Digitalization Must Save Companies Time, Not Create New Obligations

Digital transformation, process optimization, and the reduction of administrative burdens are crucial today for the long-term competitiveness of the Slovenian economy. In this context, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (GZS), with a special emphasis on the Chamber of the Central Slovenia Region (ZOR), plays an exceptionally important role, acting as a strong connecting link between companies, technology providers, and the state. We spoke with Gordana Kisilak, the Director of GZS ZOR, about how the chamber is responding to current economic challenges—from the integration of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to strategic support for small and medium-sized enterprises. Read on to learn more about how ZOR helps companies adapt to rapid technological and legislative changes, and why it is crucial to consider the real capabilities and needs of Slovenian entrepreneurship when digitalizing the state.

Digital transformation has long ceased to be just a passing trend; it is a necessity for survival in the market. Where in the Central Slovenia region do you notice the greatest progress in implementing these processes, and how is the very understanding of digitalization changing within companies?

We see the greatest progress in the fact that more and more companies no longer view digitalization merely as purchasing new software, but rather as part of their business strategy. Process automation, better data utilization, cybersecurity, and the introduction of artificial intelligence are at the forefront.

GZS offers a wide range of support to companies transitioning into the digital age. Which key digital services or specific projects—both at the national level and specifically within the Chamber of the Central Slovenia Region (ZOR)—would you highlight as the most groundbreaking in assisting the economy?

GZS plays a significant role in the development of e-commerce, particularly regarding standards that enable companies to conduct more unified, secure, and efficient digital business operations.

GZS organizes professional gatherings, provides information on tenders, connects companies with digital solution providers, and offers support in understanding new requirements, from e-invoicing to cybersecurity. Regarding projects, I would highlight that GZS is the main consortium partner of the Artificial Intelligence Competence Center of Slovenia. Within our GZS Chamber of the Central Slovenia Region (ZOR), in collaboration with DIH Slovenia, we carried out a project to assess the digital maturity of companies in the region.

We often hear complaints from entrepreneurs about excessive bureaucratization and the lack of coordination among state systems. How does GZS, as the voice of the economy, pressure decision-makers to achieve a lower administrative burden, greater automation, and solutions that are truly business-friendly?

GZS has prepared the "Made in Slovenia" economic program for competitive development, which addresses key areas for the long-term growth of the Slovenian economy—from productivity, internationalization, and human resources to digitalization, the green transition, and an efficient state. The program also highlights the need to reduce administrative burdens, accelerate procedures, and make better use of the data the state already possesses.

GZS is the voice of the economy. It demands from decision-makers the faster removal of administrative barriers, better data exchange between state systems, and solutions designed from the perspective of the user—the company. State digitalization must save time for companies, not create new obligations and additional clicks.

Today, in addition to operational assistance, companies also need a strong strategic partner. Is the role of GZS ZOR perhaps changing in this context, and exactly how do you assist members with guidance and in their dialogue with the state?

At GZS ZOR, we combine operational and strategic support for companies. The services we offer our members remain an important aid in day-to-day business operations, but at the same time, we are increasingly operating on a strategic level.

Our role is primarily connective: first and foremost between companies, the supportive environment, and the state. We help companies understand current challenges, guide them to the right interlocutors, and contribute to ensuring that their voice is heard in the formulation of measures and policies.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the Slovenian economy, yet they are often the most limited in terms of personnel or time when it comes to introducing innovations. How can we ensure that these companies—as well as startups—are not left behind by the fast pace of the technological and green transitions?

SMEs are the backbone of the Slovenian economy, which is why measures by the state and the supportive environment must be designed to be understandable, accessible, and feasible for them. This applies not only to digitalization but also to human resources, financing, internationalization, the green transition, administrative procedures, and adaptation to new legislative requirements.

At GZS, we strive to ensure that the reality of SMEs is taken into account in all key policies: limited time, limited human resources, and the need for clear, practical solutions. It is important that companies do not merely receive new obligations, but also support, knowledge, access to information, networking opportunities, and conditions for growth. In this regard, the Section for Startup and Scaleup Companies at GZS ZOR also plays an important role, connecting startup and scaleup companies, investors, and the supportive environment into a community, with the aim of improving conditions for the establishment, growth, and internationalization of startups and innovative companies.

We are entering a period of increased paperless document exchange, which can bring significant operational changes. What is GZS's position on the complete and mandatory digitalization of e-invoices, and what should the state pay the most attention to beforehand?

GZS supports the digitalization of e-invoices, provided it is implemented thoughtfully, gradually, and by taking into account the capabilities of companies, especially SMEs.

An e-invoice must not be just a new obligation; it must bring benefits: less manual work, fewer errors, faster processing, better traceability, and less administration. The state must provide clear rules, enough time to adapt, and a supportive environment for companies.

Slovenia boasts a strong and high-quality ICT sector. However, it sometimes seems that Slovenian companies might lack trust in domestic digital solutions, preferring to opt for foreign ones. How can we bridge this gap?

Slovenia has a very high-quality ICT sector and a lot of domestic expertise. However, we still have great potential to better connect Slovenian digital solutions with the needs of the economy.

We need more reference cases, greater collaboration between providers and users, and higher visibility for domestic solutions. It is crucial for companies to recognize domestic providers as reliable partners who understand the Slovenian business environment, legislation, and the specific challenges companies face.