site.btaMinister Mladenova Discusses Deeper Cooperation in Innovation with Swiss Ambassador

Bulgaria and Switzerland have strong potential for deepening cooperation in the fields of innovation, investment, and technology, it transpired at a meeting between caretaker Minister of Innovation and Growth Irena Mladenova and Swiss Ambassador to Bulgaria Pierre Hagmann, the Innovation Ministry reported on Tuesday. 

Minister Mladenova said that Bulgaria highly values its partnership with Switzerland and attaches great importance to strengthening bilateral economic relations. She noted that among her top priorities as caretaker minister are technology transfer, which will accelerate the transformation of scientific achievements into market-ready solutions, as well as the development of innovation in defence, which will create new opportunities for Bulgarian innovators, scientists, and companies in the dual-use technology sector. 

The sides discussed key areas for cooperation, including joint research and development initiatives between universities, scientific organizations, and technology companies, as well as the development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem through closer interaction between innovation hubs, accelerators, and investment funds. The Institute of Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT) at the St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia, founded in partnership with Switzerland’s ETH Zurich and EPFL universities, was cited as an excellent example of cooperation. 

The Minister of Innovation and Growth noted that there are opportunities for a potential partnership between Sofia Tech Park and technology parks in Switzerland with the aim of strengthening initiatives in scientific research, technology transfer, and the exchange of experience and best practices.

The sides also discussed intensifying cooperation with the Swiss innovation agency Innosuisse, as an excellent opportunity for strategic dialogue and improving national innovation priorities.

Swiss companies are among the largest investors in Bulgaria, particularly in high-tech sectors, it also transpired at the meeting.

The Swiss Ambassador highlighted the strong partnership with Bulgaria, citing the Swiss-Bulgarian Cooperation Programme as an example. According to Hagmann, Bulgaria has a very well-developed IT sector, which provides opportunities for implementing joint innovation and technology projects.