Future Ready Slovakia: Let’s Talk Competitiveness!

Thursday, May 22, 2025 From 09:00 to 13:00

Jurkovičova Tepláreň (Main Stage), Bottova 1, Bratislava

Business Matters: Slovakia’s Competitive Future

SPONSORED BY:

BUSINESS MATTERS: SLOVAKIA'S COMPETITIVE FUTURE

The 2025 global economy faces uncertainty, with 3.1% projected growth amid inflation risks, geopolitical tensions, and trade policy shifts. US tariffs complicate trade, impacting the Euro Area’s competitiveness despite wage and employment gains. For Slovakia, which is deeply tied to global supply chains, these changes threaten its key automotive sector, potentially costing €3 billion and 20,000 jobs. On this first conference day, experts will discuss global and Euro Area trends, assessing their impact on Slovakia and exploring strategies to boost competitiveness and mitigate risks.

Agenda

9.00 GRAND OPENING

9.15 OPENING REMARKS

9.20 EU COMPETITIVENESS: WHAT IT MEANS FOR SLOVAKIA?

How does the Competitiveness Compass align with Slovakia's economic priorities and challenges?
What specific measures from the Competitiveness Compass could Slovakia adopt to enhance its innovation capabilities?
How can Slovakia leverage its existing talent pool to close the innovation gap identified in the Competitiveness Compass?

9.35 STRENGTHENING SLOVAKIA’S ECONOMY: INVESTMENT, INNOVATION, AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMPETITIVENESS

How can private financing sources be effectively mobilized to support businesses in Slovakia?
What role does sustainable finance play in enhancing the competitiveness of Slovakia’s industry and services?
What are Slovakia’s unique competitive advantages in industry and services that could attract more private capital?

10.35 SLOVAK COMPETITIVENESS

Where do you see the opportunity for the Slovak economy to increase its competitiveness, and what instruments can support this goal?
How can cooperation between the private sector and the state help in order to facilitate the mobilization of resources?
What are the main priorities of the Recovery Plan in addressing Slovakia's macroeconomic vulnerabilities in the current global economic situation, and how can these priorities support the country's economic growth?
What are the main objectives of the upcoming 2050 Investment Plan and how will this plan contribute to strengthening Slovakia's competitiveness and supporting sustainable economic growth?

11.05 BRUNCH BREAK & NETWORKING

11.35 SLOVAK COMPETITIVENESS. WHAT IS AT STAKE?

11.50 BOOSTING INVESTMENT IN SLOVAKIA: BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES ON POLICY AND GROWTH

From a business perspective, what changes are necessary in public policy to make Slovakia a more attractive destination for private investment?
How can businesses collaborate with policymakers to drive investments in digitalization and sustainability under current fiscal constraints?

12:50 SMART FISCAL CONSOLIDATION: OECD INSIGHTS ON EFFICIENT PUBLIC SPENDING AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

How can Slovakia consolidate public finances on the expenditure side without compromising essential services and economic growth?
What best practices from other OECD countries could Slovakia adopt to improve the efficiency of public spending?
How can Slovakia balance fiscal consolidation with necessary investments in innovation, digitalization, and sustainability?

13.00 CONCLUDING REMARKS

13.10 LUNCH at WERK RESTAURANT

Language: Slovak with English translation