Science and Technology Policy

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Science and technology policy is represented by a set of regulations, rules, institutions and mutual relations governing, coordinating and influencing the R&D area. In Slovakia, there is an integrated national science and technology policy facing specific problems and challenges for the future. The rules of the game are issued by the Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic, the only institution competent to supervise the whole complex referred to as science and technology in Slovakia. Their main tool is the basic legislation – Act No. 172/2005 Coll. . on state support of R&D. This act regulates state sustenance of basic research as well as applied research and experimental development.

Supervising of R&D policy is carried out through competent departments of the Ministry of Education – namely through the Section of Science & Technology and the Section of Universities. Legislation and documents are created under interaction between the state administration and R&D organizations conducted through consultative body of the Slovak government – Council for Science and Technology. Implementation of such regulations leading to R&D funding is subsequently carried out partly by internal organizations of the Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic and partly by means of grant agency administered by the ministry – Slovak Research and Development Agency (APVV).

 

R&D sector in Slovakia is made up by the following entities:

 

• state sector of research and development – covering mainly the Slovak Academy of Sciences and research centers under competence of the respective line ministry

• higher educational institutions R&D sector formed by universities and other higher educational institutions in Slovak Republic

• private R&D sector formed by corporations

 

Conducting of R&D policy is being even more perceived in a broader context of education and innovations. R&D organizations are expected to supply the needs of society and its economy. Science and technology policy has growing influence even within the context of regional development and is gradually becoming – in several European countries already has become – one of the basic tools for economic growth, creating new job opportunities and increasing the standard of living in a particular country.