Business owners in Ekaterinburg were shown strategies for converting setbacks into profitable ventures
In the heart of the Ural Mountains, the Sverdlovsk region recently hosted the "Turning Challenges into Opportunities" conference, a gathering that spotlighted innovative solutions to entrepreneurial challenges. The focus was on adapting to the labor market, overcoming infrastructure limitations, and embracing remote and part-time work models.
Labor Market Flexibility
Due to transportation and geographic constraints, entrepreneurs in Sverdlovsk are turning to part-time, seasonal, and remote work arrangements to sustain businesses and provide employment. These models help counteract issues like migration outflow and high transportation costs affecting workforce availability.
Workforce Shortages and Migration
Sverdlovsk, known for its heavy industry, is actively preparing to recruit foreign specialists, including Indian workers, to address labor shortages. This strategic move reflects a solution to skill gaps and workforce deficits.
Infrastructure and Connectivity Challenges
Entrepreneurs in the region face digital connectivity obstacles, such as regional mobile internet restrictions due to security concerns. This underlines the need for innovative digital solutions to overcome intermittent connectivity and support remote work and online business operations.
While specific details from the conference were not found, these regional economic and labor trends provide a framework for the types of innovative solutions discussed: flexible employment models, international workforce engagement, and digital adaptation strategies to overcome logistical and infrastructural barriers faced by entrepreneurs in Sverdlovsk.
Key Insights from the Conference
Roman Kananikhhin, the director of client experience at VK, emphasised the importance of client-centricity and speed in today's business world. Elena Londar, head of projects at hh.ru, mentioned that the demographic dip will last another ten to fifteen years. Ilya Kretov, Director of T-Bank eCommerce, spoke about the challenges of entering marketplaces.
The event included a speech by cosmonaut Sergei Ryazansky about life on the International Space Station. Conference attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and receive individual consultations from T-Bank specialists. The discussion transitioned into a networking and consultation format with experts in an informal setting.
The conference was organised by T-Business and took place at the SINARA Center in Yekaterinburg on October 24. Experts from T-Bank, VK, Ozon, and hh.ru participated in the conference.
Londar suggested creating jobs for women with children as a promising direction, as approximately four million mothers are at home due to employers not offering suitable conditions. According to Londar, the days of having 25 candidates for one position are gone. Kretov stated that there are still people who shop exclusively on one marketplace. He tried to dispel the myth that the three main players in the Russian market (Wildberries, Ozon, Yandex.Market) have approximately the same audience. Moving from Wildberries to Ozon can double one's audience, and adding Yandex.Market can reach up to 20% more new customers.
Businesses must be ready to change their product, listen to feedback, and react to changes in client behavior and the market as a whole, according to Roman Kananikhhin. He also stated that decisions made within a company are increasingly based on client opinion.
In conclusion, the "Turning Challenges into Opportunities" conference highlighted the need for innovative solutions to overcome the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs in the Sverdlovsk region. The focus on flexible employment models, international workforce engagement, and digital adaptation strategies offers a promising outlook for businesses in the region.
- In light of the unique challenges in the Sverdlovsk region, including transportation and digital connectivity issues, entrepreneurs are adopting flexible employment models such as part-time, seasonal, and remote work arrangements to sustain businesses and provide employment.
- To address labor shortages and skill gaps, the region is considering recruiting foreign specialists, including Indian workers, which could be a promising solution for businesses.
