Back to members
Social Innovation Country Report:
Slovakia
In Slovakia, there is a working definition for social innovation used by policymakers but not legally recognized.
Legal and Policy Frameworks

Slovakia has adopted the following legal frameworks, strategies, and vision documents related to social innovation:

  • Social Entrepreneurship
  • Social Innovation
  • Social Businesses
  • Social [and Solidarity] Economy
  • The National Strategy for Research, Development and Innovation until 2030 It defines the main actors in the implementation of action plans. In connection with ensuring the strategic development of the social innovation ecosystem, one of the main actors is the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family Slovak Republic
Current stage of implementation:
Stage1: Social Entrepreneurship / Innovation / Businesses / [and Solidarity] Economy
Stage2: Social Entrepreneurship / Innovation / Businesses / [and Solidarity] Economy
Stage3: Social Entrepreneurship / Innovation / Businesses / [and Solidarity] Economy
Stage4: Social Entrepreneurship / Innovation / Businesses / [and Solidarity] Economy
Stage5: Social Entrepreneurship / Innovation / Businesses / [and Solidarity] Economy
Stage6: Social Entrepreneurship / Innovation / Businesses / [and Solidarity] Economy
Stage7: Social Entrepreneurship / Innovation / Businesses / [and Solidarity] Economy
Stage8: Social Entrepreneurship / Innovation / Businesses / [and Solidarity] Economy

with

  • Stage1: “No Policy or Recognition: No formal recognition, discussion, or policy exists. The sector operates informally or without government involvement.”;
  • Stage2: “Initial Discussions & Awareness: The government acknowledges the sector and has started discussions or consultations, but no formal policy framework or regulation exists.”;
  • Stage3: “Draft Policy or Framework in Development: A draft policy, strategy, or regulatory framework is currently being developed. The government may be conducting research, stakeholder consultations, or legislative drafting.”;
  • Stage4: “Pilot Programs or Limited Implementation: Some initiatives, pilot projects, or partial government-backed programs exist, but full implementation has not yet been achieved. Policies may be tested in select regions or for specific groups.”;
  • Stage5: “Policy Adopted but Not Fully Implemented: A formal law, policy, or regulation has been passed, but it has not been fully implemented, enforced, or funded. Gaps in execution may still exist.”
  • Stage6: “Policy in Effect & Actively Implemented: The policy is fully enacted and actively being implemented. There is clear government support, funding, and enforcement mechanisms in place.”;
  • Stage7: “Policy Reviewed & Strengthened: The existing policy has been evaluated and improved over time based on feedback, data, or evolving needs. New funding, incentives, or structural reforms may have been introduced.”; and
  • Stage8: “Leading in Policy Innovation: The country is recognized as a leader in this policy area, with best practices, strong regulatory frameworks, and incentives that actively promote and support the sector.”

More details:

Act on Social Economy and Social Enterprises (Act No. 112/2018 Coll.), https://www.employment.gov.sk/files/sk/praca-zamestnanost/socialna-ekonomika/legislativa/zakon-soc-ekonomike-en.pdf

Ecosystem Actors
Key Actors in the Ecosystem

The leading actors driving social innovation in Slovakia include government ministries, social enterprises, NGOs, philanthropic institutions, academia, and other ecosystem builders. The top three most influential actors are:

  • Government entity (ministries/agencies)
  • NGOs
  • Academic and research centers

Examples: Responsibility for social innovation is fragmented among various without clear coordination ministries (Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family SR, Ministry of investments, regional development and informatization of SR,Government office of SR). Within the start of the implementation of the new ESF+ programming period, the specific programme priority has been included: Social innovation and experiments. Therefore, Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family SR is currently the guarantor of the topic of SI. SOCIAL INNOVATION National Level: ADVISORY BOARD on social innovation – the board was established under the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family SR and the minister appoints the members. Members are representatives the state, academia, business and NGO sector.

National and Transnational level: National Competence Centre for Social Innovations – financed within the call from the EaSI programme This would remain a government entity that is leading in developing the SI ecosystem for policy and practice, making synergies in the field of social innovation among the main actors not only in Slovakia but also in European countries. At the transnational level, the Ministry is a member of the consortium formed from different EU countries such as Austria, Hungary, Malta and Latvia.

Social innovation in Slovakia is primarily driven by non-profit organizations, while the public administration and business sectors remain less involved. Weak cross-sectoral cooperation – there is limited connection between the state, businesses, and civic initiatives. Lack of institutional support structures, such as incubators or advisory centres for social innovation.

Education and Capacity Building

Formal and informal education programs that support social innovation exist in the following forms in Slovakia:

  • University-level courses or degrees:“ Social innovation, social entrepreneurship, or impact-driven business programs are offered as courses, degrees, or research tracks in universities or technical institutions
  • Private sector or NGO-led programs:“ Non-governmental organizations, incubators, or private sector actors actively run training, mentorship, or acceleration programs for social innovation.
Coordinating Bodies

A centralized body responsible for coordinating social innovation efforts across sectors does not exist in Slovakia.

