Slovenia has supported 9 thematic SRIP networks, that will increase RDI activities in the companies and enhance their international competitiveness based on S4.
In S4 Slovenia has set a goal to raise the international competitiveness of companies and increase the level of entrepreneurship on the national level. These goals would be achieved by a joint strategic approach that will connect all key actors in specific fields of innovation along with RDI oriented support policy. Due to weak international positioning of the companies and low RDI activities in the companies, Slovenia has supported the development of SRIP networks. The purpose of the SRIP is to establish a long-term public-private partnership with a leading stakeholder role in setting up value chains and organizing comprehensive research and RDI support activities aimed at market entry in S4 priority areas. SRIP FoF is about focusing on development investment, both private and public, coordinating RDI activities and promotion of development cooperation, capacity-sharing, internationalization, and exchange of knowledge and experience.
SRIP FoF brings together interested representatives of industry, research organizations, and the state, (where their intervention is relevant), as well as other stakeholders (eg NGOs).
The main partners in the SRIP FoF are companies, research institutions and the public sector. All partners jointly work towards developing products and services with higher added value to compete in the international market.
The objective of the SRIP FoF is to create an open environment for the development of innovations that will go beyond national borders.
Resources needed
The total amount of co-financing for 9 SRIPs is at least € 10.5 million. Resources are roughly divided as: First pilot phase in 2015: € 700,000. Second phase 2016-2021, phase of operation of SRIP: € 9,8 million. Aid intensity in the first phase 50%; in the second phase: 35%
Evidence of success
The first concrete results will be reflected in the number and quality of applications that are still being applied by the SRIPs for the TRL 3 - 6 Development Projects. More concrete results will be found when this development is commercialized, that is, on TRL 9.
According to the top 5 measurable indicators (added value per employee, investment in fixed assets, RDI investment, an increase of export, and rate of automatization) already show signs of improvement.
Difficulties encountered
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Potential for learning or transfer
In the S4 target areas, SRIP connects stakeholders, represents their common interests in the international markets, and represents their common interests in the country. In the conduct of development policy, the government treats them as priorities. Development policy applies to both financial and non-financial support. Functions of SRIP are clearly defined and each of them supports the strategy for the development of their own area of priority. They encourage joint development of knowledge base and joint services. SRIP is also clearly governed according to the S4 priority areas. Within their organization, they established vertical value chains and horizontal networks to better harness the innovation potential of the companies and make a breakthrough. At the beginning of their functioning, the financing was clearly defined. It was set based on achieving midterm targets and having established active dialogue with stakeholders.
Tags: Networks, Specialisation, Stakeholders
