The article presents an exclusive analysis by Bogoljub J. Karić, a prominent Serbian businessman and philanthropist, published by the International Institute for Middle Eastern and Balkan Studies (IFIMES). The piece outlines Karić’s vision for Serbia’s development, emphasizing new industrialization, strengthening domestic capital and entrepreneurship, investment in knowledge and youth, and increasing exports of high-value-added products. Central to his vision is the 'Karić Model,' which connects economic growth and collective value creation with social stability, regional cooperation, and long-term peace. The article calls for a long-term developmental strategy to transform Serbia into a productive, export-oriented country that fosters innovation and retains young talent. It argues that Serbia has all the necessary resources, skilled labor, natural resources, strategic location, and historical expertise, but needs to connect these elements into a unified development system. Karić stresses that Serbia cannot afford to think short-term and must adopt a strategic approach for the next decade, twenty years, and beyond.
At just 22 years old, Andrej Klančar took over his family’s business from his father during the financial crisis of late 2008, becoming the youngest entrepreneur in his company's history. The firm, known as Klančar žerjavi, specializes in the rental and maintenance of scaffolding equipment, a niche within the construction industry. At the time, the company had only 14 rented scaffolds, with his father being the sole employee. A close friend of Andrej’s, who was also selling insurance, joined the business, and together they began exploring the potential of scaffolding rentals. This decision came after Andrej noticed a growing demand for rental services rather than outright purchases, driven largely by the economic downturn in construction. He believed the trend would reverse, and he wanted to be ready when it did. The early days were marked by bold decisions and rapid growth. After securing his first employee, a secretary, Andrej aimed to reduce administrative burdens. Today, he views this move as one of the biggest turning points in the company’s history. When a major construction firm in the region collapsed, it freed up skilled labor, allowing Klančar žerjavi to hire top-tier scaffold installers. The company quickly adopted digital processes, invested in branding, and launched its presence on social media, something rare for businesses in the construction sector at the time. They became among the first Slovenian companies in the field to establish a Facebook page, which helped build brand recognition both locally and internationally. Beyond technical support, the company has developed a distinct visual identity. All their scaffolding units bear the company logo, and the fleet is regularly repainted to maintain a consistent look. Employees wear uniforms that align with the brand’s overall aesthetic. Marketing efforts have included high-profile collaborations, such as a viral stunt with the group Dunking Devills, where participants jumped off scaffolding onto a trampoline, an event covered by international television networks. These campaigns have brought dual benefits: increased visibility among clients and recruitment through social media. Many new employees were recruited because they followed the company online before joining. Today, Klančar žerjavi is also a sponsor of the Vipavska Dolina festival, further expanding its reach. The company now operates a fleet of 140 scaffolding units and other lifting devices used on construction sites. It collaborates with some of Slovenia’s most notable construction projects in recent years, including the ski jump in Planica, the viaduct near Novo Vinodolsko, the second railway line, the third development axis, and the Emonika project. According to Andrej Klančar, there are approximately 100 of their scaffolding units active on site each day. The company has significantly expanded its export sales, increasing its share of foreign markets from 40% to 57% since 2021. In particular, growth in Croatia has reached 33%, reflecting the company’s strategic focus on emerging markets. Despite the traditional nature of the construction industry, which is often perceived as slow to change, Klančar believes that innovation can disrupt even the most established sectors. He notes that while the industry has become more flexible and digitally integrated, trust between partners has deepened compared to past decades. The company continues to invest in technology and branding, positioning itself as a leader in the evolving construction landscape. With a clear vision and a commitment to quality and customer engagement, Klančar žerjavi stands as a testament to the power of young entrepreneurs in reshaping industries.
