The Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atanas Georgiev took part in the podcast “Neumorimite” hosted by Milena Ivanova and broadcast in partnership with “Capital”. In an open conversation, he spoke about the role of higher education today, its connection with real business, and how optimism can change Bulgaria.

Assoc. Prof. Georgiev’s name is associated with numerous innovative projects that transcend the boundaries of academia. He became Dean at the age of just 37 and is often described as a visionary and a bridge between business and education. Since 2024, he has also served as Acting Director of the Institute of Law, Economics and Intellectual Property at Sofia University, and outside the university he is an independent member of the Supervisory Board of UniCredit Bulbank, a member of the Administrative Board of the EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators, as well as publisher and editor-in-chief of the energy markets journal Utilities.

Assoc. Prof. Georgiev explained that the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, which offers programmes entirely in English, attracts both Bulgarians returning from abroad and international students. The master's cohort exceeds 400 students, and international students represent around 12%, including bachelor’s students enrolled in the two bachelor’s programmes taught entirely in English.

“Many young people who graduate abroad are now considering the opportunity to build a career in Bulgaria”, shared Assoc. Prof. Georgiev. Some even interrupt their studies abroad, realizing that life and opportunities here are improving. According to him, the university is the place where everyone should learn critical thinking and independence—skills he sees as key to success.

But to keep education relevant, its link to practice is essential. Assoc. Prof. Georgiev noted that the faculty actively works to involve practitioners in teaching and to build partnerships. One example he highlighted is the LEAP programme of the America for Bulgaria Foundation in partnership with Babson College (renowned for its entrepreneurship), which prepares leaders with professional experience. The goal is for academic research not to remain only on paper but to be commercialized and contribute to the innovation environment in the country.

According to Assoc. Prof. Georgiev, one of the factors holding Bulgaria back is a sense of inferiority that has historically taken root in the national mindset. “When a person frees themselves from their inner brakes and inner complexes, they can fully realize their potential”, he believes.

This is why he hopes that, as a society, we will begin to see more opportunities than obstacles. Setting bold and “impossible” goals is, in his view, the way to achieve far more than we imagine.

The story we tell about Bulgaria depends entirely on us. “Being positive and being an optimist is not easy, but it is necessary—especially in the most difficult situations”, Assoc. Prof. Georgiev shared.