Project Objective

The project TransSLO-PLUS is a follow-up of the TransSLO project, which has set up the foundations for the identification of all research institutions active in the field of transport in Slovenia. Additionally, TransSLO defined the fundamental directives and priorities for the Slovenian national programme of research in transport.

TransSLO showed that Slovenia had a large research potential as far as the field of transport was concerned. According to its findings, researchers in Slovenia have performed quite well on the national and international level, however, it was identified that there had been a lack of collaboration between researchers on a national level. Additionally, Slovenian researchers, institutions and companies ought to have been more present in European research networks, where many innovative solutions to the common problems of the EU are conceived. This finding is particularly pertinent to SMEs involved in R&D activities in transport, since their participation in European research networks is especially stimulated by the European Commission.

Slovenian research institutions have a clear comparative advantage in relation to institutions from other EU member states as far as the solving of Western Balkan specific problems is concerned. In light of the expected, fast economic growth and integration of the Western Balkans, this region will undoubtedly have to resolve many important issues linked to transport. The Slovenian research community could have an important part to play in this process.

The project is following the fundamental directives and priorities for research in transport that have been defined by the Slovenian Ministry of Transport in cooperation with several experts from the field. TransSLO-PLUS will provide the infrastructure and soft-measures for:

• the intensification of collaboration and coordination among Slovenian research organisations,
• the promotion of cooperation with other stakeholders,
• higher visibility of research and development results.

TransSLO-PLUS will contribute to:

• the preparation of the Slovenian national program and a national research policy in the field of transport,
• the implementation of the European Research Area (ERA) in environmentally friendly transport,
• a faster and more intensive transfer of knowledge and innovation into practice,
• a higher participation of Slovenian SMEs in ERA,
• the begging of collaboration among research centres in the Wester Balkans,
• improved collaboration between research centres and other stakeholders,
• improved employment opportunities for Slovenian researchers in the field of transport.

The project will thereby set solid foundations for an accelerated development of domestic knowledge and its more effective use in the development of Slovenian transport systems. Furthermore, it will improve the ability of Slovenian stakeholders to take part in European research networks. Hence, TransSLO-PLUS is a direct answer to future challenges to the EU and all its member states.