Implementation of the European Autonomous Framework Agreement on Digitalization in Slovenia

The implementation of the European Framework Agreement on Digitalization (AFA) in Slovenia represents a significant step in supporting the digital transition within the country's economic and social frameworks. The AFA, signed by European social partners, addresses the regulation of digitalization in the workplace to ensure that digital transformation is inclusive, ethical, and beneficial for all stakeholders. The Slovenian approach to implementing the AFA reflects a commitment to these principles in its strategic documents.

Slovenia's approach to digital transformation is based on the Digital Slovenia 2030 Strategy and the Digital Inclusion Promotion Act, which are both aligned with the AFA. They focus on key areas such as the development of digital skills, improvement of digital infrastructure and ensuring that digital transformation is inclusive and human-centred. The government’s strategy for the transformation of the digital economy also plays a key role in supporting the adoption of advanced digital technologies and promoting a competitive economic ecosystem.

The national strategies emphasize a collaborative approach that includes government bodies, the private sector and social partners, in line with the principles of the AFA. Tripartite dialogue is essential to address the specific needs of different sectors and to ensure that the digital transition supports sustainable growth and social welfare.

Despite Slovenia's alignment with the AFA, challenges remain, particularly for small enterprises. The AFA highlights the importance of tailoring digitalization efforts to the specific circumstances of businesses, especially micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The Slovenian report on the implementation of the AFA reveals varying levels of awareness and use of the AFA among different types and sizes of organizations. Larger organizations are generally more proactive in adopting measures for digitalization and leveraging the AFA as a lever. In contrast, smaller enterprises often face limited human and financial resources, making it difficult for them to pursue digitalization and implement the recommendations of the AFA, particularly in areas such as digital skills training, the introduction of new technologies and innovations, and dialogue with employees.

In discussions regarding the AFA, trade unions emphasized the importance of protecting workers' rights during the digital transition, the need for continuous skill upgrading, and the potential psychosocial impacts of increased digital surveillance and automation on workers.

Employer organizations, while acknowledging the benefits of digitalization, raised concerns about administrative and financial burdens. They advocate for a balanced approach that considers the practical challenges faced by MSMEs and emphasizes the need for supportive measures to facilitate the digital transformation process.

n the survey on the implementation of the AFA in Slovenia, a good practice highlighted is the "right to disconnect - sabbatical year" option offered by some larger companies. This option allows employees to take extended breaks from work, supporting an appropriate work-life balance. Much more needs to be done to inform owners and employees, and good practices can serve as tools for shaping their own plans and approaches. The pace of digitalization is exceptionally fast, so processes and the efficiency of digital transformation in Slovenia must be accelerated at all levels.

Digital skills and employment: Digital skills are crucial, and Slovenian national strategies reflect this by promoting continuous learning and the development of digital competencies at all levels of education. The inclusion of mandatory subjects like computer science and informatics in schools is a key initiative aimed at preparing future generations for the labour market. Additionally, the ANDI action plan emphasizes transforming digital education and ensuring that the Slovenian workforce is equipped to face the challenges of a rapidly changing digital environment.
Work environment and human-centric Artificial Intelligence: In accordance with the AFA, Slovenia prioritizes the creation of work environments that enhance productivity while maintaining human oversight. Government initiatives include promoting the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI), ensuring that AI systems complement rather than replace human roles, and protecting workers' rights and privacy. The development of a national AI platform reflects Slovenia's commitment to these principles by providing a hub for AI research and applications aligned with European standards for ethical AI use.
Social dialogue and collaboration: The AFA emphasizes the importance of a 

 partnership process between employers and representatives of workers. Slovenia demonstrated the significance of the digital transition by establishing a new Ministry of Digital Transformation in 2022, responsible for preparing information society strategies and coordinating between sectors, electronic communications, digitization of state administration, and providing electronic services of public administration.

The implementation of the AFA in Slovenia is aligned with national strategic goals and a clear commitment to fostering an inclusive and individual-centred digital transformation. However, the challenges faced by smaller enterprises highlight the need for further support and targeted measures to ensure a balanced digitalization process, thus maintaining Slovenia's position among the most advanced societies and competitive business environments.

To improve the situation, the following activities are identified:

Enhance Awareness Among MSMEs: Develop targeted information activities, events, and educational campaigns.
Support and Resources: Greater financial incentive measures and access to training programs are needed to assist MSMEs in their faster digital transformation.
Strengthen Social Dialogue: Collaboration among social partners is essential for a successful digital transition. This topic deserves more attention.
Promote Good Practices: Recognizing and promoting good practices in digital transformation can serve as models for other organizations and represents an untapped potential.