Science for Practice: New Partnership Between the Critical Infrastructure Association of the Slovak Republic and the University of Žilina
On October 15, 2025, at the 28th International Scientific Conference on Crisis Management in Specific Environments, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between the Critical Infrastructure Association of the Slovak Republic (AKI SR) and the Faculty of Security Engineering of the University of Žilina. The document was signed by AKI SR President Tibor Straka and Faculty Dean Eva Sventeková.
The partnership creates space for connecting the application and academic spheres with the aim of bringing solutions usable in practice. Joint projects, research activities, and professional dialogue are to contribute to strengthening the security and resilience of critical infrastructure.
Expert Voice of AKI SR at the Conference
AKI SR confirmed its expert position also in the discussion part of the conference. In a panel dedicated to regulations in the area of safety & security, AKI SR Secretary Jaroslav Sivák presented. He focused on changes arising from the Critical Infrastructure Act and the Cybersecurity Act and explained their impacts on practice. He pointed out the need to harmonize legislative requirements with the real functioning of critical entities and the importance of professional partnership in implementing new measures.
Strategic Connection with the Academic Community
AKI SR is effectively developing cooperation with state administration bodies, research institutions, and universities. Connecting experts across sectors expands capacities for addressing complex issues in the area of critical infrastructure. The involvement of academic capacities enables bringing innovations, preparing risk analyses, and creating solutions corresponding to current challenges. The memorandum of cooperation with the University of Žilina is another step toward strengthening professional partnership between practice and the academic environment.
