We carried out the regional workshop program Smart Specialization S5 - Opportunities for Companies in the Koroška Region

Yesterday, May 22, 2025, we successfully realized another regional event on the topic of Smart Specialization S5 in Slovenj Gradec. In addition to smart specialization, we also talked about SRIPs, the STEP platform, current and planned development calls , and good practices of Koroška companies.

Our director Uroš Rozman gave an introductory address to the audience, saying, among other things: "The S5 smart specialization is more than just politics. It is an opportunity for us, as a region and as companies, to take a step forward towards more focused, integrated and sustainable development. It is a tool with which we can transform our economic advantages into concrete development opportunities. At RRA Koroška, we actively act as a connecting link between companies, research and educational institutions and state institutions. Our vision is not just the development of the region, but its transition to a higher development quality - based on knowledge, innovation and sustainable approaches."

This was followed by a speech by Tomaž Kranjec, the regional administrator from the Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development. We were also joined by Natalija Poš from the Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development, who presented current and planned calls and opportunities offered by the Smart Specialization of Slovenia. This was followed by a presentation of the Strategic Development and Innovation Partnerships. They were presented by Andreja Lampe (SRIP GoDigital), Nuša Sluga (SRIP Circular Economy) and Tjaša Polc (SRIP MATPRO).

We were introduced to the STEP platform by Božidar Pučnik, M.Sc. from the Slovenian Enterprise Fund. Katja Pokeržnik, Director of the Koroška Chamber of Commerce, presented the Slovenian Center for Circular Economy to those present. We concluded the event with three presentations of good practices within the framework of successful companies in our region.

We are happy that they shared their successful practices with us:

• Domen Ocepek, product manager at KOPA dd,
• Jure Naglič, director of EKSTERA doo,
• Dr. Blaž Nardin, Dean of the Faculty of Polymer Technology.

With competent interlocutors and all participants, we sought answers to questions such as:

• How can the Koroška region benefit from strategic development and innovation partnerships?
• How can companies participate in SRIPs and benefit from their support?
• How should the local environment build its own innovation chains and connect with knowledge centers?
• Where are the concrete opportunities for co-financing that companies can participate in today?

We agreed that each of us gained some interesting and useful information. A new insight or a starting point for an optimistic view of development and growth on our future entrepreneurial path.

Sincere thanks to all those present for their participation and to the guests for the exchange of experiences, knowledge, practices and creative cooperation!