As Head of Innovation in Belgrade, Edin Dalifi, is well aware of the expectations that the construction industry in Southern Europe has of Xella - and he knows how to meet them.
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As an architect and Xella's Head of Innovation for the Alps-Adriatic region, he has found his personal key to staying competitive. "Only those who are proactively innovative can meet the changing demands of the construction industry," he says. But that's not all: "It is also a source of great personal pride for me when our building materials are used in creative designs and sustainable construction in the Southern European region.
So how do Dalifi and his team manage to come up with brilliant ideas to stay ahead in the market? He doesn't have a magic formula either, but he has learned a lot from experience. "For one thing, we benefit from working closely with external partners such as investors, architects, and construction companies," he says. But this is not something that will bear fruit by itself.
According to Dalifi, effective communication and a deep understanding of each partner's specific needs are the basis for trusting and innovative collaboration with third parties. Dalifi believes this is essential for both parties to be successful.
"The innovative ideas developed in this way can also be seamlessly integrated into our production processes thanks to our internal, cross-functional cooperation at Xella. This is the only way to ensure that Xella's materials meet the vision of the architects and the requirements of the contractors."
Edin is always looking for new business partners and new ideas. He started networking while still a student at the University of Belgrade.
But he is also working on an interesting project back home in Serbia. "We are currently focusing on the introduction of Silka light, a new calcium silicate block for the construction industry in the southern region. Xella is working closely with all parties involved to ensure that Silka light is the best possible solution for the facade wall and perfectly meets the requirements of the investors.
"The project also positions us as an important player in promoting building practices in the region."
This also motivates Dalifi. "I want to contribute to the growth of our company and the construction industry in Serbia. Seeing our innovative building materials used in major projects and exceeding the expectations of investors and architects is very rewarding.
For Dalifi, professional success is something that can take him a long way. When asked what makes him happy, he gives two answers in one breath. "The real source of my happiness is spending a lot of time with my wife and four children. Spending time with them is important for balancing my personal and professional life. A positive work environment and a team dedicated to innovation contribute to my professional success. The moments we share and the impact we have as a team make me feel fulfilled."