Today, a user will not be happy without digital access to the story, this needs to be adapted

The last round table of the Lider conference ‘Trends in Communications 2016’ had the working title Digital panel – the impact of digitalization on changes in business models. Igor Garača from Hrvatska Pošta, Julian Oehrlein, founder of the start-up Oradian, Igor Stebernak, member of the management board of Petrol, and Davor Tremac, director of Uber Croatia shared their experiences on digital transformations in society, the business world, and the role of their companies in this process.

– The overall digitalization of society has probably affected a traditionally structured company like Hrvatska Pošta more than other companies. The situation is somewhat concerning, but we see great opportunities in blending the digital and traditional markets. By leveraging advantages gained in the traditional market, we should implement digital technology and thus become competitive. Through such an innovative approach, we can expand the value chain or create entirely new value – said Garača, adding that today it would be pretentious to call Amazon their competitor, but their goal is for Amazon to consider them a premier partner in this area. One day that is possible since partners often become competitors.

Stebernak pointed out that there is a possibility for Petrol to be a disruptor in the market.

– We see the future in digital retail. Our biggest challenge is how to change the corporate culture in the company – said Stebernak during the panel at the Lider conference.

Uber and Oradian are winners in the era of digitalization.

– A vehicle arrives on average in under 4 minutes, all calls are made through applications, and there is no handling of cash. You receive the bill via email. Transparency is our great virtue, and that is a result of digitalization – explained Tremac.

– We are engaged in a system to support financial institutions in microcrediting. The first thing you need is a well-thought-out platform. Information must be available at all times, they need to be in ‘real time’ and must be credible. We are focused exclusively on Africa, where we introduced people for the first time to 21st-century technology, that is, we introduced them to this method of financing. Thus, ‘mobile money’ has now become a hit in Kenya – said Oehrlein.

– I would be happiest if people had a smile when they go to the post office. Like in the past when they were happy to see the postman. But today are some new times. Today, a user will not be happy without digital access to the story. We are only aware of that and we must adapt to the desires of the users – concluded Garača.