Slovakia simplifies AI license procurement for universities and research institutes

The Slovak Parliament approved a amendment to the public procurement law that will simplify the acquisition of artificial‑intelligence (AI) software licences for public universities, research institutes and the Slovak Academy of Sciences. The change, introduced by MPs Paula Puškárová, Andrea Szabóová and Jozef Habánik, takes effect on 2 August after being passed on 2 June.

The amendment creates a specific exemption that applies only to procurements initiated by the listed public bodies, acknowledging that AI systems are not ordinary goods and require a separate assessment beyond standard price‑quality criteria. Lawmakers argued that for low‑value contracts the cost of a full public tender would outweigh any benefit, and the exemption aims to support digital sovereignty and the efficiency of the modern state while facilitating research and development.