Transport And Communications 2025, 13(1):6-12 | DOI: 10.26552/tac.C.2025.1.2

Comprehensive Analysis of Regulatory Barriers to Services Trade in the Slovak Republic

Maryna Konovalova1, Tatiana Čorejová1
1 Department of Communications, Faculty of Operation and Economics of Transport and Communications, University of Žilina, Univerzitná 8215/1, 010 26 Žilina

The article examines regulatory barriers to services trade in the Slovak Republic using the OECD Services Trade Restrictiveness Index over the period 2014–2023. The analysis focuses on four main service categories: Digital Networks, Logistics and Related Services, Market and Support Services, and Physical Infrastructure. Significant liberalization was observed in infrastructure-related sectors, such as construction and air transport, while professional services, including legal and accounting, remained among the most restrictive. Digital networks faced growing regulatory challenges, reflecting global trends in digital governance. Despite Slovakia’s STRI score of 0.17, below the OECD average of 0.21, regulatory constraints persist, particularly in highly regulated sectors. The study underscores the need for targeted reforms, harmonization with international best practices, and comprehensive frameworks for digital trade to enhance Slovakia’s competitiveness and reduce trade costs.

Keywords: Regulatory Barriers, STRI, Slovak Republic, Services Trade
JEL classification: F13, F14, L51, L80, L91

Received: May 12, 2025; Revised: May 19, 2025; Accepted: June 7, 2025; Prepublished online: June 19, 2025; Published: July 1, 2025  Show citation

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Konovalova, M., & Čorejová, T. (2025). Comprehensive Analysis of Regulatory Barriers to Services Trade in the Slovak Republic. Transport And Communications, 13(1), 6-12. doi: 10.26552/tac.C.2025.1.2
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