24.03.2025
Sofia University is hosting the "Innovations 2025: Uniting Opportunities and Building the Future" Forum, organized to mark the 130th anniversary of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). The theme of the forum is "Synergy between Business, Institutions, and Science for Innovation and Growth". The event is organized by the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration and the Council for Innovations, Digitalization, and New Technologies at BCCI.
The event was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atanas Georgiev, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration and Vice-Chairman of the Council for Innovations, Digitalization, and New Technologies at BCCI.
Prof. Sonya Mileva, Vice-Rector for Career Development, Alumni Relations, and Employer Partnerships, extended greetings on behalf of Rector Prof. Georgi Valchev. She emphasized that the partnership between Sofia University and employer organizations is a key pillar for the university’s development. According to Prof. Mileva, the university is not only a place for science and education but also a driving force for societal progress, supporting real-world processes and business organizations.
She further highlighted that the event reflects the long-standing successful collaboration between the university and its partner organizations. "Sofia University is a key player in the country’s innovation ecosystem and a leading research institution", said Prof. Mileva. She underlined the university’s commitment to fundamental research and the efficient transfer of technology to industries critical to the nation's development.
She also pointed out that through the work of faculty members, researchers, PhD students, and students, Sofia University strives to meet the needs of society, institutions, and businesses by providing new knowledge, skills, technology, and solutions.
Prof. Mileva emphasized the role of Centers of Excellence, Competence Centers, and participation in numerous international and national projects. These initiatives demonstrate Sofia University's readiness to engage in key topics related to strengthening the knowledge-based economy in Bulgaria.
She noted that 2025 marks 35 years of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration and 130 years of the BCCI, making it a fitting occasion to recognize colleagues and partners who work towards enhancing the connection between academia and the business sector. Prof. Mileva expressed her hope that the forum would provide valuable information, open up new partnership opportunities, and further establish Sofia University as a key player in realizing the innovation potential of Bulgarian society. She wished all participants a productive discussion that brings more answers than questions regarding the challenges ahead.
Participants had the opportunity to hear a video address from Mrs. Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation. She highlighted the strong scientific potential of Europe and emphasized that talent is the key driver for advancing industry and the economy to compete globally.
"To achieve this, we need to improve the environment at both the European and national levels", Zaharieva stressed. She pointed out the importance of collaboration between universities, businesses, and startups as a crucial factor in driving innovation.
Zaharieva also underlined the significance of the single market, fostering an environment for business growth, and support measures that the European Commission is working on. She wished the participants a fruitful discussion on these critical issues.
Tsvetan Simeonov, Chairman of BCCI, expressed satisfaction that the work of the Council for Innovations, Digitalization, and New Technologies enjoys broad institutional support.
"Undoubtedly, the synergy between business, scientific communities, and funding sources will accelerate the transition towards a knowledge-based economy with advanced scientific achievements applied in practice", he stated. Simeonov emphasized that BCCI strives to align with the most progressive management methods and business relations and thanked all participants for their engagement in this critical topic.
Greetings were also extended by Delyana Ivanova, Deputy Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Bulgarian Development Bank, and Radoslav Petkov, Chair of the Council for Innovations, Digitalization, and New Technologies at the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The forum continued with panel discussions on the following topics:
- Developing the Innovation Potential of Enterprises
- Technology Transfer Between Academia and Business
- Enhancing the Business Environment and Human Resources with a Focus on R&D
- Support Initiatives for Intellectual Property Protection and Management
- Expanding to New Markets
- Sustainable Transformation and the Green Transition for Enterprises
- Regional Development and Synergy Between Business and Local Governments
The event provided a platform for meaningful discussions, new collaborations, and concrete steps toward fostering innovation and economic growth in Bulgaria.
