Slovakia’s 2030 Digital Transformation Strategy

Slovakia’s 2030 Digital Transformation Strategy is a comprehensive government plan designed to guide the country through its transition into a successful digital nation. This strategic framework is designed to ensure that by 2030, Slovakia will have fully embraced the digital era, benefiting from technological advancements while ensuring sustainable development and high-quality living standards for its citizens.

Vision and goals

The strategy envisions Slovakia becoming a modern, innovative, and ecologically sustainable country by 2030, with a strong knowledge-based and data-driven economy, effective public administration, and a high quality of life for its citizens in the digital era.

Key areas of focus

The strategy focuses on five main areas where digital transformation is crucial:

1. Economy: Entrepreneurs are encouraged to innovate, benefiting from reduced administrative burdens and government incentives.
2. Society and education: Citizens are equipped with digital skills, their rights are protected, and they are empowered to fully participate in the digital age.
3. Public administration: A modern public administration that effectively manages national and local territories using smart technologies.
4. Territorial development: Building smart cities and regions with participatory development and agile data usage.
5. Science, research, and innovation: Keeping pace with global trends and contributing new, high-quality scientific knowledge.

Approach to digital transformation

The strategy employs a systemic approach at three levels:

1. Policy and Legislation: Adjusting policies and legislative frameworks to support digital transformation by simplifying, removing obsolete rules, or adopting new concepts.
2. Innovation Laboratories: Establishing labs to experiment with new public administration formats, business models, and technologies.
3. Project Development: Shifting the focus from traditional grants to EU-managed programs, with an emphasis on innovation and efficiency.

Short-term and long-term horizons

The strategy is divided into two time frames:

• Short-Term Horizon (2019-2022): Prioritises the digital transformation of schools and education, setting the foundation for a modern data and digital economy, and improving public administration’s ability to use data and innovations.
• Long-Term Horizon (2022-2030): Expands on the short-term goals, aiming for an innovative digital economy, educated and secure society, effective public administration, smart territorial development, and high-quality research and innovation.

Challenges and opportunities

The strategy acknowledges several challenges, such as limited resources, the need for a coordinated approach across different sectors, and the necessity of integrating national strategies with global trends. However, it also identifies opportunities, such as leveraging EU funding, enhancing digital skills, and positioning Slovakia as an innovation hub in the region.

Key initiatives

Some key initiatives include:

• Digital transformation of education: Focus on increasing digital literacy and integrating digital tools into the curriculum.
• Support for innovative Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Encouraging the development of new digital services and products.
• Building smart cities: Developing infrastructure and policies to support smart urban development.
• Enhancing public services: Using AI and other digital technologies to improve the efficiency and transparency of public administration.

Implementation

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic for Investments and Informatisation (ODPMII) is the main coordinator of the strategy. The office works in cooperation with other state authorities to set priorities, implement the strategy, and ensure that digital transformation benefits citizens and the business environment.