HRH CROWN PRINCE ALEXANDER INTERVIEW MICRO/PC WORLD MAGAZINE

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IS THE FUTURE FOR SERBIA

“Serbia is a very lucky country to have people who are very capable when it comes to IT, that can be an advantage in future development”, emphasized His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander II Karadjordjevic.

Mikro: in your opinion to what extent are information communication technologies necessary for the development of Serbia?

HRH Prince Alexander II: Serbia like every country is very dependent on IT in this fast moving high tech world. It is very important that Serbia keep fully abreast of all IT news and future development. We are a very lucky country to have people who are very capable when it comes to IT. Our only draw back is the financial power in buying hardware and software. However as the economy improves our purchasing power will get better. I would like to add that the Internet as a global communication medium is of great importance for further IT development in Serbia, as well as abroad. The fact that Serbia is lower on the list in using Internet services in Europe, due to that I think it is necessary for all structures of our society to make an additional effort in improvement. For example if we cut the price of access to the Internet services we would definitely have a good response and more users. That situation we already had when the government cut the taxes for computer equipment.

Mikro: Does the Royal Family in its donor activities participate in the acquisition of computer equipment for those who need it?

HRH Prince Alexander II: Due to the fact that we are non profit organizations and that some times we have more ideas than real financial capabilities to release them, we pretty much depend on friendly people and companies that support us. With the help of these companies we helped, through my Foundation for Education, in equipping the Centres for Career Development in the Universities of Nis, Kragujevac, Belgrade and Novi Sad.

Mikro: Within the foundations of the Royal Family Karadjordjevic, Crown Prince Alexander’s Foundation for education is very active. How much attention is dedicated to the field of improving young people in informational technologies?

HRH Prince Alexander II: The Foundation is directly involved with our young population, pupils and students and who are the future of our IT development. At the same time they are the biggest users of the Internet and IT technology since they are they easiest to accept the newest high-tech advantages. When a scholarship is provided IT ability is one of the prerequisites. The ability to communicate is vital. Also as a family we depend on IT for our communications and transmission of files and other material.

Mikro: In your daily activities how much you depend on information technologies?

HRH Prince Alexander II: One of the first things that I do when I wake up is to open my computer and check my email. Since I’m often away from my sons this is a great way to keep in touch on a daily basis. Also, my wife and I have several offices to run, therefore the Internet and IT technologies are vital for coordination of all activities. These days when it is no longer a matter of action and reaction, but how quick we react, IT technology is essential for all activities no matter how big or small they are. Without the use and knowledge of IT we would be very much restricted in our daily tasks and unable to communicate. It is very important to keep abreast of IT development. That’s why we are doing the best we can to keep up to date with the latest news and discoveries in this field.

-Aleksandar Spasić