2023
Building bridges towards our common digital future
On November 1, 2023, the Chamber of Commerce for Information and Communication Technologies MASIT held its traditional Annual Conference for the 18th time. At this central and most important event of MASIT, the focus was on the latest trends, innovations and practical advice from leading experts in the industry. With the theme “Building Bridges: Towards Our Common Digital Future”, and under the motto #DIGITALUNITED, we managed to send our message for the unification of all stakeholders in society, who have a huge role in the processes of digitization and digital transformation in the country.
In front of an audience of about 300 guests, we spoke loudly about the digitization of processes at all levels, in the public and private sectors, with a presentation of innovative topics, trends and solutions that are available on the market by ICT companies, but also about the experiences and practices on the topic of digital transformation.
This year, we had a unique opportunity to hear two eminent honorary keynote speakers who, with their fascinating scientific background and rich experience, managed to bring us the most current areas in digitalization in an excellent way. Mr. Alexander Risoy, CEO of our member company NEBB, who first of all referred to the industry he comes from, as well as the symbiosis between IT and OT (IIOT), which is one of the main carriers of digitization and the fourth industrial ‘revolution’. The main emphasis in his presentation was that at the center of the big picture of digitization, it should actually be the welfare of humanity. Throughout his presentation, we had the opportunity to look at real projects and his experiences, illustrated with interesting slides. The final part of Alexander’s thirty-minute address was precisely from that humane aspect of digitization in the function of people.
Blagoj Delipetrev, PhD, is an artificial intelligence consultant and former scientific advisor at the European Commission’s Joint Research Center in Ispra, Italy, where he was one of the people responsible for the AI WATCH project, contributing to the development of the European Strategy for Artificial Intelligence intelligence. He specializes in generative artificial intelligence, large language models and the impact of artificial intelligence on society, having more than ten years of experience in AI research and project management. With two PhDs in Computer Science, specializing in Machine Learning/AI and Optimization Algorithms from Delft University of Technology, Netherlands and Cloud Applications from Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje. Dr. Delipetrev, in his presentation on the topic: “Generative artificial intelligence, key to our digital future” addressed the challenges, predictions, recommendations, but mostly the benefits of using artificial intelligence and emphasized that “artificial intelligence will not replace you, the people who use artificial intelligence will.”
The conference sessions were framed in a concept that kept the attention of the guests until the very end. Through the session “Cyber security as a prerequisite for a digital future”, experts in the field of cyber security emphasized the importance of building leaders who will lead the processes of strengthening national and regional capacities in the area of cyber resilience and cyber security. In the next session further, we heard presentations from IT companies that provide digital solutions and learned how the USAID Partnerships for Economic Growth Activity contributes to increasing the productivity of private sector companies. We undoubtedly concluded that only with digitalization, self-sustainability and greater competitiveness and efficiency of companies can be achieved. In that direction, it is of great importance to hear all sides and all aspects. That is why our official partner at the conference – ProCredit Bank had their own session, in which we heard from the private sector, non-IT companies, who were pleased to tell us their inspiring success stories related to their digital evolution and achieved results from the introduction of digital solutions for the processes in their companies.
This year, for the first time, we had a conference where we did not have a host. More precisely, we had, but it was also in the spirit of the theme of the conference. Namely, the conference was primarily opened by Ada, who is the first digital assistant in the public sector, and further throughout the event, it was led by our digital host – Adam.
How the conference went through photos, you can see in the album #DigitalUnited on our FB page, at the following link.
We express our gratitude to everyone who was a part of this most innovative edition of MASIT – the Annual Conference so far. Special thanks to our partners, supporters and sponsors, with whom we managed to complete this central event of MASIT and send all participants and guests away with positive impressions.
News
Greater global breakthrough of the Macedonian ICT sector
MASIT at a meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs The Chamber of Commerce for Information and Communication Technologies – MASIT is embarking on a new chapter and partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia. This partnership aims to provide more intensive and constructive support to the Macedonian ICT sector. The collaboration is focused on enhancing the international visibility of the domestic ICT sector, creating conditions for entering new export markets, and better positioning Macedonian companies in the global economy. Through joint activities, participation in major international fairs, conferences, and business forums, as well as by establishing new channels to connect with the Macedonian diaspora and foreign investors, the initiative is expected to create tangible opportunities for growth and development for MASIT member companies. Within the framework of this collaboration, plans include organizing business delegations and direct meetings with potential partners abroad, preparing modern promotional materials, as well as initiatives to establish representative offices of Macedonian ICT companies in strategic markets. Additionally, initiatives for knowledge and technology transfer will be developed to contribute to enhancing the capacities of domestic companies. MASIT President, Mr. Jordan Dimitrovski, emphasized that the Chamber is strategically focused on providing long-term support and achieving an international breakthrough for companies in this industry, with a clear goal of creating conditions for sustainable growth and entry into new markets through partnerships and strategic initiatives. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Timcho Mucunski, highlighted that the Ministry is fully available to support the implementation of all future activities and initiatives that will enhance the competitiveness of Macedonian ICT companies and enable their more effective positioning in the global market. Through this partnership, MASIT strengthens its role as an active partner and supporter of its member companies in their internationalization process, contributing to a stronger positioning of the Republic of North Macedonia on the global ICT map.
