Jože Vižintin of the Engineering Academy said that the first measure was establishing a model for rotation of researchers among universities and businesses. Young doctors of science should be sent to industrial companies, foreign universities or institutes, he told a conference organised by both institutions on Wednesday.

GZS director general Samo Hribar Milič added that technical professions in Slovenia should be popularised, from elementary school onwards.

The second proposed measure for technological breakthrough is a reform of technical and engineering programmes at all levels in higher education, including the creation of polytechnic universities.

Nataša Vrhovec of the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology stressed that what was needed for making changes in the education system was a good connection between companies and educational institutions.

As the third measure, the two institutions propose more funding for research and development, but with restructuring of existing public spending.

According to Engineering Academy vice-president Rok Uršič, this measure includes the re-establishing of an independent technological agency.

The fourth measure relates to establishing a more attractive tax and investment environment, including a tax reform for a new development cycle and priority support for smart logistic infrastructure.

The fifth measure is aimed at digitalisation of the economy. Robert Žerjal of electronics maker Letrika Sol pointed to the need to facilitate digitalisation of SMEs, which usually do not have enough know-how and resources for making such a step on their own.

Mark Pleško, the CEO of Cosylab, a leading provider of control systems for large experimental physics facilities, emphasised the great potential brought by digitalisation of the energy sector, especially when it comes to smart cities and communities.

Ministry of Economic Development and Technology State Secretary Aleš Cantarutti explained that several activities in this field were taking place, including a Slovenian-Japanese partnership in the field of smart communities and networks.

Education, Science and Sport Minister Maja Makovec Brenčič said that the education system was creating such instruments, including on the basis of initiatives from businesses.