Slovenia and France have excellent cooperation in a number of fields but see the potential to upgrade it further in energy and new technologies, in particular in the development of hydrogen technologies and artificial intelligence (AI).

Addressing the opening of French-Slovenian Entrepreneurship and Innovation Days in Ljubljana on 8 April, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Igor Papič noted Slovenia's experience in hydrogen research and advanced technologies.

"In Slovenia, we have a large consortium focused on hydrogen technology research, involving as many as 6,500 experts," he said.

He also called for closer cooperation in AI. "This is not exactly a new technology, but it is thriving and it is important that Slovenia is involved in these trends."

Slovenian and French companies can learn from each other in the two fields, Jernej Salecl of the Economy Ministry said.

Meanwhile, Tamara Zajec Balažič, the acting director of the SPIRIT investment promotion agency, underlined the importance of the long-standing Franco-Slovenian cooperation, above all in the automotive, pharmaceutical and electronics industries.

"Business partnerships also extend to other areas such as space technology, artificial intelligence, blockchain technologies, e-mobility, renewable energy and smart city solutions," she said.

She added that France's decision to become a European hub for artificial intelligence creates opportunities for networking between Slovenian and French companies.

French Ambassador Florence Levy underlined the importance of meetings between Slovenian and French businesses, in that they stimulate more trade and cooperation. The embassy is willing to help there, she said.

The head of the Franco-Slovenian Business Council, Franjo Bobinac, also underlined the importance of new technologies. "Slovenia is involved in a number of projects related to new technologies and hydrogen, but we need to go further so that we are not just a supplier but a leading player in the field.

"This can be achieved in cooperation with French companies, as the example of cooperation in defence shows," he said.

The French-Slovenian Entrepreneurship and Innovation Days provide a platform for discussion, networking and socialising between entrepreneurs and researchers.

The two-day event is organised by the SPIRIT agency, the ministries of economy and higher education, science and innovation, and the French Embassy, among others.

In addition to the debate on hydrogen and AI, the first day of the event also featured bilateral business-to-business meetings. The second day will see successful Slovenian companies and institutions present examples of best practice in hydrogen, AI and circular economy.