The proper networking ICT infrastructure, staff produced by ICT faculties, and companies' experience represent prerequisites for increased development of the software section of the Macedonian market.
Analyses of the Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering (FINKI) have shown that a dozen of Macedonian IT companies have developed successful products sold at markets abroad, which is considered a new dimension of the national software market.
"FINKI and other IT faculties produce quality staff, who represent the foundation of the IT industry growth, especially in the section of software development. According to our recent analysis, there are several Macedonian companies which have reached the level of creating their own products set for sale at markets worldwide", FINKI Dean Dimitar Trajanov told MIA.
According to him, a proper networking infrastructure, including the developed broadband internet, enables the software development companies' success at global markets.
Goran Poposki of MASIT-ICT Chamber of Commerce stresses creating a local value is very significant in future development, as well as the fact that market size is crucial for business.
"First, we need to focus on developing a local value, applicative software, adoption of multi-screen solutions adapted to the Macedonian market and beyond. It is not only a question of where we aim, but also the size of the market we are in. If we do not challenge large companies locally, they will not come here", says Poposki.
Foundation YES Incubator has given the opportunity to companies to start a business in the field.
"Companies have about EUR 1 million annual revenues, which is a respectable amount in crisis circumstances. This is a serious endeavor and we are satisfied from their success", says Ljupco Despotovski of YES.
According to him, most of companies work primarily on outsourcing, but there are those trying to develop their own products, which could be distributed abroad.
"It is easier to do outsourcing, but we are hoping that companies will gradually develop their own products and services, which could be sold abroad", adds Despotovski.
Minister of Information Society and Administration Ivo Ivanovski has said the Government is committed to supporting the IT sector, which share of four percent in the GDP is much higher compared to a large number of developed European states.
