Improving the governance model of the research and innovation system in Slovenia

Research and innovation (R&I) is central to Slovenia’s growth strategies and ability to tackle societal challenges, and the country is actively implementing reforms to improve effectiveness of public R&I investments. This Technical Support Instrument aims to help Slovenia build a robust and coordinated system for R&I by supporting the development of effective governance capacities at institutional, organisational and individual levels.

Context

Coordination within Slovenia's R&I system is crucial for boosting investment, competitiveness, and sustainable growth amid global uncertainties. However, a lack of cross-sector interaction, strategic steering and continuity has resulted in fragmented funding and hindered dialogue and long-term cooperation among R&I actors in the country.  To address this, Slovenia has been undertaking significant reforms to its R&I governance system, leveraging insights from past studies and funds awarded as part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. In this project the OECD is supporting Slovenian authorities to strengthen national R&I institutional capacity so that these reforms can achieve their desired impact.

Support delivered

First a diagnostic review of R&I governance in Slovenia was conducted to identify main strengths and weaknesses in the R&I governance system. Second, international good practice cases were identified in which challenges similar to those experienced in Slovenia had been successfully addressed. Key Slovenian R&I actors took part in peer-learning sessions to gain practical knowledge from case representatives. Third, recommendations and guidelines to build institutional capacity for R&I governance were developed, tested with Slovenian R&I actors, and revised to ensure that they are clear and feasible. Finally, competencies for the implementation of recommendations were identified and pilot training was delivered.

Results achieved

The project has achieved three main results. First, it facilitated consensus among relevant ministries and agencies on key challenges for effective R&I governance in Slovenia. The focus groups, workshops and pilot training enabled R&I actors to collectively reflect on the issues they experience. Second, it provides beneficiaries with clear actions that may be taken to address the challenges identified. These recommendations have been reviewed by key R&I actors and are considered to be feasible and effective. Third, it identifies areas for future capacity development and training funded through the RRF, ensuring that resources are used effectively to address skills gaps.

Useful links

• Activity 1.3  & 5.1- Diagnostic report: https://twitter.com/PLarrue/status/1631334752685891589?t=cDEuZPB5W0LmcbUlm_lNeQ&s=19
• Activity 3.2 & 5.2 - Recommendations: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jackorlik_project-update-last-week-philippe-activity-7126223210022330368-2SaO?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
• Activity 6.3 - Piloting: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jackorlik_last-week-piret-t%C3%B5nurist-and-i-travelled-activity-7160626574856175617-g5Xd?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
• Presentation of final results to the Programme Committee : https://twitter.com/PLarrue/status/1763219621740438009

More about the project

You can read the final report here: