by Antonis Zairis*
Both retail and industry go hand in hand with the new type of smart entrepreneurship as they are at the level of rapid developments and changes spearheaded by the new circular economy and sustainable development. This new type of entrepreneurship does not see profit as an end in itself, it focuses on the big picture and acts as a deterrent as it is impossible in the future to have prosperous businesses on the one hand and suffering societies on the other. The problems in our time are big and largely insurmountable, the circumstances are uncontrollable and the forecasts with numerous scenarios, which most of the time do not come out, such as: increasing poverty, inequalities, waste of resources, climate upheavals, drought, floods, irrational management, etc., but problems that demand the necessity of interventions and dynamic changes with the State, civil society and businesses as participants. The aim is to formulate a framework of constructive cooperation and agreement for the implementation of radical reform policies and changes, if, of course, their desire is to ensure a next, sustainable day!
This, however, requires a deeper understanding of these problems and their impact on all of our daily lives and of the changes that are likely to be painful and costly. As far as the adoption of bold Policies is concerned, these involve for one part of the Policy, unpleasant and unpopular decisions and regarding the Businesses, increased costs associated with the change mainly of mentality and the way they operate, for example for the production of environmentally friendly products immediate replacement and modernization of their mechanical equipment and serious investment in training to improve staff skills.
However, the challenge of sustainable entrepreneurship remains strong and serves prosperity and social responsibility and this is for the welfare of all: the businesses themselves, their employees and the consumers who accept and buy their products. The vision of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) ,as solemnly proclaimed at the UN , remains timeless ,promising and ambitious with sustainable development at the forefront of interest and targeting.
But, this is the future and in this sense the existing model of economic growth, in which Trade and Tourism are currently disproportionately involved with high percentages, should also be improved. However, the need for structural restructuring of the economy requires a greater contribution from production and manufacturing with an emphasis on high-tech and specialised products. This is the only way to touch the national dream of young children and put a stop to their flight abroad.
Obviously, dreams are not set up in the entrepreneurship of convenience but in creative, competitive entrepreneurship that must acquire characteristics of sustainability and in this light the rallying of all stakeholders is necessary. In this direction, the emergence of Education, the cultivation of a new Culture and the emphasis on creative skills make up the success mix for the next day.
*Assistant Professor of the University of Pafos, Deputy Vice President of Hellenic Retail Business Association
By: N. Peter Kramer
