With a population of just over two million, Slovenia is positioning itself as one of Europe’s next innovation hubs. The country combines scientific excellence, a highly educated workforce, and strong international ties to create a model for sustainable and knowledge-driven growth.

Building on Knowledge and Science

“Slovenia is a community that invests in science, education, culture, and sport,” said Nataša Pirc Musar, President of the Republic of Slovenia, in her Statehood Day address. This vision highlights the foundation of Slovenia’s strategy: a knowledge-based economy powered by advanced capabilities in science, technology, and research.

Around 4% of the Slovenian population holds a PhD, the highest rate in Europe. Institutions such as the Jožef Stefan Institute, which also hosts UNESCO’s International Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence, are at the heart of the country’s research ecosystem. Technical and vocational schools, like the Secondary Technical and Vocational School Trbovlje, link education with regional businesses, ensuring that skills meet industry needs.

Economic Growth and Investment Climate

The European Commission forecasts GDP growth of 2% for Slovenia in 2025, higher than the EU average. Per-capita GDP now stands at 91% of the EU average. International confidence is strong: foreign direct investment rose to €28 billion in 2024, a 3.6% increase year on year. Slovenia’s total trade in 2024 amounted to 156% of GDP, reflecting its openness to global markets.

“We are moving towards becoming one of the next European hubs for innovation,” says Matevž Frangež, State Secretary at the Ministry of the Economy, Tourism, and Sport of Slovenia. “Our national industrial strategy focuses on promising new sectors such as AI, biotechnology, and net-zero technology.”

Slovenia is also the seventh most robotized economy in the world and ranks 11th in economic complexity. This underlines its ability to produce high-tech, knowledge-based products.

Supporting Startups and Talent

Slovenia has set out a comprehensive startup strategy. Key measures include a tailored corporate legal form for startups, a startup visa to attract global talent, and incentives for venture capital investment. The government also supports incubators and technology parks that strengthen the innovation ecosystem.

“We see an emerging, vibrant, and dynamic ecosystem in Slovenian startups,” says Frangež. “We want more Slovenian brands to be known worldwide because of Slovenian knowledge, innovation, and design.”

International Relations and Global Engagement

Slovenia’s transatlantic partnerships are central to its development. The U.S.-Slovenia Strategic Dialogues, launched in 2020, provide a platform for cooperation. At the 2024 meeting, Slovenia signed the Artemis Accords, creating opportunities in space technologies and research. The 2025 Dialogue will take place in Washington, D.C.

Multilateral engagement remains a key priority. The Bled Strategic Forum, Slovenia’s flagship international conference, will mark its 20th edition in 2025 under the theme “A Runaway World,” exploring Europe’s role in global challenges.

Culture and European Identity

Slovenia’s cultural agenda plays a prominent role. Nova Gorica has been designated as one of the European Capitals of Culture 2025 under the theme “GO! Borderless.” “European Capital of Culture Nova Gorica looks beyond borders, aiming to heal, envision, and inspire a shared future,” says Dr. Asta Vrečko, Minister of Culture of Slovenia. She stresses the importance of Slovenian language and heritage: “Our language binds us together. With only two million speakers, it is central to our identity.”

The Ministry of Culture has increased its budget significantly and is developing policies to strengthen audiovisual arts and film, where collaboration with the United States holds particular promise.

Ljubljana’s Green Vision

The capital, Ljubljana, is recognized as one of Europe’s greenest cities, with 75% of its area covered by green spaces and 20 hectares dedicated to pedestrian zones. “We are interested in investments that improve our citizens’ quality of life,” says Zoran Janković, Mayor of Ljubljana. “I want Ljubljana to continue being a clean, safe, green, and friendly city.” The city invests more than 12% of its GDP in cultural activities and hosts over 10,000 events annually.

Business Leaders and Industry Champions

Several Slovenian companies are achieving global success:

  • Dewesoft, a manufacturer of data acquisition systems used by NASA and Tesla, highlights the country’s engineering excellence. “This geographic diversification strengthens our business,” says Tilen Sotler, CEO of Dewesoft.
  • Medex, a leader in bee-based health products, continues to innovate in apitherapy. “Expansion is one of our key priorities for the next year,” explains Aleša Mižigoj, CEO of Medex.
  • Sava Re, one of Southeast Europe’s largest reinsurers, generates over €1 billion in gross written premiums. “If you invest with us, you are investing in a company with a proven track record,” says Marko Jazbec, CEO of Sava Re.
  • NLB Group, Slovenia’s largest bank, plays a vital role in regional finance. Blaž Brodnjak, CEO of NLB, highlights Slovenia’s appeal: “For investors, Slovenia presents a compelling, diversified economic proposition.”
  • SIQ – Slovenian Institute of Quality and Metrology, provides certification and testing services. “Our services are interesting for U.S. companies because of our unique approach,” notes Gregor Schoss, Managing Director of SIQ.
  • AmCham Slovenia, representing over 400 companies with $24 billion in revenue, fosters transatlantic ties. “American companies need good allies and to feel at home. Europe is the right place to be,” says Ajša Vodnik, CEO of AmCham Slovenia.

Energy and Sustainability

Slovenia targets 55% renewable electricity by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050. “We must build a strong network that will support the green transition,” stresses Uroš Blažica, President of GIZ (Slovenia’s Electricity Distribution Economic Interest Grouping) and CEO of Elektro Primorska. Investments in low-voltage networks are supporting solar panels, electric vehicles, and heat pumps, backed by EU funding.

Science and Life Sciences

BioSistemika, a spin-out of the National Institute of Biology, develops software for life science laboratories, including the successful SciNote platform. “For our American clients, we are a trusted strategic ally—innovative, reliable, and deeply knowledgeable,” says Roswita Golčer Hrastnik, CEO of BioSistemika.

BIA Separations, a specialist in bioprocessing and purification of biomolecules, exports 80% of its products to the U.S. “Clients trust us to deliver, and we meet their expectations,” says Aleš Štrancar, Founder and CEO of BIA Separations.

Tourism: Growth and Authenticity

Slovenian tourism reached new records in 2024, welcoming 6.6 million visitors and generating 16.9 million overnight stays. Over 75% of arrivals came from abroad. The U.S. is among the fastest-growing markets, with American arrivals up 18% in Ljubljana and 25% since 2019.

“We have a clear vision: to position Slovenia as a boutique, green destination focused on quality, sustainability, and authenticity,” says Maja Pak, Director of the Slovenian Tourist Board. “Sustainability is not optional; it is the only path forward.”

“U.S. travelers are valued here because of their respect for Europe,” emphasizes Petra Stušek, CEO of Ljubljana Tourism – Visit Ljubljana. “They want to explore our heritage and culture.”

Beyond Ljubljana, Slovenia’s Alpine resorts, Adriatic coast, and spa destinations remain popular. Terme Čatež, Central Europe’s largest waterpark, welcomes one million swimmers annually. “Once Americans discover Slovenia, they recognize it as a hidden gem—ideal for nature, wellness, and leisure travel,” says Bojan Petan, CEO of Terme Čatež.

A Small Country with a Global Outlook

Slovenia may be small, but it offers stability, innovation, and openness. Its EU membership, strong credit ratings, and location at the crossroads of Europe make it a natural hub for trade, investment, and cultural exchange. As the nation continues its journey, it remains committed to sustainability, knowledge, and international partnership.

As Dr. Asta Vrečko, Minister of Culture of Slovenia, concludes: “Slovenia offers an abundance of talent and expertise, making partnerships mutually enriching.”