How Can Bulgaria Make a Quantum Leap On Research and Innovation?
The World Bank’s latest study “Going for Smart Growth: Making Research and Innovation Work for Bulgaria” will be presented tomorrow
SOFIA, February 6, 2012 —Bulgaria’s standing in international rankings of competitiveness has improved in the last decade, but it still does not compare well with EU peers and emerging economies in Asia and Latin America. What are the opportunities for Bulgaria to boost growth by investing in research and innovation? What public policies would help Bulgarian companies to move up the value chain and expand the country’s high-tech exports? These are the main questions addressed by the latest World Bank study “Going for Smart Growth: Making Research and Innovation Work for Bulgaria”. The report provides an assessment of Bulgaria’s research and innovation capacity and suggests new options to upgrade relevant institutions, policies and legislation as a way to improve the effectiveness of the national innovation system, increase absorption of EU funds and achieve the national targets under the Europe 2020 agenda. The study was conducted upon request of the Government of Bulgaria and in particular the Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Science.
The public presentation and discussion of the report is expected to bring together high level government officials, including Zhulieta Hubenova Deputy Minister, Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism, and Minister of Education, Youth and Science, Sergei Ignatov, as well as representatives of prominent institutions within Bulgaria’s scientific community, including the Bulgarian Academy of Science and Universities, think tanks, and private sector. World Bank Group Vice President for Financial and Private Sector Development Mr. Janamitra Devan will be present together with Gerardo Corrochano, John Gabriel Goddard, Sr. Economist and one of the main authors of the report will present the key findings. Renaldo Mandmets, Head of the Bulgaria Unit at the European Commission’s DG Regional Development, will also speak at the forum.
WHAT:
Public presentation and discussion of the World Bank’s latest report “Going for Smart Growth: Making Research and Innovation Work for Bulgaria”
WHERE:
Sofia Arsenal Museum for Contemporary Art (behind Hilton Hotel, next to Earth and Man National Museum)
WHEN:
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
10.00 a.m. – Opening by Sergei Ignatov, Minister, Ministry of Education, Youth and Science, Zhulieta Hubenova Deputy Minister, Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism, Mr. Janamitra Devan, Vice President, World Bank Group, and Markus Repnik, World Bank Country Manager or Bulgaria, Czech Republic and Slovakia Bulgaria.
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