Bulgaria unveils new national model for technology, knowledge transfer
Baku, October 5, AZERTAC
Bulgaria is building a new national model for knowledge and technology transfer, combining a coordinating centre with a decentralized network of offices, Innovation Minister Ivan Vasilev said on Monday in Varna at the international Black Sea Technology Forum, the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) reported.
Vasilev highlighted the city’s engineering and software talent, universities, port, ICT cluster and digital innovation hub, noting that Bulgaria’s challenge is not a lack of talent, but retaining it, attracting Bulgarians back and turning expertise into economic growth.
The Minister also pointed out that the government is working to improve the business environment, with a new council focused on innovation and technological development. Its goal is to help make Bulgaria a leading European location for high-value businesses by 2030. Vasilev emphasized Bulgaria’s role in the EU’s AI ecosystem, with the country hosting BRAIN++, one of six new European AI factories, backed by EUR 90 million and a new supercomputer.
The next priority is trusted and ethical AI, alongside simpler and faster interactions between government, citizens and businesses, Vasilev stated, adding that stronger links between research, computing infrastructure, financing and industry will be essential for Europe’s technological competitiveness. He also emphasized the strategic role of the Black Sea in transport, energy and digital connectivity, pointing out that the Trans-Caspian data corridor, expected to potentially reach Sofia via the Black Sea by 2027, could significantly improve data connectivity between East and West.
The three-day Black Sea Technology Forum is held under the patronage of President Iliana Iotova and aims to strengthen the Black Sea region as a hub for entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth.