During the visit, Janša met with the institute’s leadership to discuss the future of Slovenian science, investments in research infrastructure and ways to deepen cooperation between the government and scientific institutions in strategically important fields.
According to the Slovenian government, the discussions focused on supporting research that can contribute to the country’s economic competitiveness, technological progress and sustainable development. Particular emphasis was placed on building stronger links between public institutions, academia and industry, with the aim of translating scientific discoveries into practical applications and commercial innovation.
The Jožef Stefan Institute, headquartered in Ljubljana, is Slovenia’s leading research centre, employing hundreds of scientists and conducting research in areas including artificial intelligence, robotics, physics, chemistry, biotechnology, environmental sciences and advanced materials.
It also plays a key role in numerous European Union research programmes and international scientific partnerships.
The visit reflects the Slovenian government’s broader ambition to position science and innovation among the country’s strategic priorities. As competition for advanced technologies intensifies globally, governments across Europe are increasing investments in research, digitalisation and high-value industries to strengthen economic resilience and technological sovereignty.
For Slovenia, closer cooperation between policymakers and the scientific community is increasingly viewed as essential to developing a knowledge-based economy, attracting highly skilled talent and ensuring that research plays a central role in addressing future challenges ranging from artificial intelligence and green technologies to healthcare and industrial competitiveness.
