At the 2026 Procurement Conference, one of Slovenia's leading professional events in the field of procurement, Dr Matjaž Črnigoj from the Institute for Economic Research gave a presentation on 7 May 2026. Titled “The Competitiveness of Slovenia and the EU”, his presentation outlined the key challenges and opportunities for Slovenia's and the EU's competitiveness amid geopolitical shifts, the restructuring of global supply chains, and rising operating costs. Dr Črnigoj outlined the factors influencing economic performance, investment and business development, emphasising the importance of macroeconomic trends, innovation policies and access to financing in the business environment. The lecture also emphasised the connection between the broader economic environment and strategic procurement decisions, highlighting that an understanding of economic and development trends is becoming an increasingly important factor in business success.

Every year, the Procurement Conference brings together more than 250 directors, procurement managers, and other experts, serving as an important platform for exchanging knowledge and best practices, as well as for discussing current challenges and the future development of the procurement function.