Promoting research and innovation in the Slovak Republic through an effective use
of European funds
This policy paper analyses current practices related to the implementation of European
Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) in the Slovak Republic, in particular, the
Operational Programme Research and Innovation (R&I). The Slovak Republic benefits
from one of the largest shares of European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF).
However, the country ranks amongst the EU member states with the lowest absorption
of R&I ESIF. In 2017, administrative inefficiencies and irregularities resulted in
further decommitments by the European Commission. This paper identifies bottlenecks
in the ESIF projects’ implementation across the entire project life cycle, from the
preparation of calls to the execution of selected projects. It offers the Slovak Republic
tailored policy recommendations to support the effective implementation of European
funds for research and innovation and avoid further decommissioning. To ensure lasting
changes, this policy paper proposes an action plan where all relevant stakeholders
would contribute to effectively implementing transformational reforms.
Published on August 31, 2021
In series:OECD Public Governance Policy Papersview more titles