In the future, the state will begin to allocate significant funds to the development of space and defense technologies and the introduction of artificial intelligence into business and production processes. Therefore, we organized a consultation for SRIP ACS+ members, at which we coordinated our approach to these topics and presented them to the Government of the Republic of Slovenia.
The companies involved in SRIP ACS+ agreed that there are many opportunities, especially in the defense industry, but that these must first be defined and, on that basis, it must be determined what we can actually offer this specific market. Since defense contracts are mostly awarded through public procurement, the state must also set out a clear strategy for the development of this sector, where we want to go and in which areas we could be competitive, including through counter-purchases.
Cooperation and the development of products and solutions that could be used not only for defense but also for civilian purposes is also important. One area where Slovenian companies could contribute their expertise is the development and use of so-called black boxes in defense vehicles and drones. This type of technology could also be used for civilian purposes, as it can be installed in many vehicles, thereby increasing safety.
The participants emphasized that the state must be quicker in making its decisions, as the outcome of our cooperation and the success of projects depend on this. It should also provide more support to start-ups, as they are the drivers of development. With their groundbreaking ideas and solutions, they often contribute to improvements and changes in thinking and behaviour.
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Additional information: SRIP ACS+, Erik Blatnik, +386 1 236 17 35, erik.blatnik@acs-giz.si
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The automotive industry in Slovenia generates approximately 10% of gross domestic product and nearly 25% of Slovenian exports (source: SPIRIT Slovenia). All members of SRIP ACS+, including all areas of mobility, contribute more than 17% to Slovenia’s GDP. Our members generate more than €8 billion in annual revenue, with most of them operating as Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers to global vehicle manufacturers. Each year, SRIP ACS+ members receive more than 25% of all innovation awards from the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the automotive industry.