International programmes in technological development

International RTD programmes are one of the main sources for companies to access the latest knowledge and to be involved in cutting-edge networks and consortia.

International programmes for networking, knowledge transfer and co-funding of technological development are Eureka, Eurostars and Horizon Europe. The programmes are presented in more detail on the Innovation website.

European Research Area

The European Research Area (ERA) is designed to promote cooperation, knowledge-sharing and innovation across Europe. It is a framework for coordinating research and innovation activities between the Member States of the European Union (EU) and associated countries.

The ERA has a policy agenda which sets out voluntary actions for the period 2022–2024. These actions contribute to the priority areas identified in the Council Recommendation on a Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe (the Research and Innovation Pact). These priority areas include open science, the green and digital transition, excellence and efficiency, research careers, and mobility.

ERA Action 12 is one of the key actions that aims to:

• create stronger links among research, innovation and industry;
• promote the systematic transfer of research and innovation results into the EU industrial ecosystems, including through the development of appropriate technological infrastructure;
• mobilise private and public investment in research and innovation to accelerate the development and deployment of key green technologies, technological infrastructures, skills and business solutions to advance the digital and green transition and develop greater resilience;
• encourage industrial ecosystems to adopt and apply new knowledge, skills, infrastructures and technologies.

The ERA and its policy agenda bring together research and innovation efforts across Europe, contributing to sustainable development and competitiveness on a global scale.

European Institute of Innovation and Technology

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) is an EU body set up by the European Union in 2008 to enhance Europe's capacity for innovation. The EIT forms part of Horizon Europe, the EU's framework programme for research and innovation.

The results of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology since 2008:

• eight innovation communities established,
• 50 innovation hubs across Europe,
• more than 1,250 companies supported (in the start-up and growth phase),
• more than EUR 890 million of private finance raised,
• more than 6,100 new jobs created,
• more than 1,700 Masters and PhD graduates, with more than 5,000 expected by the end of 2020,
• more than 640 new products and services.

Tax incentives for R&D investments

The tax relief is intended for successful, profitable companies. It provides an incentive, since by undertaking risky R&D activities which are inherently unpredictable, they are allowed to reduce their tax burden.

Companies can therefore also plan their R&D expenditure in such a way as to achieve two effects at the same time: a competitive advantage through R&D and a reduction in the tax base by that amount. The tax relief is 100% of the R&D investment. The net effect is determined by the tax rate, which depends on the person's legal form, i.e. legal or natural person.

For more information and advice on tax relief for R&D investments, please see the following link in the document Tax relief for R&D investments (content in Slovenian).