[PC Press] NALED initiates, but the state makes decisions
Some of the questions and topics discussed by Violeta Jovanović, Executive Director of NALED, in a video format for PC Press include which projects for the IT industry in Serbia NALED is currently implementing, whether the state is a good partner and interlocutor for NALED, whether freelancers in Serbia today work as planned by NALED's project, and whether NALED plans new services for eGovernment.
Responding to the question about the organization's mission in Serbia, Jovanović emphasized that the primary task is to improve the business environment, ensuring that procedures are straightforward and laws are easy to apply and understand. This is aimed at allowing all those doing business, employing, and paying taxes in Serbia to focus on their chosen activities while being relieved of bureaucratic burdens as much as possible.
She explained that with changes in regulations, there is always the possibility of complicating procedures that were previously simple. Therefore, it is necessary to have mechanisms, primarily within the state and then in other sectors, to monitor the situation and react accordingly. Criticism is always welcome, even though it is often received and perceived differently, but it is most effective when accompanied by proposed solutions and support to implement those solutions. This is the mechanism by which NALED operates.
Among the significant reform achievements, she highlighted the introduction of electronic building permits, the so-called unified procedure, which was a key reform that the business community had complained about the most.
- We are very pleased that such a complex procedure has been digitized, as the first major reform of its kind in the country, whose success has paved the way for the digitalization of many other processes and sectors. This reform has been recognized by many other countries and institutions, including the World Bank, and it has helped us demonstrate the contribution that NALED can make if there is indeed political will to embark on a reform and implement it effectively - stated Jovanović.
According to her, the state recognizes NALED as a constructive partner, while the organization strives to recognize and reward those ministers who have done more than others, even though society is primarily oriented towards criticism.
- This year's reformer, whom we awarded during the presentation of the 16th edition of the Gray Book, is Mihailo Jovanović, for various digital solutions he has implemented, both previously through the Office for IT and eGovernment, and now in his capacity as minister. We believe that this is a very good example that should guide some new ministers who will enter the government - Jovanović stated.
You can watch the entire guest appearance on the following link.
