Research and Innovation background
Slovenia has a growing focus on research and innovation (R&I). Its R&I landscape is guided by strategic documents that outline national priorities and frameworks, with specific attention given to transport and sustainability.
- Scientific Research and Innovation Activities Act: This law came into force at the beginning of 2022. It provides funding for the organisation of the scientific research and innovation system, scientific research activities and the financing, organisation, implementation and control of scientific research activities.
- Development Strategy 2030: This document highlights the importance of a competitive business and research sector as part of a wider development plan across the next decade. It lays out several steps to achieve this objective which includes promoting the development of science and research in priority areas and to promote the social and environmental responsibility of businesses and research organisations.
- Resolution on the Slovenian Scientific Research and Innovation Strategy 2030 (ReZrIS30): This key strategic document for research, development, and innovation serves as a basis for policy-making in the areas of social, economic and sustainable development and societal challenges.
- National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) 2021-2026: Part of the EU-funded recovery programme post-COVID-19, the NRRP supports green and digital transitions, including funding allocations for sustainable transport projects and infrastructure.
- Slovenian Smart Specialisation Strategy (S4): This strategy targets key areas of technological innovation, including mobility and transport systems, to drive competitiveness and sustainable economic growth.
Transport specific strategies and plans include:
- National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) 2021-2030: Focused on meeting EU climate targets, this plan supports decarbonisation and the adoption of sustainable mobility solutions, including the transition to low-carbon transport.
- Transport Development Strategy of Slovenia 2022-2030: Aimed at creating a cohesive and sustainable national transport network, this strategy focuses on multimodal transport solutions, improved road and rail connectivity, and investment in green technology.
(Last updated: 04/11/2024)
Institutional framework of transport research
Key stakeholders involved in R&I in Slovenia include various government ministries, research institutions, and innovation agencies, each contributing to national and EU-aligned goals.
Main organisations involved include:
- Ministry of Education: Oversees national R&I strategy, funds scientific research projects, and foster collaboration with the EU and other international entities.
- Ministry of Infrastructure: In collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning, they direct and implement transport-specific research and innovation efforts, focusing on sustainable mobility solutions, infrastructure upgrades, and alignment with EU green transport targets.
- Slovenian Research Agency: The principal body responsible for funding transport research (and all other research). This independent public funding organisation implements tasks related to the National Research and Development Programme and the creation of a European Research Area. The agency is also responsible for awarding grants for national programmes and projects and for promoting research and science in Slovenia.
- SRIP Smart Cities and Communities: This organisation has been a major driving force behind the establishment of the Digital Innovation Hub Slovenia, which is designed as a central national one-stop-shop to help Slovenian companies to become more competitive with regard to their processes, products or services using digital technologies and raise awareness of the benefits of digitalisation.
All information about Slovenian R&D is available on the Slovenia Current Research Information System (SICRIS). This is a national register which incorporates information on R&D institutions, researchers, projects and research results.
(Last updated: 04/11/2024)
Funding Sources and Support Initiatives
There are three key instruments for public funding in Slovenia:
- Research Programmes
- Infrastructure Programmes
- Founding Obligations: This funding stream covers indirect research and infrastructure costs incurred by public research institutes.
Additional financing is provided through EU funding and international programmes, as well as private funding. Transport research can be financed by any of these streams, as well as targeted research programmes.
Funding programmes currently supporting R&I and transport projects include:
- Slovenian Research Agency (ARRS) Competitive Research Funding: Provides grants for research projects across various sectors, including sustainable transport.
- European Union Cohesion Fund (Slovenian Allocation): Slovenia uses a portion of its allocation from the EU Cohesion Fund specifically for sustainable transport projects, particularly for large infrastructure projects such as rail upgrades and cross-border connections. The Cohesion Fund also co-finances projects that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including green corridors and multimodal hubs.
- European Research Council (ERC) Complementary Stream: Provides an opportunity for funding to applicants from Slovenian research programmes who were not selected for ERC funding but were positively evaluated.
(Last updated: 04/11/2024)