The Slovenia Times

Bratušek Says Innovation Strategy Right Time to Set Path Forward

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Addressing a conference on the smart specialisation strategy, which is the basis for the phasing of a large part of EU funds, Bratušek said that while "it is true that we already have many strategies, none of them has obviously been convincing enough to give us a clear picture of what we want and how to get there".

She said the smart specialisation needs to go beyond technology and "scientists in their labs" to also include innovation in "industry, services, the development of rural areas etc.".

The strategy has to be more than a document that secures EU funds, it has to be "seen as a process that will not end with the adoption of the strategy, since the story really only begins at that point".

Participating with a video address, European Commissioner for Regional Policy Johaness Hahn stressed the strategy was about identifying the segments of the economy that have the best potential for growth.

While noting that Slovenia is on a good path in its preparations for the 2014-2020 financial period, Hahn pointed out that the priorities in the new financial perspective are shifting from infrastructural projects to investment into competitiveness through innovation.

Economic Development and Technology Minister Metod Dragonja listed the main priorities of the Slovenian strategy, whose final version is expected by the end of June.

He mentioned the promotion of entrepreneurship and of a favourable business environment, links between knowledge and the economy and the internationalisation of Slovenian companies.

State Secretary Andreja Kert, who heads the Government Service for Development and European Cohesion, explained that EUR 536m are available to Slovenia in EU funds in the field of innovation.

However, the strategy will in fact be the basis for the use of EUR 1.2bn in structural funds or 36% of all the funds available as part of the new cohesion policy, she added.
 

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