Državni sekretar Matevž Frangež na obisku v Novem mestu
Novo mesto, 12 March 2025 - Development Centre Novo mesto (RC NM), Rudolfovo - Science and Technology Centre Novo mesto, Faculty of Industrial Engineering Novo mesto (FINI) and Revoz d.d. hosted the State Secretary of the Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport Matevž Frangež and his team on a working visit.
The main purpose of the visit was to underline the importance of cooperation between the development, higher education, research and industry sectors, which brings benefits both for the local community and at national level. Only through well-thought-out activities, shaped in cooperation between development centres, higher education institutions, scientific institutes and industry, can Slovenia compete effectively in the global market.
The hosts, Franci Bratkovič, Director of RC NM, Prof. Dr. Janez Povh, Director of Rudolfovo, Prof. Dr. Simon Muhič, Dean of FINI, and Mag. Jože Bele, highlighted how they identified common opportunities and how the networking of their organisations can contribute to faster economic progress in the region and greater resilience to current economic and social challenges. They showcased successful projects from the past and outlined concrete proposals for new projects to address the current situation.
The guests were introduced to the GREMO project - Mission for Green and Digital Transformation of the Slovenian Automotive Industry, which brings together RC NM, Rudolfovo and Revoz. Other innovative solutions and development plans based on the tactical integration of all key stakeholders were also presented. They highlighted the need for new infrastructure, including additional office space and high-tech laboratories, to further strengthen applied research.
Collaboration and synergies between strategic development work, research and industry allow for an effective transfer of knowledge into practice. They support the creation of quality jobs and provide practical support for the realisation of business ideas through a wide range of youth programmes and advisory activities for entrepreneurs. Participation in national and international projects also contributes to the growth of knowledge, which is key to economic competitiveness and social well-being. RC NM aims to participate in the creation of 150 new businesses employing a total of 1,500 people over the next 15 years. This would make the region more resilient to economic fluctuations and less dependent on large corporations.
The idea of supporting the establishment and development of a public university based in Novo mesto was also presented during the visit, which would further strengthen cooperation in the region and have a number of positive effects.
Franci Bratkovič, Director of the Development Centre Novo mesto, said: "RC NM is very active in working with young people in the field of entrepreneurship and technology. This inspires young people to make a better choice for professions that will be very much needed in the future."
"The establishment of a public university based in Novo mesto would enable the education of highly educated staff, economic development and thus increase international competitiveness," emphasises Prof. Dr. Simon Muhič, Dean of the Faculty of Industrial Engineering Novo mesto.
"Rudolfovo, as an institute focused on the creation and transfer of high-tech knowledge to the economy, is a new window to the global treasury of knowledge for the economy of Novo mesto and beyond, from which we draw the best ideas and implement them in the industrial environment," adds Prof. Dr. Janez Povh, Director of Rudolfovo - Science and Technology Centre Novo mesto.
"At Revoz, we have strengthened our development activities in the context of a new investment project for the production of a future small electric vehicle. We are pleased to have partnered with local development organisations and companies in the automotive industry to ensure that the positive effects of such an important development project will be even better reflected in the local environment," adds mag. Jože Bele, President of the Management Board of Revoz d.d.
The visit concluded with a summary of the key findings and an emphasis on the need for further networking between business and research and development and educational institutions.
Press information: Rudolfovo, Public Relations, Katja Sinur, e-mail: katja.sinur@rudolfovo.eu, 040 320 516.
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