Presentation by Ms. Zuzana Nehajova, Ministry of Economy, Slovak Republic, given at the OECD Launch of the SME Policy Index for the Western Balkans and Turkey 2016. 28 April 2016

1. Effective Policies Supporting SMEs
Access to Global Markets
Zuzana Nehajova, Director General for Innovation and
Business Environment, The Ministry of Economy of the
Slovak Republic
April 28th 2016
Paris

2. 2
Introduction of Slovak Business Environment
Slovakia in a Nutshell
• Free market economy
• Automotive and electronics industries
• Top 15 worldwide for FDI and trade
• Export is over 70% GDP
• SMEs provide 72% employment
• Specialization in services, retail, manufacturing

3. 3
and changes for SMEs
The most important reforms
Privatization of Banking Sector
Restructuralization,
Recovery and Privatization
Health Care Reform
Debt Relief, Health Services
Payments, Joint Stock
Insurance Companies
Legislation
Tax Reform, Active Labor
Market Policy, Bankruptcy Act
Social Insurance System
Flexible Labor Code,
Activation Benefits,
Sickness Benefits
Retirement Reform
Strong Capitalization
Pillar, Retirement Age
Public Administration Reform
Competence
Decentralization, Local
Government Reform
Business Environment
Tax Reduction, Legislative
Simplification
Adoption of €
Increased Stability,
Improved Economic-
Political Framework

4. 4
Internationalization of SMEs
Vynikajúce
10%89%
5% vs
64%29%
Export of SMEs
represent 29% of
total export
5% of SMEs
undertake exports
compared to 64%
of large
companies
10% of Slovak
SMEs export
outside of EU89% of Slovak
SMEs export
within EU

5. Operational Program
Research and Innovation 2014- 2020
Actions taken by the Slovak Business Agency
and Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency
Key services for internationalization of SMEs
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Short and Long-term free consulting services
• Events and trade shows abroad
• Online marketing and promotion services when entering new markets
Better Regulation Center
Aims to analyze the regulatory burden of SMEs when doing business and issues associated
with going global

6. 6
A project for experienced professionals to coach entrepreneurs
Virtual Business Accelerator
Platform
Connecting experienced
professionals and
entrepreneurs
Early stage development
Professionals share
their expertise
Win-win situation
Startups get invaluable
advices, mentors get
access to interesting ideas
President Andrej Kiska
Ambassador of the
project is The President
of the Slovak Republic
Professionals from abroad
Startups from Slovakia

7. 7
Innovative representation
Economic diplomacy
Mediation of contacts
Development of trade
and investment
cooperation
Offer available capital
Search for joint
research and
innovation projects
Innovative
Envoy

8. 8
Slovak Innovation Policy and Smart Industry concept
Innovations in Slovakia
Innovation Strategy RIS3
Innovation Strategy of the Slovak Republic
Innovative hubs and clusters
Joint research projects, education, internationalization
and development
V4 Innovation TaskforceCreation of digital platform with an intention
to support competitiveness of V4 region
R&D
HUBS
SMEs
Holistic Approach
Focus in on entire ecosystem,
including traditional industries
Smart Industry Strategy
Following the example of UK and Germany
SMART

9. 9
Better Regulations in Slovakia
REGULATIONS RIA UNIFIED
METHODOLOGY
ANALYTICAL
PROCESS
INNOVATION
SUPPORT
EX-ANTE IMPACT
Transparent, stable
and predictable
regulatory framework
Regulatory Impact
Assessment
Comprehensive
revision of the Unified
Methodology for
Assessment of
Selected Impacts
SME Test,
Consultation with
stakeholders, Quality
control mechanism
Regulatory framework
supporting innovations
The Ministry of
Economy has
launched ex ante
impact assessment

10. Preferred business destinations for Slovak SMEs
Germany
Finland
Washington
Israel
Silicon Valley
South Korea
United Kingdom
Singapore
Shanghai
Japan
Automotive, Biotechnology, Nanotechnology, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Technology
Robotics, Healthcare, Energy Efficiency, CleanTech, FinTech
Mediacom, Financial Services, CleanTech, Healthcare, Cyber Security
ICT, Software, Security-related Technologies such as Encryption, Fraud Protection, Mobile
Surveillance, Medical Devices, Water Technology, BioTech and Nanotech, Cyber Security
Electronics, ICT, Machinery, Biotech, Cyber Security
Creative Industry, R&D in Natural Sciences and Engineering, Health
(medicine and pharmaceuticals), Fintech
Electronics and Biomedical
Energy, Media, Environmental Protection
Start-ups (ICT software)
ICT, Robotics, Consumer Electronics, BioTech

11. 11
Thank you for your attention.