Since some time has passed since its publication and public presentation, it is worth recalling the explanation of what a responsible and efficient institutional environment is:
"A responsible and efficient institutional environment is the foundation for the successful functioning of society and the economy. It fosters long-term economic growth, attracts investment, and increases trust in the system, which is crucial for a stable and competitive economy. It is based on the transparency, accountability, and fairness of institutions that ensure equitable and equal conditions for all participants in the market and society. Institutional competitiveness (or the efficiency of institutions) plays an important role in this, enabling the swift and fair resolution of disputes, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship, and creating a business-friendly environment. All of this allows companies and individuals to compete successfully in the market, without unnecessary barriers and by ensuring equal opportunities for all."1
And another finding from the aforementioned report:
"Compared to leading innovators, it is essential for Slovenia to increase trust in the rule of law and improve the stability and predictability of policies and legislative changes."2
Low-hanging fruit in practice
Now, let's look at a concrete example of simple solutions that can lead to quick wins, or what we colloquially call "low-hanging fruit."
Last year, after many months—more precisely, a good two years—we received somewhat updated legislation in the field of employment of foreigners. We know that Slovenia lacks ICT experts, a fact the state has recognized by preparing a set of legislative amendments. This represents a positive step toward making it easier to attract experts to fill developmental, higher-paying positions through simpler procedures.
Among other things, the state has recognized that in today's world, employment in the ICT sector is no longer necessarily conditioned solely and exclusively by formal education, but that professional experience also counts. A win! So, foreign ICT experts could also seek employment in Slovenia on this basis. However, the state set some conditions for assessing such experience, which in itself is not a bad thing. The problem arises when we face implementation.
The aforementioned legislative changes3 have been in effect since May and June 2025, when we received the legal basis for the appointment of a commission (Article 20.c of the Employment, Self-Employment and Work of Foreigners Act), which will appoint experts (Article 20.b of the same act) to verify candidates' professional experience. The commission must consist of representatives from three ministries (Labor, Economy, Higher Education), a representative employers' organization, and a representative trade union organization. Despite our inquiries as to when the commission will finally be appointed so that the other provisions of the law can be implemented, nothing has moved to this day.
Institutional competitiveness
Why even bring this up? Precisely because of the title of this post – a responsible and efficient institutional environment. Even when we finally arrive at a good, practical solution in our regulations, we fail the test when it comes to implementation. If we also consider the fact that elections are ahead of us, we will have to wait several more months for all of this. Another missed opportunity.
These are the quick wins that would make life and work easier for all of us. And innovative countries are certainly outpacing us in this regard as well. So, it is not always just about regulations and words on paper, because paper can withstand anything. Often, or even too often, the problem of bureaucratic hurdles begins and ends with (in)effective implementation. That is why we at the STF have always highlighted such issues, offered proposals, and helped find solutions, and we will continue to do so.
Because greater economic competitiveness is vitally dependent on institutional competitiveness.
Barbara Krajnc
Director of the Slovenian Technology Forum, GIZ
[1] IMAD Development Report 2025, p. 152.
[2] IMAD Development Report 2025, p. 157.
[3] Act Amending the Employment, Self-Employment and Work of Foreigners Act (ZZSDT-E), Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia 32/2025, May 6, 2025.
