Research and development – legal and institutional framework
Research and development (R&D) in Slovakia is governed by legislation regulating state support for research and development, higher education, public research institutions, the Slovak Academy of Sciences, research funding and incentives for R&D.
The main legal framework is provided by Act No. 172/2005 Coll. on the Organisation of State Support for Research and Development, as amended. The Act regulates, among other things, the responsibilities of public authorities in the field of R&D, forms of state support, the activities of the Slovak Research and Development Agency and the information system supporting research and development.
Research and development in Slovakia is carried out primarily at higher education institutions, public research institutions, organisations of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, other public-sector research organisations and private-sector research organisations and enterprises.
Key legislation
The principal legislation governing the research and development environment includes:
Act No. 172/2005 Coll. on the Organisation of State Support for Research and Development – establishes the basic framework for the organisation and state support of R&D, including its financing and the activities of the Slovak Research and Development Agency.
Act No. 300/2025 Coll. on Higher Education Institutions (Higher Education Act) – regulates the legal status, organisation and activities of higher education institutions, including their role in research, development and other creative activities.
Act No. 133/2002 Coll. on the Slovak Academy of Sciences – regulates the status and activities of the Slovak Academy of Sciences as a self-governing scientific institution of the Slovak Republic.
Act No. 243/2017 Coll. on Public Research Institutions – regulates the establishment, legal status, governance and operation of public research institutions.
Act No. 185/2009 Coll. on Incentives for Research and Development – regulates the conditions for providing R&D incentives to eligible business entities.
Current consolidated versions of Slovak legislation are available through the Slov-Lex legal information portal.
Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic
The Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic is one of the central state administration bodies responsible for research and development policy and the implementation of measures supporting R&D in Slovakia.
State support for research and development is provided through different funding mechanisms, including institutional and competitive/project-based funding, depending on the type of organisation, activity and funding programme.
Slovak Research and Development Agency
The Slovak Research and Development Agency (APVV) is a national research funding agency established under Act No. 172/2005 Coll. It supports research and development through competitive calls and programmes and also supports international scientific and technological cooperation.
The Agency provides funding for R&D projects across scientific disciplines and administers national and international calls in accordance with its statutory responsibilities.
Research and innovation governance
The Council of the Government of the Slovak Republic for Science, Technology and Innovation (RVVTI) serves as an advisory and coordinating body of the Government in the field of research, development and innovation. It addresses strategic and conceptual issues concerning research, development and innovation policy.
The Research and Innovation Authority (VAIA) contributes to the creation and coordination of research and innovation policies and to the development and implementation of Slovakia's research and innovation strategy.
Strategic framework
Slovakia's research and innovation policy is guided by the National Strategy for Research, Development and Innovation, complemented by action plans setting out specific measures and priorities.
The Action Plan of the National Strategy for Research, Development and Innovation for 2026–2028 sets out measures aimed at strengthening Slovakia's research and innovation performance, financing, governance and cooperation between the research and business sectors.
Research and development incentives
Slovakia also provides mechanisms to support private-sector research and development. Act No. 185/2009 Coll. on Incentives for Research and Development, as amended, regulates R&D incentives provided to eligible business entities.
Additional forms of support for business R&D may be available under tax legislation and other investment and state-aid schemes. Eligibility and the form of support depend on the particular measure and applicable legislation.