Debate: Science and research moving in right direction

The head of the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (ARIS), Špela Stres, said at the event that much had changed in the field in the past year, since the relevant legislation had been changed and ARIS was established, succeeding the Slovenian Research Agency (ARRS).

She believes that Slovenia had very good innovation conditions but the reason why the country has been sliding in the global innovation rankings lies in the failure to implement available capacities in practice.

The field also faced systemic funding problems in the past, she said, adding that legislative changes had addressed many problems. "But we must also not forget that many opportunities still lie in setting up a support environment," Stres said.

Meanwhile, Higher Education, Science and Innovation Ministry State Secretary Jure Gašparič said that funds had been earmarked for innovation in the budgets for the next two years, but warned that grants, while indispensable, will not be enough.

Grants provide much-needed stability but the higher the technology readiness level, the more other sources are needed. Unfortunately, such sources are not widely available in Slovenia, therefore talks are underway, among others with the SID exports bank, about developing new mechanisms.

Another key aspect discussed at the round table headlined Future of Innovation: Roles of Science and Innovation Community and Industry was cooperation between academia and the industry.

While this cooperation is often believed to be poor, University of Ljubljana Rector Gregor Majdič believes that there are many links between the two spheres, above all at engineering schools. But cooperation is limited to small projects, he said, expressing regret at the lack of breakthrough projects.

"I'm afraid that the biggest problem lies with the industry, I fear our corporate sector is not innovative enough, not ambitious enough, that it lacks a long-term vision," said Majdič, expressing belief that the state could help with tax incentives.

Gašparič shares the view that fiscal policy is one of the best tools at a state's disposal in terms of innovation. He agreed that there was still much room for improvement in taxation of R&D investments.

Chemistry Institute Director Gregor Anderluh meanwhile underlined the importance of development centres, the likes of which has recently been set up by the Chemistry Institute.

He also noted that Slovenia's research facilities are not too attractive to foreign researchers, which has partly to do with salaries. The legislative changes have made possible better remuneration of successful researchers, which makes him optimistic.

Meanwhile, Matija Gatalo, a co-founder of the startup ReCatalyst, highlighted another problem - the lack of other ways of rewarding staff in addition to salaries. However, things are moving in the right direction, he said.