On October 2, 2025, the fifth edition of SEE ITS Summit & Awards – the largest forum for innovation, technology, and business services in Southeast Europe – was held at Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia.

The event was officially opened by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth Tomislav Donchev and by AIBEST Chairman Yordan Ginev. During the plenary sessions, experts, academics, and business representatives discussed key trends and challenges on the path toward the digital economy of the future.

Assoc. Prof. Atanas Georgiev, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, participated in the forum and presented the award for Best Business–Education Partnership. This year, the distinction was awarded to SAP Bulgaria.

“For us, the partnership with AIBEST is one of the most valuable, as it led to the creation of the specialized master’s program „Outsourcing Projects and Companies“ in collaboration with leading companies in the sector, as well as to numerous trainings and initiatives. I believe that in the coming years we will continue with even more joint work on research projects and with the development of PhD students working in these areas. It is commendable that AIBEST companies have their own educational initiatives, and it is an honor for me to present this year’s award to SAP”, shared Assoc. Prof. Atanas Georgiev during the award ceremony.

The participation of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration in SEE ITS Summit & Awards 2025 is yet another proof of its active role in building bridges between academia and business, as well as of its sustainable partnership with organizations supporting the development of digital and innovation ecosystems in Bulgaria.

Students from the Faculty also took part in the event team, actively contributing to the organizational activities and representing the Faculty with professionalism throughout the day. Their involvement demonstrated in practice the engagement, responsibility, and high level of preparation that distinguish our students in a real business environment.