Target research programmes (referred to used the Slovenian abbreviation of CRP) represent a system created in 2001 for inter-sectoral cooperation in planning and implementing networked R&D projects for specific areas of public interest. They represent a special form of scientific and research programme with which the Ministry for Higher Education, Science and Technology intends to contribute to setting and implementing strategic development objectives for Slovenia in cooperation with other ministries and other interested users, in order to improve Slovenia's competitive capacity.

Research within a CRP is problem-oriented and targeted towards improving Slovenia's competitive capacity, which should form the basis for successful development and an increase in the standard of living of its inhabitants. It takes into account the basic guidelines from the Slovenian Economic Development Strategy on the sustainable development of Slovenia and the interconnection and dependence of economic, social and environmental dimensions of development. This means that a CRP must be understood and used as one of a set of tools that directly implements the Slovenian Development Strategy and other development programmes in Slovenia.

The aim of a CRP is to ensure target-oriented research support for the following:

1. the preparation of long-term development planning documents and systemic solutions for their implementation at the national level, and for priority areas at the individual, inter-sectoral, and inter-departmental or inter-ministerial levels;
2. monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the basic policies from these documents and systemic solutions;
3. adapting or amending their objectives and implementing measures with respect to changing circumstances in the domestic and/or international environment.

CRPs are implemented taking into account interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and inter-institutional dimensions.

To date the following CRPs have been designed:

• CRP – Slovenian Competitiveness 2006-2013
• CRP – Science for Peace and Security 2004-2010.

Implementation

CRPs are designed and implemented by ministries in cooperation with other interested users. A CRP are carried out by a legal or natural person registered in the appropriate record at the Agency that meets the conditions prescribed in the Research Act and other Agency regulations.

The selection and funding of research projects is on the basis of public call that define in detail the research subjects and the criteria for the selection of projects within the tendered subject areas.

Funding

The proportion of funds to implement CRP is determined by means of a contract between the Ministry, users and implementers.