Ljubljana, April 2, 2026 At the Slovenian Technology Forum (STF) annual members' meeting, led by Director Barbara Krajnc, we brought together the association's members and leadership at a pivotal moment: immediately following the elections, as a new political reality takes shape. The discussion was substantive, at times very direct, and focused primarily on one question: how to ensure that Slovenia becomes the top choice for high-tech companies.
The STF has reaffirmed its long-term ambition: Slovenia as the premier destination for high-tech companies and global R&D centers for emerging technologies. Achieving this goal requires a top-down strategic approach, supported by a clear national strategy, modeled after successful sectors such as the space industry, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. The key question remains: which measures can deliver the greatest impact in the shortest amount of time?
A central theme of the meeting was tax policy. We reviewed political party proposals regarding social security contribution caps, adjustments to income tax brackets, increases in general tax relief, comprehensive real estate taxation, revisions to corporate income tax incentives, employee compensation systems (stock options, profit sharing), and the expansion of the contribution base to include capital gains.
Our goal is a system that incentivizes work, innovation, and long-term growth.
The STF maintains a clear position: there is no developmental breakthrough without an efficient state. Proposed measures include: simplifying procedures (building permits, hiring foreign nationals), implementing digital-first solutions, conducting a systemic review of legislation (including the use of artificial intelligence), and introducing new services such as e-notarization.
The focus must be on the user—whether a company or an individual—providing a clear, fast, and predictable user experience.
Long-term competitiveness depends on reforming the education system to meet the needs of future professions. We should place greater emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and digital literacy, integrate artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship into learning processes, foster closer collaboration between schools, businesses, and NGOs, and implement active policies to attract and retain talent, including from abroad.
Among our development initiatives, we highlighted the introduction of a "lean public limited company" (vitka d.d.) and support for the European initiative EU Inc. (the 28th jurisdiction), the development of dual-use technologies, public procurement reform, and the rationalization of subsidies—with a greater focus on value-added and productivity.
Between now and December 2026, the STF will intensify its advocacy efforts by engaging in the formation of the new government's priorities, preparing concrete and actionable measures, analyzing key political stakeholders and building relationships, forging partnerships and seeking allies, and strengthening our communication through events, media, and digital channels.
We will place special emphasis on more proactive and focused communication, with clear messaging that encourages decision-makers to take action.
A significant part of the meeting was dedicated to presenting activities for members: representing the interests of the entire community, providing individual support to members in connecting with decision-makers, sharing best practices, offering training and legislative briefings, and strengthening communication (newsletter, Slack, LinkedIn, website).
We continue to encourage our members to take an active role: sharing success stories, participating in communication efforts, and strengthening the word-of-mouth effect.
The next key milestone will be the STF General Assembly on June 18, 2026, where elections for the Management Board and Supervisory Board will take place, and the 2025 annual report and 2026 plan will be presented.
The 2026 STF Annual Members' Meeting confirmed a high level of unity, despite occasional differences in opinion and ambitions within the community. If there was one common thread in the discussion, it was a clear direction:
Slovenia has the potential to become the region's technology hub, but only if it can make key decisions in a timely manner. STF does not want to be a mere observer in this process, but an active co-creator of change.
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