site.btaUPDATED Innovations.bg 2040 Round Table Takes Place in Plovdiv

A round table entitled Innovations.bg 2040 took place at the Congress Centre of the Trakia Economic Zone (TEZ) in Plovdiv on Friday.

The round table launched a series of events aimed at building a sustainable innovation ecosystem in Bulgaria by 2040, in the context of the European goals for smart specialization, strategic autonomy, digital and green transition. Among the official guests of the event were Plovdiv Mayor Kostadin Dimitrov, TEZ Founder Plamen Panchev, Deputy Innovation and Growth Minister Martin Danovski, and Yordanka Chobanova, Head of the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria.

Plovdiv is not only a good place for investments, but also a platform for high-tech growth, Dimitrov pointed out at the beginning of the event. He assured that Plovdiv Municipality will be an active partner in the process of building innovative leadership in the region. He emphasized the role of TEZ, where over 200 Bulgarian and international companies operate, providing jobs for over 80,000 people.

"What we see today as megatrends is a world of uncertainty. Perhaps the only certainty is rapid change", Chobanova stressed. She noted that what is certain is that the way people work, trade and do business will be absolutely different from the way it is happening now. "All these revolutionary changes will definitely outline where Bulgaria and Europe will move in the coming years," Chobanova emphasized.

Panchev stated that innovations are already happening and do not remain only in theoretical frameworks. He highlighted the importance of Bulgaria's partnership with Europe and assured that this joint work will lead to an innovative and high-tech production.

Economist Ruslan Stefanov commented on the need for an innovative strategy for the South Central Region in Bulgaria and development in the finance and technology sectors. He stressed the importance of international partnerships with the EU and the US and outlined the importance of Bulgaria's accession to the eurozone. 

The round table is organized by the Applied Research and Communications Fund.