It feels like a charge for a breakthrough, but it is important to think about what's ahead
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With the 2050 vision, Slovenians have set the ambitious goal of raising the quality of life, with the key goals to 2025 to increase the standard of living, measured as a rise in real purchasing power, to at least 86% of GDP per capita in terms of purchasing power parity relative to the EU. This means an increase in GDP per capita from 2016, by a good third, to EUR 28,000. Such a breakthrough is possible to achieve only through coordinated policies at all levels and above all, by acknowledging that it is the basis for raising the quality of life in an economy that is in good shape. The current situation can be misleading because it is not sustainable in the long run and so it is important to think about what follows.
The breakthrough formula is simple: we need to achieve as many jobs as possible with the highest added value, which can be achieved by maximising investment in R&D and at the same time, through measures that ensure the long-term existence of domestic companies with higher value added in Slovenia, and increasing foreign investment with higher value added in Slovenia. There is, of course, a prerequisite for this which is a favorable investment environment which Slovenians have in terms of security and geographical position, although there is still a lot of work to be done on tax exemptions, work, de-bureaucratisation and judicial protection. In particular, the problem of income tax is known as it is emphasised by everyone, but somehow there is the bitter realisation that in this area, which has a rapid effect if changed, we obviously do not want to breakthrough.
Business is done by people and a breakthrough will only be possible with enough motivated colleagues and there should be enough. The fact that young people are moving away with the speed of a racing snowball is a challenge for the investment environment. In addition to the goal of increasing the employment rate of older people, Slovenia has to become attractive for highly professional young people, which can be done by reducing their outflow, while increasing their return back to Slovenia. It is difficult to find an argument why this would not be the common goal of all of us involved - employers, trade unions and the government.
The current situation in the economy is pleasant and the thought that we do not need to make bold changes, is problematic. Both domestic and foreign investors in Slovenia are actively preparing for the challenges that will be faced in the coming years. It is therefore important that all the parties are listened too and heard. Because we are equal, interdependent and because, as was pointed out at the recent Slovenian Business Summit in Brdo pri Kranju at the end November, our concerns are more similar than different. Therefore, the distinction between domestic or foreign investors is absurd, it is only reasonable to distinguish between investors who can bring more quality jobs which will result in higher added value. Management in companies and the public sector must be bold enough to change the organisation in a timely manner, which will enable the organisation to respond to the challenges of tomorrow. Offer opportunities for talent in organisations today, do not wait until tomorrow.
This in itself carries the actual charge for breakthrough.