Research and Innovation Strategy of Slovenia 2011-2020

The subject is also covered by two advisory bodies of the Government of the Republic ofSlovenia, the Council for Science and Technology (SZT) and the Competitiveness Council(CC).A consequence of the fragmented system of governance of research and innovation is amismatch between policies and responsibilities and duplication of instruments, as well aspoor implementation of the adopted strategic documents, notably the existing NationalResearch and Development Program 11 (NRRP).The increased extent of tasks and responsibilities and particularly the ambitious planningof development, new instruments and more active participation in the internationalscientific and innovation environment also increase the responsibilities of the competentbodies in the field of science, technology and innovation. However, this was not followedwith the reinforcement of the expert staff at the competent ministries to allow adequatepreparation and implementation of the policies, an issue which was highlighted in theinspections performed by the international experts. It is reflected in several lostopportunities, both nationally and international.ObjectivesThe objective is to achieve better governance through the following measures:1. Establishment of an effective common governance system for the research andinnovation system, involving all stakeholdersThe system will be based on horizontal and cross-sectoral coordination at all levels ofdecision-making and institutional tiers. It will build on trust and open communicationamong all stakeholders. Management will be at the highest level, where it will be theresponsibility of a separate group of ministers (the Umbrella Working Group forHarmonization and Coordination of Slovenia’s Development Planning), in which MVZT andMoE will be responsible for research and innovation. This will provide close association ofthe implementation of RISS and of Slovenia’s new industrial policy. The subject will becovered by a single government advisory body, the Council for Research and Innovation,which will liaise with key stakeholders and replace the Council for Science andTechnology and the Competitiveness Council. All key stakeholders will participate in theCouncil for Research and Innovation, and its composition will be determined by legal andexecutive provisions. A system for effective networking at all levels will be established,with the main driver being efficiency of governance. Implementation of RISS will beinstitutionally supported by augmenting highly qualified staff at the competent ministriesand reforming public agencies. The agencies will be partners in providing technicalguidance and evaluation of policy implementation. Funding and implementation of thevarious programmes will be transferred primarily to the professional executiveinstitutions.2. Monitoring the implementation and evaluation of the effects of RISSImplementation of the programme will be based on professionalism, transparency andcost-effectiveness.To achieve the objectives of RISS it is imperative to ensure regular monitoring of theimplementation of the imposed measures. In order to increase system efficiency andeffectiveness, the existing measures need to be continuously evaluated and, if necessary,improved, stopped or joined by new ones. The latter must be developed in consultationwith key stakeholders. The system should be upgraded rather than succumb toduplication and fragmentation.Because of the inseparable nature of R&D in higher education and the public researchsector, we will establish common monitoring of the implementation and evaluation of theeffects of both programme documents for the areas of higher education and research andinnovation activity. Together, an independent group of experts will monitor the11 Uradni list RS, št. 3/2006.