Industrial R&D in Slovakia

Industrial R&D restructuring in Slovakia is part of a complex transformation process involving both the economy and science. However, industrial R&D suffered very severely under transformation. Most firms lack adequate R&D backing. Those able to export have proven to be successful in adopting advanced domestic and foreign technologies and know-how. Nevertheless, the vast majority rely on inadequate in-house R&D. This severely limits their capacity to adapt to new production requirements or to meet the demands of structural adjustment. There is hope that the existence of a central body for R&D activities at the governmental level will accelerate the support for S&T and create a legal framework and other conditions necessary for the future development of industrial R&D activities in Slovakia.