About us
The Slovak Organisation for Research and Development Activities (SOVVA) is a non-governmental organization (civil association) of nationwide competence established in 2007 to support R&D development in Slovakia by promoting science and technology in society, lifelong learning activities, as well as by enhancing R&D capacities, bridging the academic and commercial sectors and initiating the dialogue among innovation ecosystem stakeholders. SOVVA is also engaged in the organisation of specialized activities focused on linking Slovak and European research. Since 2007, we have been the main organiser of the science festival “European Researchers´ Night” in Slovakia. In 2011, SOVVA has been authorized by Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic as coordinator of the national network of NCPs and NDs of the FP7 in Slovak Republic. As the main coordinator for support structures SOVVA provided technical, organizational and administrative functioning of NCPs and NDs but the main coordination activities included a number of thematic seminars, information days and conferences aimed at increasing the participation of Slovakia in FP7 projects and improving the success of Slovak participants. It is also promoting R&D development in Slovakia and bridging the academic and commercial areas while utilizing international experience and contacts. And finally providing the assistance to R&D institutions in obtaining additional funds for research and participates in the process of creating functional links with other social and economic areas in the country. Beside that SOVVA provides consulting service in finding partners and becoming involved in international research consortiums and on the other hand it shows foreign teams how to find project partners in Slovakia. SOVVA is also engaged in organisation of the specialized activities focused on linking Slovak and European research.
We have also conducted several research and innovation analyses through domestic and international projects, primarily focused on EU framework programs, national research and innovation systems, and their performance. Through Horizon Europe, we actively participate in solving projects financed by the European program to support research and innovation. Each year, we co-organize the national competition "For Women in Science" - talent program with L'Oréal, UNESCO, and SAS.
Furthermore, SOVVA is currently also implementing the project "Slovakia after Covid-19. How will the pandemic change our lives?” financed by Active Citizens Fund Slovakia, in which interviews have been conducted with leading Slovak scientists. The podcast series is available at “Veda odpovedá”. In response to the COVID19 pandemic and other current social problems, the project aims to implement a participatory process of preparing public policies in key areas. Through the involvement of researchers and innovators from different fields, we identified the major challenges and changes that will influence further developments in society, the economy, and everyday life. The project's outputs include recommendations for reforms and policies that have been delivered to relevant ministries.
SOVVA is
- providing comprehensive solutions and know-how in the fields of R&D
- providing range of services in building R&D infrastructures including labs, research centers and science parks
- advising on public policies and science policies or setting up communication strategy
- specializing in technology commercialization
- we serve as a bridge between the research sector and the public and bring the discussion of research and innovation into society
- in order to promote science and innovation, we conduct projects aimed at popularizing science
