The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Mr Janez Janša, today attended the first joint session of the Competitiveness Council of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and the Development Groups. The Council’s task will be to shape an effective policy to encourage research and development and improve links between the economy and science. The Council is thus intended to contribute – through its work, innovative ideas and proposals – to a more competitive Slovenian society and economy.
(Photo: Bor Slana/Bobo)
In his address, the PM pointed out that Slovenia had moved eight places up the 2008 world competitiveness rankings with respect to 2007. This could be attributed to the greater financial investments the State had made in research and development projects, the reform efforts of recent years and an increase in businesses’ innovation activities in the period 2004-2006. Nevertheless, some weak points in the research and development sphere were also evident during this period. “Investment in science and research is not large enough, cooperation between R&D institutions and enterprises is not close enough, and public funds for R&D activities are not focused enough,” underlined the Slovenian Prime Minister. He judged that development success would be assured if resources were focused on the most important areas, those where needs were greatest but also those expected to be of the greatest interest. The successful conversion of innovation and knowledge into practical applications is also of vital importance.
(Photo: Bor Slana/Bobo)
PM Janez Janša highlighted energy and the environment, especially low-carbon technology and transport, as some of the areas on which the Slovenian research and development sphere could focus in future. “In the years and centuries to come,” added the Prime Minister, “The quality of life, health and leisure pursuits will also constitute a major challenge in the innovation, research and development sectors.”
(Photo: Bor Slana/Bobo)
The Prime Minister described the members of the Competitiveness Council as a national ‘brains trust’. “I am therefore confident that they will be able, with their different approaches, to achieve a certain synergy and find the right answers to the key challenges ahead,” concluded the Prime Minister.
