Panel explores paths to closer ties between science and business
Ljubljana, 18 November - Slovenia must strengthen the connection between science and industry to remain internationally competitive. Faster funding for breakthrough ideas, greater support for young researchers, and fostering venture capital are crucial steps, experts stressed at the opening of the Public Agency for Research and Innovation of Slovenia (ARIS) Day.
Ljubljana
The opening of the Public Agency for Research and Innovation of Slovenia (ARIS) Day.
Photo: STA/screenshot
Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Igor Papič stressed the importance of researchers considering practical applications early and called for greater industry involvement, while ARIS director Špela Stres highlighted the agency's success in aligning strategies by engaging stakeholders through public consultations on draft policies.
Maja Brelih of Lotrič Metrology highlighted the challenge of aligning the slower pace of scientific research with the rapid demands of industry. She proposed targeted incentives for breakthrough innovations, such as awards to motivate long-term collaboration between businesses and researchers.
Slovenia must compete on quality, not cost, and foster a culture that accepts risk and failure as part of the innovation process, argued Jernej Štromajer, secretary of the Economy Ministry's Strategic Council for the Economy. He also called for increased support for startups, more venture capital investment, and faster digitalisation.
University of Primorska Rector Klavdija Kutnar called for closer integration of industry into higher education, pointing to pilot projects under the Recovery and Resilience Plan that develop micro-credentials and encourage collaboration. Despite its small size, Slovenia often underutilises cooperative opportunities, she noted.
Andrej Pančur of the Coordination of Independent Research Institutes of Slovenia or KOsRIS moreover asserted that fundamental research remains vital for innovation. He urged Slovenia to prioritise areas with the greatest potential for excellence and industry collaboration.
University of Maribor Vice Rector Dean Korošak highlighted the university's strides in AI in biomedicine and heritage science. As for the University of Nova Gorica, Vice Rector Matjaž Valant described how the Green Technologies Centre bridges the gap between lab research and practical application.
The discussion also underscored the need for faster innovation funding processes, international expert involvement, and increased support for young researchers, particularly in industry-related fields.