Epi Center International conducted a Research study within the Project “Modernisation of the Private sector for Sustainability and Decent jobs in North Macedonia” in the period February/March 2024. The project is implemented by Swiss contact and funded by Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC.

The SME Research study was a focused endeavor aimed at identifying the needs, challenges, and opportunities for fostering economic growth of the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in North Macedonia, focusing on the textile sector and food processing industry. The research methodology centered on conducting interviews with 41 SMEs, serving as a fundamental pillar for qualitative assessment and knowledge acquisition about modernization needs for future economic growth.

Based on a comprehensive analysis, gather during the interviews, Epi Centar International gave several recommendations for further development of the project, as well as proposals for focused support of the private sector in North Macedonia.

The Project “Modernisation of the Private sector for Sustainability and Decent jobs in North Macedonia” aims to make businesses more sustainable, allow them to grow and create decent employment and generate higher incomes, through modernisation of their processes, facilities, and developed human resources towards more efficiency and eco-friendliness on the one hand, and facilitation of services provision by institutions and business support organisations.