Conference on EU Competitiveness: The Urgency to Close the Innovation Gap

Ljubljana – Slovenia, along with the EU, faces a critical challenge posed by the innovation gap, a situation aggravated by the swift pace of technological advancement. This issue was discussed at a recent conference in Ljubljana, hosted by the European Investment Bank (EIB) group in collaboration with the European Commission’s representation in Slovenia.

Addressing this gap is imperative, and effective strategies must be developed promptly, especially following insights from former European Central Bank (ECB) President Mario Draghi. Mary Veronica Tovšak Pleterski, the Director-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship, and Small and Medium Enterprises at the European Commission, emphasized the need for increased private investment. “We require more private capital alongside robust public investment support,” she stated.

According to her, the new European Commission should align investments to focus on green, digital, and social transitions. She underscored the importance of financing rapidly growing enterprises and expressed her appreciation for the Slovenian government’s backing of Brussels’ proposed initiatives.

Rene Šrumpf, a product development and European programs expert at SID Bank, cautioned that Slovenia is continuously striving to catch up with other countries but has not yet managed to surpass them. “Slovenia has an advantageous starting point in many sectors, yet it struggles to leverage this potential effectively,” he remarked. He also pointed out that startups in Slovenia, similar to those in other EU nations, encounter significant hurdles due to a lack of understanding of their operational models, resulting in inadequate funding. Urgent changes are necessary in this arena, particularly as global competition intensifies, they warned. (November 27)


Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Last News

Trump Plans National Mall Rally to Celebrate U.S. 250th Anniversary

Trump Plans National Mall Rally to Celebrate U.S. 250th Anniversary

Sarhan Basem is Eurotoday’s Senior Correspondent to the European Parliament. With a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, Sarhan brings a unique blend of linguistic finesse and analytical prowess to his reporting. Specializing in foreign affairs, human rights, civil liberties, and security issues, he delves deep into the intricacies of global politics to provide insightful comment

Read More

What Occurs in the Brain During Vacation

What Occurs in the Brain During Vacation

The onset of a vacation often follows a common pattern. Initially, we vow not to check our work chat. The next day, we might “just check” for urgent matters. By the third day, we begin to appreciate the waves, the coffee aroma, or the mountain air. Between turning off notifications and experiencing sound sleep, our brains undergo subtle rewiring.
Vacations, often seen as rewards or luxuries, are

Read More

Ukrainian Woman Sought After Monaco Assault

Ukrainian Woman Sought After Monaco Assault

The suspect, identified as Anastasiia Berezovska, reportedly “conducted several site surveys” disguised as a man before the attack, according to the head prosecutor.

Read More

Trump Savings Accounts Launch Amid US 250th Independence Day Celebrations

Trump Savings Accounts Launch Amid US 250th Independence Day Celebrations

Washington, D.C., July 04, 2026 – Eurotoday Newspaper — Trump savings accounts officially debuted as the United States launched its year-long 250th Independence Day celebrations. The new investment initiative was announced alongside nationwide Fourth of July events, making it one of the most significant policy announcements tied to the America 250 program. The accounts are intended to provide el

Read More

Polluted Air Proven to Harm Memory

Polluted Air Proven to Harm Memory

The effects surpass the impact of a decade of aging
The brain area responsible for storing general world knowledge
Air pollution has been associated with lung disease, heart issues, and early mortality. Recently, researchers have uncovered additional evidence suggesting that the air we breathe may also influence brain function as we age. A study by UC Davis Health and Kaiser Permanente reveals th

Read More

Thousands Protest in Germany Against Far-Right AfD

Thousands Protest in Germany Against Far-Right AfD

The AfD, which secured second place with over 20 percent of the vote in the last German federal elections, is now considered Germany’s most popular party according to polling. It is set to potentially win in two critical state elections in September in eastern Germany. Despite its electoral success, other parties, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservatives, have maintained a

Read More

UK, Italy, and Japan Award £4.6 Billion Contract to Advance Combat Aircraft Program

UK, Italy, and Japan Award £4.6 Billion Contract to Advance Combat Aircraft Program

London, July 03, 2026 – Eurotoday Newspaper — combat aircraft program development advanced significantly after the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan awarded a £4.6 billion contract to support the next phase of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). The agreement strengthens cooperation between the three nations as they work toward delivering a sixth-generation fighter aircraft by 2035.

Contrac

Read More

Weather Changes Impact Mental Health

Weather Changes Impact Mental Health

Heatwaves, heavy rain, and intense winter storms have affected people’s mental health in 2026.
A new study reveals that even slight, short-term weather changes can be significant enough to prompt individuals to seek therapy.
Variations in temperature and sunlight are linked to UK residents accessing mental health services through the NHS, according to researchers in Frontiers in Psychiatry.

Read More

Spéciale Aix : l’incroyable manège des prétendants

Spéciale Aix : l’incroyable manège des prétendants

Their strategy, lacking an undisputed leader, focuses more on influence rather than seizing power, aiming to impose their ideas on candidates instead of leading one to the Élysée.

Read More

Pope Leo’s Immigration Remarks Highlight America’s 250-Year Immigrant Legacy

Pope Leo’s Immigration Remarks Highlight America’s 250-Year Immigrant Legacy

Washington, D.C., July 03, 2026 – Eurotoday Newspaper — Pope Leo immigration remarks drew global attention as he praised the United States’ long tradition of welcoming immigrants during events commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary. The Pope highlighted how generations of immigrants have helped build America’s economy, culture, and communities while encouraging compassion and respect for h

Read More