Future Ready Slovakia: Let’s Talk Competitiveness!

Friday, May 23, 2025 From 09:00 to 13:00

Jurkovičova Tepláreň (Main Stage), Bottova 1, Bratislava

Sustainability & Innovation

SPONSORED BY:

SUSTAINABILITY / Sustainability, Green Investments, Energy

Slovakia stands at a pivotal juncture to become a regional leader in the green transition, leveraging its potential through bold strategies, cross-sector collaboration, and forward-looking policies. This part of the conference will focus on how advancements in renewable energy, sustainable technologies, and green infrastructure can drive long-term competitiveness and resilience. Speakers from the energy sector, industry, and environmental innovation will highlight opportunities and challenges tied to decarbonization, energy security, and climate-smart investments. The program will also explore regulatory frameworks, financing green transformation, and how Slovakia can benefit from global best practices on its path to a low-carbon economy.

9:00 OPENING

9:10 DRIVING THE TRANSITION: UNLOCKING SLOVAKIA’S FINANCING FOR COMPETITIVENESS

9:25 ENERGY SECURITY & THE GREEN TRANSITION IN EUROPE

How will new EU energy and industrial policies impact businesses and competitiveness?
What are the key investment opportunities in electricity grids, renewables, and alternative energy?
How can Europe balance sustainability goals with economic growth?

10:30 FINANCING THE GREEN TRANSITION

11:00 BRUNCH BREAK & NETWORKING

INNOVATION / Innovation as a Catalyst for Competitiveness: Slovakia’s Next Big Leap

Innovation is one of Slovakia’s key assets in building a future-ready and competitive economy. This part of the conference will spotlight how emerging technologies and research-driven solutions, particularly in areas like AI, life sciences, and digital transformation, can fuel productivity, sustainability, and growth. Leaders from the private sector, government, and the innovation ecosystem will explore how to strengthen Slovakia’s knowledge-based economy, enhance R&D capabilities, and bridge the gap between science and business. In January 2025, the EC presented the Competitiveness Compass, a new roadmap to enhance economic growth by addressing areas, among which innovation plays a key role. The plan includes actions like creating a friendly environment for start-ups, promoting the adoption of AI and robotics, and developing clean industrial strategies. The session will also address regulatory readiness, public-private collaboration, and global best practices to ensure Slovakia keeps pace with the innovation frontier.

11:35 OPENING

11:40 THE POWER OF UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF INNOVATION ON COMPETITIVENESS

Where does Slovakia currently stand in terms of innovation performance?
Which sectors offer the greatest potential for innovation-led growth?
What are the policies that promote responsible innovation and technology governance for resilient and inclusive societies?

11:50 INNOVATION AS A CATALYST FOR COMPETITIVENESS: SLOVAKIA’S NEXT BIG LEAP

How can Slovakia effectively align with the EU priorities by enhancing its national innovation ecosystem?
How to leverage local capital and foster homegrown innovation to ensure long-term economic resilience and growth?
To what extent is the cooperation with big corporations essential for start-ups?
What strategies are essential for Slovakia to enhance its competitiveness in the global market, particularly in the life sciences and biotech sectors?

13.00 CONCLUDING REMARKS

13.10 LUNCH at WERK RESTAURANT

Language: Slovak with English translation