With the collapse of Soviet formal power, business leaders in Central and Eastern Europe have delved into the multifarious study of how technology and has impacted the business landscape, namely the tech and defence industries. What are the business rules, technological tools, and/or political biases impacting firms, partners, and assets working within the East European arena? Equally relevant, which solutions have been chiefly overlooked and how can they be applied to provide value to both companies and individuals working within the region?
Three underlying problems facing tech companies in the post-Soviet expanse include consultant bribery and corruption, heightened inter-defence firm competition, and variable tech confidentiality breaches more generally. Two primary solutions addressing these interlocking trials concern consultant selection and intellectual property protections. However, the most salient point to consider is how cell phone technology has exposed businesses to the ills of cyber crime and theft. How should we fix this? The answer is not wholly simple, but various steps should be considered. First, firms of all stripes should provide their manpower and asset teams with updated phones with the latest security software.
Far too often, firms lose IP and R&D assets due to cyber threats. Second, business operating within Central and Eastern Europe should be mindful of the immense cultural and systemic differences in respect for intellectual privacy and technical security than in Western capitals. Why? The late Soviet system still holds great sociopolitical and social sway over swaths of the population—despite the USSR’s collapse nearly three decades ago. As such, whether one pursues a career in tech, defence, or marketing, it is imperative that operatives employ best business practices with the best technical tools to “get the job done.”
Transparency International, “Is Fighting Corruption in EE Compromised?” http://www.transparency.org/news/feature/eu_summit_eastern_europes_chance_to_show_its_anti_corruption_commitment, 2016