The SINTACT project (Social Innovation Methods and Tools for Communities Affected by Transition(s)) is the first research network project involving researcher exchange, carried out under the Horizon Europe – Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, Staff Exchange program, granted to the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at Sofia University „St. Kliment Ohridski“. It is also the first project in which Sofia University acts as the coordinator for this activity under the Horizon Europe project.
The project was initiated by the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, which also serves as its coordinator. It brings together partners from eight countries across three continents – Europe (Bulgaria, United Kingdom and Romania), Asia (Iraq, Japan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam), and Africa (Morocco).
SINTACT will analyze socio-economic challenges and test new solutions for the implementation of social innovations in support of communities affected by the energy transition. It adheres to the principles of open science by providing its results, methods and tools to policymakers, businesses, and local communities, supporting them in making strategic decisions for a fairer and more inclusive green transition.
The SINTACT project emphasizes on the risks of increasing social and economic insecurity (including unemployment and energy poverty) faced by regions traditionally dependent on industrial sectors and fossil fuels.
The project contributes to strengthening the research capacity of the Faculty, as well as establishing it as an international research hub. The project creates opportunities for sustainable scientific cooperation not only with universities that are full participants in the Framework Programme but also with partner universities in Japan, Iraq, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Morocco, which hold associated status.
The project team includes the Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Assoc. Prof. Atanas Georgiev, PhD; Lead researcher (R4) Prof. Albena Vutsova, PhD; and the Vice-Dean for Research, Innovation and Projects, Assoc. Prof. Todor Yalamov, PhD.
