Building Slovenia's future together: knowledge, enterprises and the state

The Primorsko-notranjska region of Slovenia recently celebrated its annual recognition ceremony for the most innovative companies and individuals in the area, held in 2026. The event brought together business leaders, innovators, and representatives from supporting organizations, all gathered under the guidance of local officials and industry figures. Among the notable attendees were Andrej Sila, mayor of Sežana, Borut Fakin, president of the Primorska Economic Chamber, Goran Petek, president of the GZS RZ Postojna, and Vesna Nahtigal, general director of GZS. These individuals delivered speeches emphasizing the importance of innovation as a response to modern uncertainties and as a cornerstone of long-term business competitiveness.

Vesna Nahtigal highlighted how investments in research, new technologies, knowledge, and human capital are essential for maintaining innovation as a central pillar of national development policy. She also noted that the event was further enriched by the presence of finalists from the POPRI 2026 entrepreneurial competition, showcasing the growing potential among young generations in the region. This year's event marked the 24th edition of the competition, which saw ten submissions evaluated by a professional jury. Three gold, three silver, and four bronze awards were given out, with the top three innovations set to compete nationally later this autumn, where they will vie for recognition as the best Slovenian innovations.

Among the recipients of the gold awards were EFOS Informationske Rešitve d.o.o., recognized for their innovation "Trapview AURA 2 SC," Mineralka d.o.o. for their "Active Modular System for Charging and Storing Power Batteries RACLAN," and Appolius d.o.o. for their "SOPX AI Platform for Converting Process Videos into Structured Digital Work Processes." These innovations spanned areas such as artificial intelligence, digital process transformation, advanced industrial solutions, energy, and sustainable technologies, reflecting the diverse and dynamic nature of innovation within the region.

In addition to corporate achievements, the event also featured presentations from students and schoolchildren who showcased their ideas. Fourth-grade students from OŠ Pivka introduced their concept of a biodegradable hygiene insert called "FLUSHIE," while students from the Faculty of Tourism Studies Turistica presented an application named "SEAKER." Their presentations underscored the rising trend of entrepreneurial potential and creativity among younger generations, indicating that innovation is not solely the domain of established businesses but also emerging from educational institutions and youth initiatives.

The recognition of these innovations reinforces the idea that the Primorsko-notranjska region remains a hub of knowledge, development, and bold ideas. The awarded projects demonstrate a wide range of technological advancements and practical applications that contribute significantly to the economic success of both the region and Slovenia as a whole. From AI-driven platforms to sustainable energy solutions, each innovation represents a step forward in leveraging technology for economic growth and environmental sustainability.

The broader context of these developments is framed within the larger strategic vision for Slovenia’s future, encapsulated in the "Made in Slovenia 2035" initiative. This program, developed collaboratively by over 90 experts and business leaders, aims to establish a comprehensive framework for national development. It emphasizes the need for collaboration between businesses, government, educational institutions, researchers, and local communities to shape a shared vision for Slovenia’s future. Unlike sector-specific documents or internal agendas, this initiative serves as a call to action for all stakeholders involved in building a more prosperous and sustainable nation.

The initiative underscores the belief that economic development is not merely an end goal but a prerequisite for achieving societal aspirations. High-quality jobs emerge when businesses create significant value, leading to higher productivity and better wages. Successful enterprises contribute more to public coffers, enabling support for healthcare, education, pension systems, infrastructure, security, and social welfare. Addressing challenges such as low productivity and demographic changes requires focused investment in development rather than mere cost-cutting measures.

Slovenia has built a successful export-oriented economy over recent decades, but being part of global supply chains as a component supplier differs from being an innovator and creator of unique solutions. The next phase of development necessitates a shift towards domestic innovation, branding, and advanced business models. This transition is supported by existing foundations in sectors like pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, which already generate high-value products through strong scientific-industrial collaboration. Sustainability in mobility and electroindustry positions Slovenia within global supply chains of leading manufacturers, while abundant natural resources like wood offer opportunities for reduced dependency on imports and the production of critical materials for other industries.

Digitalization and information and communication technologies are enhancing productivity and enabling new business models across all sectors. Logistics, construction, and agricultural supply chains form the backbone of resilience and regional development. The future of Slovenia lies not in isolated sectors but in the interconnectedness of mobility, materials, pharmaceuticals, digitalization, infrastructure, and human capital.

Creating an environment conducive to development is crucial in today’s global competition. Businesses consider factors such as procedural speed, legal predictability, tax conditions, energy availability, workforce accessibility, and research support when deciding where to invest or expand operations. Slovenia has experienced a decline in attractiveness and competitiveness for investments in recent years, prompting the need to establish conditions that facilitate easier investment, growth, and the creation of quality jobs domestically. This effort is not just about meeting narrow business demands but about fostering a resilient and innovative ecosystem that supports long-term prosperity.