National Digital Decade Strategic Roadmap of Slovakia

The National Digital Decade Strategic Roadmap of the Slovak Republic is a comprehensive plan designed to align Slovakia’s digital transformation efforts with the broader objectives of the European Union’s Digital Decade. The document outlines Slovakia’s strategies, challenges, and goals across four key dimensions of digital transformation:

1. Digital Skills:
   • Slovakia aims to ensure that at least 80% of its population aged 16 to 74 possesses basic digital skills by 2030.
   • There is a focus on increasing the number of ICT experts, particularly by promoting gender convergence in the ICT sector and increasing the number of ICT graduates.
   • Despite slight improvements in digital skills compared to the EU average, Slovakia faces challenges like the declining mathematical literacy of students and the brain drain of young talent.
2. Secure and Sustainable Digital Infrastructures:
   • Goals include providing 100% of households with gigabit connections and ensuring that all populated areas have at least one 5G network by 2030.
   • The roadmap identifies an investment gap for achieving these targets, particularly in rural and sparsely populated areas, and highlights the need for both private and public sector investments.
   • The Slovak Republic also aims to contribute to the EU’s semiconductor strategy and to develop edge computing capabilities.
3. Digital Transformation of Businesses:
   • The roadmap sets ambitious targets for digital transformation in the business sector, including ensuring that more than 90% of SMEs reach at least a basic level of digital intensity.
   • Slovakia aims for 75% of businesses to adopt advanced technologies like cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence.
   • Current challenges include the low uptake of digital technologies by SMEs and the need for stronger support mechanisms to drive digital transformation.
4. Digitalisation of Public Services:
   • By 2030, Slovakia aims to digitalize all key public services, ensuring that citizens and businesses can interact with public administration online.
   • The roadmap highlights the need for a more unified vision for digital public services, which have been hindered by fragmentation among ministries and stakeholders.
   • Slovakia’s strategic priorities include improving user-centric e-services, enhancing cybersecurity, and promoting digital inclusion.

The document also addresses the cooperation at the EU level and Slovakia’s participation in multinational projects to support its digital transformation goals. It acknowledges the need for further development in areas like quantum computing and semiconductors and emphasizes the importance of international collaboration and digital diplomacy.

Financial Resources:

• The roadmap outlines the financial resources allocated and planned to achieve these goals, with a combination of state budget funds and European Union funds.