In the latest edition of the Business Club podcast, the discussion led by the President of the Economic Chamber, Branko Azeski, featured guests Prof. Dr. Irena Kikerkova, professor of international economics and trade at the Faculty of Economics, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, and Prof. Dr. Darko Lazarov from the Faculty of Economics, Goce Delchev University in Shtip, who is also Vice-Rector for Innovation and Development. The conversation focused on the relationship between science and business—an essential factor for the development of Macedonia’s economy—dual education in higher education, and collaboration with companies for practical training implementation.

The podcast highlighted that Prof. Dr. Kikerkova’s name is closely linked to the early inclusion of companies in the implementation of practical training within higher education, which is crucial for students to acquire professional knowledge and practical skills. Prof. Kikerkova noted that in the beginning, cooperation was barely visible, and the Economic Chamber was among the first institutions—alongside banks and the Customs Administration—to ensure practical training for students. This provided students with solid knowledge of international trade while also benefiting professors, who had the opportunity to learn directly from businesspeople and understand their challenges, which in turn helped redesign study programs.

"At a time when companies were extremely closed off to accepting students for internships—despite this being a legal requirement in higher education—we struggled with a large number of students. Banks accepted some, the Customs Administration helped significantly and has been a long-term partner, but the Economic Chamber opened its doors widely. That’s why many students from the Department of International Trade completed their internships here—not just fulfilling a legal requirement but also gaining valuable insights from learning directly from businesspeople," Prof. Kikerkova emphasized.

She compared this to dual education in secondary schools, stating that despite the successful systemic and institutional organization of dual education in secondary education—where the Chamber played a key role—collaboration with businesses in higher education remains insufficient and at a lower level, with practical training often reduced to a mere formality. According to her, the lack of practical experience among students is a significant drawback of higher education.

Prof. Dr. Darko Lazarov spoke about research activities, advancing science in the interest of business, and the collaboration between academia and business. He stressed that such cooperation was a tradition in the past and must be revived. He drew parallels with global universities, where, in addition to producing high-quality professionals, their mission also includes delivering research services to businesses. In return, large companies invest in opening laboratories and research facilities.

"We have witnessed how, in recent years, Macedonia has lagged behind in building an innovation ecosystem that connects science and business. Businesses need science to solve production-related challenges and other processes based on scientific knowledge and facts. In the coming period, Macedonia’s structural economic transformation and shift toward higher value-added sectors—through the production of new products and services—must actively involve science and research. From the perspective of investment in science and research, we are at the bottom in Europe—not only in terms of public funding and budget allocations for science but also in terms of private sector investment in research," stated Prof. Dr. Lazarov.

According to him, only by connecting business and science can Macedonia’s economy be transformed in a positive direction.

Later in the podcast, Prof. Kikerkova addressed one of the paradoxes of the country—the import of labor. She stated that she is unaware of another country that values its highly skilled professionals so little, providing them with no employment opportunities, which in turn encourages the best talent to leave. In a situation where labor supply is lower than demand and young people are leaving the country, Prof. Kikerkova believes that improving working conditions and increasing salaries is necessary. She warned that if businesspeople fail to recognize this issue soon, the problem will only deepen, to the detriment of Macedonia’s economy.