15. 09. 2025y.
Meeting with the Minister of Digital Transformation
Common Priorities Set The Board of Directors of MASIT held a productive meeting with the Minister of Digital Transformation, Mr. Stefan Andonovski. The meeting was an excellent opportunity to deepen the collaboration between the Ministry and the Chamber, as well as to align priorities and visions for the further development of the ICT sector in the country. Minister Andonovski extended his sincere congratulations to the newly elected members of the MASIT Board of Directors and the President, emphasizing the importance of continuity and the Chamber’s ongoing work as a relevant and active partner to institutions. “MASIT is a great friend of the Ministry of Digital Transformation, and we will continue that way in the future,” stated the Minister, adding that joint activities will continue with increased intensity in areas such as digitalization, the economic potential of technology, modernization of public and private processes, development and application of artificial intelligence, and strengthening cybersecurity capacities. MASIT highlighted the key priorities of the new leadership – creating conditions for sustainable growth of the ICT industry, improving the business climate, boosting exports and internationalization of domestic ICT companies, and systemic support for digital skills and human capital. Both sides emphasized the importance of close and transparent communication, timely exchange of information, and the initiation of concrete measures and policies that will deliver real results for businesses, institutions, and citizens. The meeting served as confirmation of a joint commitment to building a digitally mature, resilient, and competitive society – a goal that requires collaboration, partnership, and a shared vision. News All news
25. 07. 2025y.
MASIT held a professional workshop on the topic “ICT, Regulation, and Human Capital”
Organized by the Chamber of Commerce for Information and Communication Technologies – MASIT, on May 28 a specialized working meeting was held on the topic “ICT, Regulation, and Human Capital,” focusing on key challenges faced by the ICT sector in terms of regulation, human capital, and technological changes. The event brought together relevant representatives from institutions, the business sector, and academia. The first panel discussion featured Mr. Gjoko Velkovski, Deputy Minister for Social Policy, Demography and Youth, Mr. Lazar Jovevski, university professor and advisor to the Prime Minister on labor and social policy, Mr. Mladen Frchkoski, Head of the Labor Market Department at the Ministry of Economy and Labor, and Mr. Jordan Dimitrovski, President of MASIT, who in his address emphasized that the Chamber remains a strong advocate for the interests of the ICT industry and will intensify efforts to create a fair, predictable, and modern regulatory framework that supports digital transformation and the development of human capital as a key ICT sector resource. The legal aspect of the current regulations and the challenges faced by ICT companies were thoroughly addressed by Mr. Jovan Najdenovski — lawyer and long-time legal representative of MASIT. We are especially pleased that attendees had the opportunity to hear first-hand about the complexity of the everyday legal challenges ICT companies face. Professional insights and practical experiences were also shared by Ms. Nevena Meshko from Mak System, Ms. Ana Zakovska from ITLabs, and Ms. Dina Ivanovic from Prohiad SEE, each with significant roles in human resources, labor relations, and legal regulation within their companies. The discussion was enriched with valuable perspectives from other sectors as well, thanks to Ms. Kristina Spiroska from Halkbank, Mr. Slavko Sazdovski from Triglav Life Insurance, and Mr. Dejan Pavleski from Semos, who shared their practical experiences from the banking and insurance industries. Among the key topics discussed were the application of the Labor Law in the context of flexible work models, the legal and practical implications of automation and artificial intelligence, digitization of HR processes, and the need for new internal regulations related to working from home or abroad — i.e., remote work. The closing segment highlighted specific conclusions and recommendations for further action. One of the key outcomes of the event was the initiative to form a MASIT working group to propose amendments to the Labor Law in line with the ICT industry’s specific needs. It was also proposed to organize thematic roundtables including all relevant stakeholders — institutions, companies, and experts — to align regulation with current conditions and needs. The event was held at Halkbank‘s premises, a patron partner of MASIT, whose support and hospitality were essential for the successful organization of the meeting. MASIT remains committed to improving the business environment for ICT companies and advocating for industry interests during the creation and adaptation of the legal framework. Through collaboration, expertise, and an integrated approach, MASIT will continue leading the dialogue for a better future for the ICT sector in Macedonia. Новости Сите новости
23. 07. 2025y.
