Slovenia boasts an extremely diverse support environment for start-ups and fast-growing companies. Although it is a small country, Slovenia generates an enviable number of innovative start-ups, a large proportion of which achieve globally successful breakthroughs. The state plays an important role in the development and the global competitiveness of the supportive environment, both through substantive backing and funding.

In addition to talented individuals, access to capital is essential for the development of such ideas, throughout all stages of a company’s development. Global rapid growth often requires investments of millions of euros. “Banks do not usually finance such projects due to the high risk involved, so venture capital is key. Without start-up investment and access to capital, even the most promising ideas have little chance of coming to life,” says Kostanjevec.

“The arrival of the corona has exposed many social structural weaknesses that were previously unconscious or more hidden. Overnight, it became even clearer how important are innovation, sustainability, green approaches, social responsibility, and adaptability to new circumstances. Companies have been forced to innovate to a higher degree, to think outside the box, to adapt their business models, and to digitise,” remarks Kostanjevec. He adds that start-up investments are important not only in stimulating and bringing about the innovation born in start-ups, but also in helping existing companies innovate and adapt their business models. This is where start-up investments can play an important role, provided, of course, that it is not about solving unpromising situations, but about newly discovered opportunities,” says Kostanjevec.

Entrepreneurial success requires a lot of support on different levels: at school, in acquiring knowledge, and in developing both creativity and an entrepreneurial mindset. Later on, when developing an innovative idea, mentors and advisors are essential. Companies need proper interlocutors, often with access to research equipment, capital, business premises, and other infrastructure. “Same as with top athletes, it is difficult for entrepreneurs to succeed on their own, which is why support is a must. Without the right support, there would be significantly less entrepreneurial success,” says Kostanjevec.

He gives the example of how entrepreneurship is supported in the early stages by SPIRIT Slovenia. “We have two strong plaftorms. The first is the national SPOT system, which brings together a range of support services offering free help, information and advice to businesses. The second platform is SIO, which connects business and university incubators, accelerators, technology parks, and other environments that enable the creation and growth of new businesses.” More than 120 mentors and 200 business advisors are connected to SIO centres. Each year, they organise more than 600 workshops, lectures, startup weekends, informal meetings and other training events, supporting more than 100 entrepreneurs on their entrepreneurial journey.

“We can proudly say that SPOTs and SIOs represent a solid foundation and a central infrastructure for the creation of new breakthrough entrepreneurial stories in Slovenia,” says Kostanjevec.

But SPIRIT Slovenia’s activity does not stop outside domestic borders. They are also actively involved in the entrepreneurial environment of Western Balkans countries. “We are aware that we should not operate in a bubble, but cooperate internationally. That is why we have strong links and cooperation with the countries of the Western Balkans. Not only at an umbrella level, but also at the level of companies, organising delegations, visits, promoting international trade … It is important to underline the importance of sharing knowledge, good practices and connecting entrepreneurs. The Slovenian entrepreneurial ecosystem, including SPIRIT Slovenia, has the desire and ambition to see even more of this kind of networking in the future,” explains Kostanjevec.

“In the Western Balkans, we can provide good entrepreneurial support to innovative entrepreneurs, and we can also find niches where we are already leaders. We are very proud that Slovenia is becoming an European leader in the number of the so-called ‘hidden champions’ – many Slovenian companies are world leaders in specific areas in high-tech and niche technologies,” says Kostanjevec, adding that this knowledge, case studies, technology, along with all the support services, are now becoming increasingly available the Western Balkans, to entrepreneurs and to individuals striving to enter the world of entrepreneurship.

The covid pandemic has had a significant impact on the logistics sector around the globe. The Western Balkans is no exception in this regard. Within what is a relatively low-margin industry, logistics players rely on well-established networks to streamline operations. Since the sector is highly competitive, logistics operators need to constantly invest in upgrading their business processes, facilities, and infrastructure.

While many companies struggled to keep their head above water, others were lucky enough to be able to improve their business position in these harsh times. Investing in better infrastructure, for instance, has proved to be one of the most important drivers of post-pandemic recovery. For the Slovenian enterprise Port of Koper (Luka Koper), building better infrastructure was to good an opportunity to be missed.

Despite the covid situation, the operator of the multi-purpose port of Koper completed two years of intensive investment. In 2020, they put almost €68 million in the new infrastructure and equipment, and in 2021, planed investment amounted to €75 million. A significant proportion of these upgrades are focused at the container and automotive segments. The company has one main goal: to improve the effectiveness and the quality of business operations, so as to be more competitive and attract new partnerships.

In 2020, the company implemented two major improvements aimed at the automotive segment. A new dedicated RO-RO berth was opened, and a new railway access platform was built on the north-east side of the port. The year 2021 saw the conclusion of two additional projects. A new, third truck gate was opened, and a new garage with the capacity of 6,000 cars was completed in May.

With an annual throughput of over 600.000 cars, the Koper car terminal ranks among the top automotive ports in the Mediterranean.

In June 2021, the company inaugurated a 100-meters extension of the container terminal quay. The goals, however, are not fully achieved yet, with new stacking areas due for completion in 2022. This will raise the annual capacity to 1.5 million TEU. “In late 2022, two additional super post-panamx STS cranes will be installed at the new container. With almost one million of TEUs handled, Koper is the first container terminal in Adriatic,” explains Sebastjan Šik, head of public relations at the Port of Koper.

A major contribution to Port of Koper’ competitiveness will be the new railway line. Finally, construction works on the new rail route between Port of Koper and the hinterland began in May 2021. According to the project timetable managed by the state-owned company 2TDK, the due date for the 27 km-long section is 2025, while the track is expected to be operational in 2026. Šik describes the project as “the new chapter in the port development”, adding: “With this modern and reliable railway connection, a new chapter of business opportunities and development is opening up for Slovenian logistics and for the countries who rely in their supply chain on the Port of Koper.”