Code     

V5-2507

Period

1.9.2025 – 31.8.2027

 

Range on year

 

Head

Tjaša Redek, Ph.D.

 

Research activity 

Social sciences/ Economics

 

Abstract

OBJECTIVE 1: IDENTIFICATION OF KEY TYPES OF INVESTMENT

1.1 Prepare a comprehensive overview of current investment activity in Slovenian enterprises, defining the volume, dynamics and main characteristics of those investments that are central for economic growth and competitiveness.

1.2 Analyse different forms of tangible investment and determine their contribution to productivity growth as well as the main barriers and opportunities for their financing.

1.3 Examine the role and structure of intangible investments, such as expenditure on research and development, information technologies, intellectual property and brand development, with the aim of understanding their impact on innovation and the long-term competitiveness of firms.

1.4 Study technological investments, including investments in digitalisation, automation, robotisation and other advanced technologies, and assess how these contribute to improved efficiency, product quality and the adaptability of business processes.

1.5 Explore investments in the development of human capital, that is, investments in knowledge, education, training and other forms of competence upgrading of employees, and analyse the role such investments play for productivity growth, organisational culture and the long-term stability of firms.

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OBJECTIVE 2: ANALYSIS OF THE PRODUCTIVITY OF SLOVENIAN FIRMS AND ECONOMIC SECTORS

2.1 Prepare an overview of the core productivity indicators for the entire economy and for individual sectors.

2.2 Decompose productivity differences between sectors and identify the key reasons for these gaps (technological factors, organisational practices, competitiveness, etc.).

2.3 Compare the productivity of Slovenian firms with selected EU and CEE countries and thus assess the competitive position of the Slovenian economy in the broader European context.

2.4 Assess the extent to which productivity is affected by structural characteristics of firms (size, ownership structure, export orientation) and determine which types of firms achieve the highest productivity levels.

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OBJECTIVE 3: ANALYSIS OF THE FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE FIRMS’ INVESTMENT ACTIVITY

3.1 Examine macroeconomic factors that influence investment decisions in the short and the long run.

3.2 Investigate institutional and regulatory factors that either encourage or constrain investment activity.

3.3 Evaluate specific sectoral and regional characteristics that increase or reduce the attractiveness of investment.

3.4 Analyse entrepreneurial (micro) factors that contribute to higher investment activity (e.g. availability of internal financial resources, management factors, development orientation).

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OBJECTIVE 4: ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF INVESTMENT ON FIRMS’ PRODUCTIVITY

4.1 Examine how different forms of investment in tangible assets (equipment, digital technologies, R&D, etc.) affect productivity growth and what the time dimension of this impact is.

4.2 Examine how different forms of investment in intangible capital affect productivity growth and what the time dimension of this impact is (how quickly an investment translates into measurable productivity improvements).

4.3 Investigate possible complementarities between investments in intangible and tangible assets (e.g. how investment in digital transformation increases the efficiency of using physical capital).

4.4 Identify specific factors that condition the returns on investments in intangible assets (e.g. appropriate staffing, organisational culture, degree of digitalisation, technological readiness).

OBJECTIVE 5: POLICY GUIDELINES TO PROMOTE BUSINESS INVESTMENT AND PRODUCTIVITY

(INCLUDING GUIDELINES FOR THE DESIGN OF A PRO-COMPETITIVE INDUSTRIAL POLICY)

5.1 Define a set of strategic guidelines for sectors with high growth potential, taking into account the comparative advantages of the Slovenian economy and the opportunities for moving into sectors with higher value added.

5.2 Develop measures to promote investment in human capital (e.g. training programmes, tax incentives for employee education), with an emphasis on a supportive environment for innovation and digital transformation.

5.3 Design a coherent pro-competitive industrial policy that combines elements of innovation policy, export promotion, attraction of foreign direct investment and the strategic development of key economic sectors.

5.4 Formulate a set of recommendations for the development of tax and financial measures that would encourage firms to increase investment and make better use of external sources of finance.

 

Researchers

Analysis of the determinants of business investment and productivity in the Slovenian economy: an in-depth analysis of the structure, dynamics and effects of investment and a comparative analysis between Slovenia and the EU

 

The phases of the project and their realization

·  Project management, which will be carried out throughout the project.

·  Development of the analytical model and preparation of the theoretical background.

·  Data collection and analysis.

·  Preparation of policy recommendations.

·  Final report and dissemination.

 

Citations for bibliographic records

Analysis of the determinants of business investment and productivity in the Slovenian economy: an in-depth analysis of the structure, dynamics and effects of investment and a comparative analysis between Slovenia and the EU [V5-2507]