Action Plan for the Digital Transformation of Slovakia (2019–2022)

August 2019

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Strategies and Action Plans

The document you provided is the “Action Plan for the Digital Transformation of Slovakia for 2019–2022.” This plan is a strategic initiative that aims to guide Slovakia’s transformation into a digitally advanced country. The Action Plan is aligned with the broader 2030 Digital Transformation Strategy for Slovakia and focuses on several key areas that are crucial for achieving digital transformation within the country.

Key Objectives and Strategic Areas:

  1. Digital Transformation of Schools and Education:
    • Goal: To improve the quality of education and enhance the acquisition of digital skills necessary for the modern digital era.
    • Measures: This includes supporting digital transformation in education, modernizing the labor market, and integrating digital skills across all levels of education.
  2. Modern Digital and Data Economy:
    • Goal: Establish a foundation for a modern digital and data-driven economy.
    • Measures: This involves fostering an innovation ecosystem, promoting smart mobility, and supporting financial innovations like FinTech.
  3. Public Administration Innovation:
    • Goal: Improve the ability of public administration to innovate and effectively use data for the benefit of citizens.
    • Measures: This includes utilizing data in public administration and driving innovations in government services.
  4. Support for Artificial Intelligence Development:
    • Goal: Boost the development and application of artificial intelligence in Slovakia.
    • Measures: This involves supporting AI research and education and promoting AI-driven economic growth.

Implementation and Coordination:

  • The Action Plan is divided into three types of measures: Regulation, Organization, and Projects. These measures focus on setting up a legal framework, preparing the technological and human resources, and implementing specific projects that drive digital transformation.
  • Monitoring and Reporting: The Directorate General for Digital Agenda is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Action Plan and reporting progress to the Slovak government.

Institutional Framework:

  • The plan emphasizes strengthening Slovakia’s institutional framework to enhance its innovation effectiveness and its ability to utilize EU digital funds effectively.

Importance of International Cooperation:

  • Success heavily depends on international cooperation, particularly in sharing best practices and aligning with European policies and funding opportunities.

This Action Plan is designed to be flexible and responsive to changing technological trends and global priorities, ensuring that Slovakia remains competitive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The Action Plan for the Digital Transformation of Slovakia (2019–2022) places significant emphasis on the development and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI). The plan aims to support the creation of a robust AI ecosystem in Slovakia by focusing on research, education, and the application of AI technologies across various sectors.

Key AI Initiatives in the Plan:

  1. Establishment of AI Research and Utilization Platforms:
    • The Action Plan advocates for the establishment of a Slovak platform for research and utilization of artificial intelligence. This platform is intended to serve as a central hub, connecting academic research teams, industry, and public sector stakeholders. The goal is to foster collaboration, enhance the transfer of research outcomes into practical applications, and support innovation in AI across different domains.
  2. Strengthening Education and Ethical Principles in AI:
    • A significant focus is placed on strengthening education in AI and ensuring that ethical principles guide the development and deployment of AI technologies. This includes creating educational programs to develop AI talent and encouraging adherence to ethical standards in AI research and application.
  3. Preventing Brain Drain and Attracting Talent:
    • The plan highlights the importance of preventing the brain drain of AI experts from Slovakia and attracting international talent. By providing competitive opportunities and establishing top-level scientific facilities, the country aims to retain and attract professionals in the AI field.
  4. Participation in International AI Projects:
    • Slovakia intends to actively participate in international AI projects to maximize the utilization of EU funds and other resources. This involvement is seen as crucial for enhancing the country’s AI capabilities and ensuring that Slovakia stays competitive in the rapidly evolving global AI landscape.
  5. Integration of AI in Public Administration:
    • The plan also emphasizes the use of AI in public administration to improve innovation, efficiency, and service delivery. By integrating AI technologies, Slovakia aims to modernize its public sector and create more responsive and effective governance structures.
  6. Support for AI in Key Economic Sectors:
    • AI is viewed as a critical driver of economic growth in Slovakia. The plan outlines measures to support the use of AI in various economic sectors, with a particular focus on increasing productivity, optimizing processes, and fostering the development of new business models that leverage AI.