Business and Managerial Start-ups, R&D, and Product Innovation in Slovenia

This article analyzes business and managerial start-ups, research and development (R&D) and innovation activities in Slovenia during economic transformation and preparation for European Union (EU) accession. The growing competitive pressures as a result of institutional and economic deregulation, preparation for EU accession, and greater reliance on profitability are likely to encourage greater incentive for firms to adopt the best technology and to innovate, developing and diffusing new products to enhance or maintain competitive positions and market share. The article addresses the crucial importance of firm entry, entrepreneurship, and managerial start-ups, R&D and product innovation activities for economic efficiency, and flexibility and competitiveness as potentially crucial factors for economic growth.