The 21st Forum of Crafts and Entrepreneurship in Slovenia, organized by the Slovenian Association of Crafts and Entrepreneurs (OZS), is set to present the sector's most important demands to the government. The event features a discussion with Prime Minister Janez Janša and Minister for Economy Anže Logar, who will outline strategies for economic development. OZS has compiled 149 demands over the years, focusing on legal barriers and administrative obstacles affecting small businesses, and has developed a strategy for the development of small enterprises from 2026 to 2030. Among their expectations are stable tax conditions, gradual payment of long-term care contributions, and flexible labor legislation. The forum includes participation from various ministers and officials.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the demands of the business community to the government in a balanced manner, outlining both the challenges faced and the proposed solutions. It does not take a clear ideological stance but rather reports on the formal process and discussions between stakeholders and government.
Why factuality (90): This article accurately reports on the 21st Forum of Crafts and Entrepreneurship, including the main topics discussed, the involvement of government officials, and the key demands from the business community. The information aligns closely with the cross-source consensus and includes relevant contex
Why objectivity (85): While the article remains largely neutral, there is a slight emphasis on the positive aspects of the government’s response, which may subtly influence perception. Overall, it maintains a balanced tone with minimal editorializing.
At the Forum of Crafts and Entrepreneurship, Prime Minister Janez Janša stated that Slovenia has not made progress in terms of economic development since joining the European Union in 2008. He attributed the country's relative prosperity to local self-government and the national economy but emphasized that instability in both the economy and politics has hindered potential growth. Attendees at the forum discussed measures to improve the business environment, including lower taxes and reducing bureaucracy. Blaž Cvar, president of the Craft and Business Association, welcomed initial steps by the new government toward greater developmental naturalness but noted these are just beginning. Janša criticized previous governments for missed opportunities and warned against opposition to effective solutions, citing the growing share of public spending in GDP as a concern. He proposed a constitutional limit on public spending, known as a 'tax anchor,' to ensure a stable tax environment.
Bias read (Conservative): The article emphasizes the need for lower taxes, reduced bureaucracy, and a constitutional limit on public spending, policies typically associated with right-leaning economic priorities. The framing highlights criticism of past governments and supports the current administration’s agenda, suggesting右
Why factuality (85): The article accurately summarizes the key points raised at the Forum, including the expectations of entrepreneurs and the government’s responses. It aligns with the cross-source consensus but omits some specific details present in other reports, such as the exact number of demands or the full list o
Why objectivity (80): The tone is slightly more interpretive than others, with phrases like 'positive signals' and 'only beginning,' which introduce a mild subjective interpretation. While still mostly neutral, it shows a subtle lean toward optimism about the government’s approach.
The article presents an exclusive analysis by Bogoljub J. Karić, a prominent Serbian businessman and philanthropist, published by the International Institute for Middle Eastern and Balkan Studies (IFIMES). The piece outlines Karić’s vision for Serbia’s development, emphasizing new industrialization, strengthening domestic capital and entrepreneurship, investment in knowledge and youth, and increasing exports of high-value-added products. Central to his vision is the 'Karić Model,' which connects economic growth and collective value creation with social stability, regional cooperation, and long-term peace. The article calls for a long-term developmental strategy to transform Serbia into a productive, export-oriented country that fosters innovation and retains young talent. It argues that Serbia has all the necessary resources, skilled labor, natural resources, strategic location, and historical expertise, but needs to connect these elements into a unified development system. Karić stresses that Serbia cannot afford to think short-term and must adopt a strategic approach for the next decade, twenty years, and beyond.
Bias read (Center): While the article discusses a politically sensitive topic, economic reform and national development, it does not exhibit clear ideological leaning. The framing remains objective, focusing on presenting Karić’s vision as a strategic proposal rather than endorsing specific political parties or movements
Why factuality (75): The article presents a vision from Bogoljub J. Karić, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, outlining his development strategy for Serbia. While there is no primary source document to verify the content directly, the information aligns with common narratives about Serbian economic development strategi
Why objectivity (68): The tone of the article is promotional and visionary, emphasizing the potential of Serbia under Karić's model. It uses emotive language such as 'verjamem v Srbijo' (I believe in Serbia) and frames the discussion around a positive future. While not overtly biased, the language leans towards optimism
How each side covered it
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How each side covered it
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