On 17 June 2026 in Sofia, the Network of Research Universities in Bulgaria, hosted by Medical University–Varna, organises a working seminar titled “Roadmap for Research Universities in Bulgaria (2026–2036): A Vision for Sustainability and Global Competitiveness". The Network of Research Universities was established through a Memorandum of Cooperation in 2024. Since its creation, its coordinator has been Acad. Toni Spasov from Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski".
The forum in Sofia brings together representatives of the academic community, government institutions, the business sector, and the innovation ecosystem to discuss the next stage in the development of research, innovation, and technology transfer in Bulgaria. The event will be officially opened by Mr. Atanas Pekanov, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the European funds management.
In the context of accelerated technological change, intensified international competition, and the growing importance of scientific research for economic development, research universities, in collaboration with the institutes of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), are establishing themselves as a key factor in the creation of knowledge, technologies, and innovations of high social and economic value.
The establishment of the Network of Research Universities under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan laid the groundwork for a new model of cooperation between universities, industry, and the public sector. The research universities supported under the Procedure for the Establishment of a Network of Research Universities in Bulgaria are: Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski", Medical University–Sofia, Medical University–Plovdiv, Medical University–Varna, Technical University–Sofia, University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy–Sofia, Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv, Trakia University–Stara Zagora, Medical University–Pleven, and Angel Kanchev University of Ruse.
Throughout the first stage, the targeted funding enabled the establishment of modern interdisciplinary research centres, the formation and strengthening of research teams with international potential, and the creation of conditions for attracting and retaining highly qualified scientists in Bulgaria. Significant progress was also achieved in the field of innovation and technology transfer. The universities developed mechanisms for transforming scientific results into practical solutions for the economy and society, implementing projects from the initial concept to intellectual property protection and international patent applications. The results achieved demonstrate that investments in research universities make a tangible contribution to the development of a competitive, knowledge-based economy. While there is still room for improvement regarding the international visibility of Bulgarian science, the pace of its development certainly needs to be accelerated. The next step is to build upon the existing capacity through sustainable policies, long-term planning, and closer interaction between science, industry, and the government.
This working seminar aims to outline a vision for the priorities in the development of science in Bulgaria over the next ten years, placing a clear emphasis on sustainability, global competitiveness, and building upon the already established favourable environment for innovation and technological entrepreneurship. All universities within the Network are united around the main strategic goal of consolidating their position as leading research universities with greater scientific visibility, more active innovation activities, and lasting relations with industry, as well as national and international partners.
The forum is expected to result in the development of a Roadmap for Research Universities in Bulgaria (2026–2036). The working seminar will bring together representatives of all research universities in the country, the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), major state institutions (the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Transformation, the National Innovation Fund, etc.), European partners, as well as leaders from the business sector and the innovation ecosystem, including Sofia Tech Park. The main topics of the event focus on transforming the academic environment following investments under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), attracting prominent scientists to counter the “brain drain" trend, integrating into the European Research Area, and overcoming legal barriers to technology transfer and collaboration with industry.
The working seminar will be held at the Hyatt Regency Sofia Hotel, Levski Hall, starting at 9:30 a.m. and ending at 6:00 p.m.
For additional information: Dobromir Dobrev, Network Coordinator
Mobile telephone number: +359 886 192 992
