SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.

Our Contribution to SDG 8

The Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra (SUA) supports decent work and sustainable economic development through responsible employment practices, education, research, entrepreneurship and partnerships with employers and regional stakeholders.

As a public university, SUA applies Slovak and European employment legislation, institutional staff regulations and collective agreements. Its academic and knowledge-transfer activities also develop professional skills and innovation capacity in agriculture, food systems and related sectors.

Research and Innovation

Research in economics, management, regional development, entrepreneurship and agricultural value chains supports evidence-based responses to economic and labour-market challenges. SUA works with businesses, professional associations and public institutions to improve innovation and skills within the agrifood sector.

European projects, including Strength2Farm, examine farmers' position in food value chains, cooperation among producers and practical economic and policy solutions. Applied research and the university's technology-transfer activities support regional competitiveness and the development of new products, processes and services.

Education and Student Engagement

SUA prepares graduates for employment through degree education, practical training, internships, specialised laboratories and cooperation with employers. Students can develop professional skills in university research facilities and in external organisations linked to their fields of study.

Career-oriented activities, professional training and international mobility strengthen employability and the ability of students to work across sectors. Practice placements are an important component of many study programmes, while their total duration and annual participation are documented separately for reporting purposes.

Public Engagement and Community Activities

SUA contributes to regional economic development by transferring scientific knowledge to companies, farmers, public institutions and communities. Professional seminars, field demonstrations, innovation events and consultancy help external stakeholders adopt new technologies and sustainable approaches.

The university also supports lifelong learning, entrepreneurship and cooperation with employers. These activities promote professional development and strengthen links between academic education, the regional labour market and practical innovation needs.

Responsible Employment and Institutional Practices

Employment conditions are regulated through university rules, applicable legislation and a Collective Agreement for 2025–2028. SUA recognises trade-union representation and maintains procedures relating to employee rights, working conditions and workplace concerns.

The Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2023–2026 and Gender Equality Action Plan 2022–2028 support equal opportunities and non-discrimination. Employment arrangements include provisions for working time, leave and flexible working conditions. All employees are remunerated under the applicable public-sector framework; compliance with statutory wage requirements should be distinguished from a separately defined living-wage commitment.

SUA also monitors remuneration differences. In 2025, the recorded gender pay gap was 8.3%, calculated using average gross hourly earnings. The university's average reported full-time-equivalent workforce was 882 employees in 2025.

Key Achievements

  • Collective Agreement 2025–2028 covering employment conditions and staff welfare.
  • 8.3% gender pay gap measured for 2025.
  • 882 average full-time-equivalent employees reported for 2025.
  • Institutional policies supporting equal treatment, diversity and gender equality.

Evidence and Further Information

Employment Rights and Equality

Employment, Education and Regional Development