PRESS RELEASE
Ljubljana, July 10, 2026 – The Government of the Republic of Slovenia has established a Strategic Council for the Economy, intended to serve as an "independent, expert, and long-term oriented advisory body" for shaping economic policies, in accordance with the commitments set out in the coalition agreement.
At the Slovenian Technology Forum (STF), GIZ, we are extremely disappointed with the composition of the council. Its representation shows that decision-makers do not have a clear enough understanding of where Slovenia must direct its development efforts if it wishes to keep pace with European and global trends and emerging industries.
Barbara Krajnc, Director of the STF, states:
"Unfortunately, it is once again confirmed that we lack a clear vision in Slovenia regarding what we want to become and what needs to be done to achieve it. Instead of ambitiously directing our efforts, time, and money into the sectors that drive economic growth today – new strategic technologies, digital and deep-tech innovations, information and cybersecurity, clean and low-carbon technologies, artificial intelligence, and data solutions and infrastructure – these sectors have once again been left out of this government advisory body."
The council is expected to, among other things, prepare analyses and recommendations for improving competitiveness, productivity, and the investment environment. Yet, the very sectors that most drive productivity, investment, and innovation both at home and abroad are not represented in the council's composition. There is a lack of representatives from startups, scale-ups, venture capital funds, and high-tech, export-oriented, and R&D-focused companies with global growth potential.
Barbara Krajnc concludes:
"This year's IMAD development report clearly states that we must transition from being 'executors' to 'creators.' It would be even better if we moved from being observers of global trends to becoming their architects – visionaries and innovators carving out our own path. Therefore, we rightfully expect the government to firmly stand on the side of the part of the economy that will contribute the most to Slovenia's future development and growth."