Details:

ADVISORY BOARD on social innovation – the board was established under the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family SR and the minister appoints the members. Members are representatives the state, academia, business and NGO sector. The Advisory Board shall perform tasks aimed at: a) identifying social innovation actors (including potential recipients of support), b) providing expertise on professional issues related to the support and development of social innovation (e.g. conceptualization of social innovations, creation of methodological documents, identification of metrics and evaluation methods, etc.), c) identifying tools for effective cooperation in the preparation of calls for support of social innovations within the framework of the Slovakia 2021-2027 Programme, d) defining tools/procedures for the selection of projects in the field of social innovations, e) identifying synergistic effects of supported projects, f) expert cooperation in ensuring the tasks of the National Competence Centre for Social Innovations, including evaluating the impact of implemented activities.

Ecosystem Communication
The level of communication and coordination among key actors in Slovakia’s social innovation ecosystem is currently Moderate:“ some collaboration, but existing gaps in coordination.
Support Mechanisms for Policy and Finance
Policy Incentives and Support Mechanisms

To support social innovation, Slovakia has implemented the following incentives and mechanisms:

  • Tax benefits for social enterprises and impact-driven businesses,E
  • Incentives for individuals to fund social innovation or social businesses,F
  • 2% CSR tax,I
  • Government-backed funding programs (e.g., grants, subsidies, social impact funds),J
  • Low-cost or preferential financing options (e.g., social bonds, impact investing incentives),K
  • Legal benefits or specific corporate structures supporting social enterprises,R
  • Public-private partnerships to foster innovation,S
  • Public/private crowdfunding/lending platforms
Financing Mechanisms

Social innovation in Slovakia is financed through a variety of mechanisms including:

  • International funding (e.g., EU/bilateral/multilateral funds)
  • Public subsidy and grants
  • Philanthropy & foundations
  • Public investment funds (e.g., dedicated social impact fund)
  • Private sector investment (e.g., corporations, ESG-driven financing)
  • Crowdfunding and community financing
Impact
Flagship Programs and Achievements

Notable achievements and flagship programs in social innovation in Slovakia include:

  1. Establishment of an Advisory Board on social innovation (see more details and description above)
  2. Strengthening financial support mechanisms through the ESF+ (Programme Slovakia 2021-2027) and the state budget Introduction of financial support schemes to enhance:  the development of social innovation labs in the different regions of Slovakia (sustainability of social innovation entities, including investment in the personal capacities)  scaling up proven social innovation pilots in social inclusion and education
  3. Memorandum of cooperation between the Ministry of Labour, Social affairs and Family, and the Economic University in Bratislava The Ministry is one of the guarantors of the professionally oriented study program “Human Resources and Management”, which also includes relevant topics regarding the development of social innovations
  4. Establishment of the National Competence Centre for Social Innovations, which aims to become the central hub for social innovation support in Slovakia. Additionally, it contributes to the implementation of the European Social Fund+ (ESF+) for the 2021–2027 programming period.
International Collaborations

Slovakia is involved in international collaborations on social innovation through the following initiatives:

  • National Competence Centre for Social Innovations – financed within the call from the EaSI programme
    This would remain a government entity that is leading in developing the SI ecosystem for policy and practice, making synergies in the field of social innovation among the main actors not only in Slovakia but also in European countries.
    At the transnational level, the Ministry is a member of the consortium formed from different EU countries such as Austria, Hungary, Malta and Latvia.
Tech for Good Innovations
Impact Measurement Frameworks

Slovakia has a formal framework or methodology for measuring social innovation impact.

Further details: only in Slovak language, https://www.socialneinovacie.gov.sk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Prirucka_MaH-spolocenskeho-vplyvu-SI-PDF-294-kB.pdf?csrt=9426029761830368629

Economic Contribution of Social Innovation
Reports on Social Impact

There are no Reports and studies that assess the social impact of innovation in Slovakia.

Policy Momentum

Momentum for social innovation as a public policy issue in Slovakia is currently rated as:
Some Momentum: There is growing awareness and initial efforts in public policy, but implementation remains limited or fragmented.

Barriers to Growth

The following barriers are currently hindering the growth of social innovation in Slovakia:

  • Lack of sustainable funding model
  • Regulatory and legal barriers
  • Lack of awareness and understanding of social innovation
  • Weak collaboration between public, private, and civil society sectors
  • Difficulty in measuring and demonstrating impact
  • Limited access to skilled professionals in the sector
Collaborative Ideas
Stay Updated
Receive fresh insights, stories, and calls-to-action directly to your inbox.
HomeAbout GCSIGCSI MembersStrategic ObjectivesAction PlanSocial Innovation
ContactAccessibilityPrivacy Policy