The Rise of Entrepreneurship in Central Asia

Interview: Mario Jakus on Growing Vendaio in the Balkans and Fighting Shrinkage

I had the pleasure of interviewing Mario Jakus, the CEO of Vendaio (Vendaio), a company specializing in intelligent industrial vending machines that track and manage the usage of consumables in factories, workshops, and commercial facilities. Drawing from my experience in fabrication shops and research laboratories, I see these machines as

Economic Diversification Strategies in the Caucasus

The Caucasus region, nestled between Europe and Asia, is home to a diverse array of economies that have historically relied on traditional sectors such as agriculture, mining, and energy. However, in recent years, governments in the Caucasus have been actively pursuing economic diversification strategies to reduce dependence on volatile commodity

Sustainable Finance Initiatives in Balkan Countries

In recent years, Balkan countries have been increasingly prioritizing sustainability in their financial sectors, recognizing the importance of aligning economic growth with environmental and social responsibility. Comprising nations such as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia, the Balkans have implemented various

Central Asian Startups: Driving Innovation Forward

Central Asia, a region known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes, is increasingly becoming a hotbed for innovation and entrepreneurship. Comprising countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, Central Asia is witnessing a surge in startup activity, fueled by a combination of government support, investment opportunities,