This publication was prepared by the OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities (CFE), led by Lamia Kamal-Chaoui, and was produced as part of the programme of work of the Regional Development Policy Committee. The project was funded by the European Union via the Technical Support Instrument, and implemented by the OECD, in co-operation with the European Commission.
The report was developed in close collaboration with the Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development of Slovenia. The OECD extends particular gratitude to Andreja Jenko for her assistance throughout the project, as well as Srečko Đurov, Robert Drobnič, Metka Šošterič, Janez Topolšek, Jernej Prevc, Metka Farič, Bojan Suvorov, and Marko Hren. The report also greatly benefitted from the input provided by the European Commission and would like to thank Martha Cambas (Reform and Investment Task Force), Gašper Kavšek, Mihaela Beer-Nichelson and Martina Repnik (Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy) for their contributions throughout the project.
The report was co-ordinated by Josh Wood under the supervision of Maria Varinia Michalun, Head of the Governance and Strategic Planning Unit, and Dorothée Allain-Dupré, Head of the Regional Development and Multi-level Governance Division. The report was drafted by Josh Wood and Geoff Upton. The report benefitted from valuable input and comments from Maria Varinia Michalun, Antti Moisio and colleagues within CFE, as well as peer reviewers. The publication process was led by Jack Waters, the report was edited by Romy de Courtay and communications support was provided by Roxana Glavanov.
The OECD extends its appreciation to representatives from Slovenia's national government ministries who provided valuable insights, feedback and data. In particular, the report benefitted from the contributions of officials from the Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities; Ministry of Public Administration; Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport; Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning; Ministry of Finance; Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation; Ministry of Infrastructure; and Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Energy.
The OECD is particularly grateful to the directors and staff of the regional development agencies for their engagement throughout the project. Their insights were instrumental in shaping the report findings and recommendations. The report also greatly benefitted from the knowledge and advice of Peter Wostner, Secretary of the Institute of Macroeconomic Analysis and Development, Matjaž Ribaš, Director of the Regional Development Fund, and Damjan Kavaš, Director of the Institute for Economic Research. The OECD would also like to acknowledge the representatives from municipalities, municipal associations and civil-society organisations for their participation and insights.