THE IMPORTANCE OF INNOVATION IN SLOVAKIA

Innovations are essential for companies to be competitive on the market and to stay in the game in a particular industry and for young people to be successful. The national project Increase in Innovation Performance of Slovak Economy aims to raise awareness of the importance of innovation among Slovak micro, small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, as well as among high school students in all regions. Its main task is to increase the innovative potential of Slovakia. Expert information about innovations spreads through the activities targeted at individual target groups: 1. regional consultancy centers for entrepreneurs; 2. activities for students; 3. publications; 4. conferences and seminars; 5. analyzes and forecasts for innovation. This article has a goal to present the actual outcomes of the main project activities and more closely of activities for students. The main purpose of the activity is to teach high school students and university students the importance of innovation in life and society. Students learn a particular technique for idea generation and try this technique at a real-life problem. These workshops support creativity and creation of entrepreneurship by young people in the Slovak Republic.