Iakovos Andreanidis: The footprint of the pandemic in the operation of businesses
LIDL HELLAS
Greek companies find themselves once again in uncharted waters, this time in a global ocean. The concerns about the next day are evident, especially in smaller businesses. Unfortunately, the lack of an endogenous production base makes the country extremely vulnerable to international crises. We are facing a demanding new era that will test the resilience and flexibility of business models. And their ability and degree of adaptation to the new data will determine their future.
The pandemic has changed the direction of economic policy, creating new priorities. The sooner business support is completed, the faster the impact on the economy will be reversed.
But let’s not forget that every crisis hides an opportunity. It becomes, for instance, the reason for digital transformation, national cohesion and the cultivation of social and environmental awareness. It is an occasion for redefinition with new economic structures that will be re-established on more competitive and sustainable foundations.
The factors that will determine
the dynamics of recovery
With uncertainty prevailing on multiple fronts, sober discussions about the factors and possible recovery scenarios tend to be influenced by political preferences and pre-existing discussions.
At the end of the day, the growth rate that will determine the rules of the game in the new phase for the Greek economy is influenced by economic and legislative factors that interact with each other. At a European level, this implies European solidarity in practice. At a national level, it is of vital importance that funds from the support packages turn into money well spent and are not stuck in bureaucracy.
Legislative reforms must break down barriers to growth, but also show the way, not only to consumer development but also sustainable development and environmental protection. They shall give hope to future generations for the already «troubled» planet, without leaving any social strata behind.
In any case, in addition to raising funds, it is necessary to show determination and courage when making decisions, both at a European and global level, in order to impulse a sort of creative destruction (Schumpeter) that could be the dawning of innovation, social autonomy and the main feature of entrepreneurship.
The factors that keep
the perspective alive
in the Greek market
Greece is, de facto, exposed to the risks of developments in the international environment, as on the one hand the low competitiveness and productivity observed in most sectors affect growth in general, on the other hand, the growth recorded in recent years in the Greek economy demonstrates its high dependence on tourism.
Hence, any national efforts should focus on discovering the business model with which the country could indicate other sectors to be the backbone of the economy.
The increase of productivity levels along with youth entrepreneurship and innovation, high level of knowledge and specialization are the main parameters for financial competitiveness with the aim of creating corresponding business / industrial clusters and attracting investments.
The key to supporting innovative entrepreneurship without distortion is to promote healthy entrepreneurship with a social face.
THE COMPANY AT A GLANCE
Lidl Hellas has been operating in Greece since 1999. Today it employs more than 6400 people and has a network of 225 stores and 5 state-of-the-art supply centers. For three consecutive years it stands out as one of “The Most Sustainable Companies in Greece” and receives the “Top Employer” distinction in Greece and Europe for four consecutive years.
