The President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, being a patron of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Institute of Economics – Skopje, addressed the scientific conference “Challenges of Science in Knowledge-Based Economy – Situation and Perspectives”.

Distinguished Participants, Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends,

Today, with pride, we are celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment and functioning of the Institute of Economics - Skopje. An Institute which in the past six decades has enabled numerous generations of economists, researchers and students to create, develop and promote the economic science in the Republic of Macedonia, a science that helped in laying the pillars upon which modern Macedonian economy rests.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Anniversaries are a great opportunity to make an overview of what has been achieved so far, but also to look into the future. We are here to determine the challenges science is facing in the knowledge-based economy, to determine the situation, but also to share our insights regarding the prospects of our, Macedonian economy.

Results speak for themselves. Unlike many countries in the world, the Republic of Macedonia today is monetary stable. Numerous regulations that were stifling the freedom of the market for long are now significantly reduced. We can be satisfied with the results of the fight against corruption. We are witnessing that, although the world is undergoing an economic crisis not seen for decades, Macedonia still has a relatively stable economy and manages to attract foreign investment. However, we can do more than that.

Distinguished Participants,
Some believe that the state’s role in supporting science, technology and innovation is measured by how much money is invested in research and development. I agree that money is important metrics, but money expresses only the input, not the output. The real question to be asked is: Can we achieve more with fewer resources? This requires an innovative response! It requires thinking beyond the box. Let’s be innovative.

If knowledge is a means, then innovation is a process. A process that is basis of every knowledge-based economy. My vision for Macedonia is a country of diligent, ambitious and successful people, a country open to foreign investment, a country of advanced technology, entrepreneurship and innovation. A country where the economic growth and success are based on personal responsibility, professionalism and dedication. The core of this vision is well-grounded economic science. Science that will offer an approach to adapt the successful economic models to the Macedonian circumstances. Science that will help increase the economic strength of our society. Namely, what economic strength is if it is not the ability to apply accumulated knowledge in generating economic development and progress? Therefore, I think our biggest investment is education. Education that will cultivate a spirit of openness, inventiveness and determination.

With such a thought, at the very end, I wish the Institute of Economics to continue to enrich the Macedonian economic science with new ideas and perspectives, and successfully address the challenges posed by the new time.

Thank you.